[Postcard2] Fwd: Legendary R&B drummer Soko Richardson Passes Away

[Brian Mansfield]

> SOKO RICHARDSON
>
>
> December 8, 1939 – January 29, 2004
>
> Legendary Rhythm’n Blues drummer Soko Richardson died in the early 
> hours
> of January 29th in his home in Los Angeles from complications of
> diabetes. He was 65.
>
> His music career spanned five decades and five continents. He left his
> hometown New Iberia, Louisiana, to tour the South with local bands in
> the 50ties at age 16. Ike Turner heard the unmistakable beat one night
> in Texas and offered Soko Richardson a job as the drummer of the Kings
> of Rhythm. Soko stayed for 10 years, touring worldwide and recording
> with the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Ike’s fast paced R&B suited his
> drumming style perfectly. He was particularly proud of his work as
> rhythm arranger on the Turner’s signature version of CCR’s “Proud 
> Mary”.
>
> In 1971 he joined John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and toured and recorded 
> as
> a Bluesbreaker for the next decade before joining Albert Collins and 
> the
> Icebreakers in the mid 80ties.
>
> His rhythmic style enlivened the Chicago blues scene and helped earn 
> the
> Icebreakers the coveted WC Handy Award as Blues Band of The Year in 
> 1985.
>
> His recording career includes work with English Guitar great Terry 
> Reid,
> Bluesman PeeWee Crayton, R&B star Bobby Womack and many more.
>
> Slowed down by health problems due to his diabetes, Soko nevertheless
> continued to play until earlier this month. He celebrated his 65th
> birthday with a jam session at SIR Studios in Hollywood in December 
> 2003
> and played his last club gig live just a few weeks ago with Terry Reid
> with whom he was currently recording.
>
> Soko Richardson is survived by two daughters, Rossolyn and Dia, and
> three grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher and Skylor.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> lisa at pressnetwork.com
> http://www.pressnetwork.com
>
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