Photo: Local Musician Greg Steinman | Alice Tan Ridley Dies: ‘America’s Got Talent’ Singer, Was 72 | By Greg Evans, Deadline | Alice Tan Ridley, the mother of Precious and American Horror Story actor Gabourey Sidibe and a singer who performed for several decades in New York City subway stations, Harlem’s Cotton Club and other venues before finding national fame in her late 50s on America’s Got Talent, died Tuesday, March 25, in New York.
Born Alice Ann Ridley in what was then called Charles Junction (now Lumpkin), Georgia, on December 21, 1952, Ridley, called Tan by family and friends, was the seventh of eight children, and in 1971 moved to New York to teach special-needs children. . . .
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While her ATG Season 5 performance – she made it to the semifinals – was perhaps her most impactful career moment, Ridley had several brushes with national fame years before. In 2002, she was the winner on the first episode of Fox’s short-lived 30 Seconds to Fame, taking home the prize of $25,000. Three years later was a contestant on Showtime at the Apollo and her music was featured in David LaChapelle’s documentary Rize as well as the feature film Heights.
Six years after her ATG performance, Ridley, at age 63, Ridley released her debut studio CD Never Lost My Way. She continued to perform in venues around the world until she retired in 2018 due to health issues.
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She is survived by her daughter Gabourey Sidibe and son Ahmed Sidibe, as well as several siblings.
Read the full article here:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/alice-tan-ridley-dies-america-s-got-talent-singer-mother-of-gabourey-sidibe-was-72/
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American Jazz Guitarist George Freeman Passes
George Freeman (April 10, 1927 – April 1, 2025) was an American jazz guitarist and recording artist. He is known for his sophisticated technique, collaborations with high-profile performers, and as having been a notable presence in the jazz scene of Chicago, Illinois.[1] He was the younger brother of tenor saxophonist Von Freeman and drummer Eldridge “Bruz” Freeman, and the uncle of tenor saxophonist and trumpeter Chico Freeman.
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Freeman again entered the recording studio on May 7, 2022, leading a trio session with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Carl Allen. And on June 13, 2022, Freeman led another trio session, this time supported by organist Joey DeFrancesco and drummer Lewis Nash.[57] These two recording sessions resulted in The Good Life, released by HighNote Records in June 2023.
Freeman also continued with his schedule of live performances during 2023. Highlights included his annual birthday residency at the Green Mill in April and an appearance with his nephew Chico at the Chicago Jazz Festival in August. Freeman’s activities and 2023 record release were featured in articles in DownBeat and Guitar Player and on The Today Show on NBC.
Freeman turned 97 on April 10, 2024, and to celebrate this milestone, he led several shows at the Green Mill in Chicago on April 12 and 13. The Chicago Tribune, in its year-end survey of jazz performances in Chicago, heralded Freeman’s Green Mill shows as among “the best of the best of the best” for 2024.
Freeman died on April 1, 2025, at the age of 97, nine days before his 98th birthday.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Freeman_(guitarist)
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Iconic Bassist Dave Allen, Gang of Four, Dies Aged 69 Weeks Before Tour
By Brooke Ivy Johnson, Metro
SLIDE ARTICLE: Dave Allen, the bass player for post-punk band Gang of Four, has died at 69 years old. His former bandmates Jon King and Hugo Burnham confirmed the musician’s death on social media, sharing that he had previously been diagnosed with dementia.
Their post read: ‘It is with broken yet full hearts that we share the news that Dave Allen, our old music partner, friend, and brilliant musician, died on Saturday morning. He was at home with his family. Dave had endured the early-onset of mixed dementia for some years which has been a heartbreaking time for his wife Paddy, his children, and close friends,’ the post, written by Burnham, continues.
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/iconic-bassist-dies-aged-69-weeks-before-tour/ss-AA1CqTr6?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=dcacca2210784a7297c6e5ab5d693dc5&ei=11#image=2
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Clem Burke Dies: Blondie Drummer Was 70
By Greg Evans, Deadline
Clem Burke, who as the drummer for the rock band Blondie was the group’s “heartbeat,” has died of cancer. He was 70.
“It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer,” the statement from Blondie singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein begins.
“Clem was not just a drummer,” the statement continues, “he was the heartbeat of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie. A self proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll survivalist’, he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Chequered Past, The Fleshtones, The Romantics, Dramarama, The Adult Net, The Split Squad, The International Swingers, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Go’s. His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.
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Read the full article here:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/clem-burke-dies-blondie-drummer-was-70/
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OTHER NOTABLE MUSICIANS’ DEATHS
Lori Clayton on Fb, 4/08/25: Two friends from the music community gone in less than a week. I have no words, Brian Still. I can’t really say we “dated”, but we had a thing for each other. I think we both wanted it to be more, he said being with me was like being with “Stevie Nicks”. But I got scared. We saw Don Dokken together at the Buffalo Rose, then the ultimate happened when Side Effect opened for him. We sang Karaoke at Sand Creek. I was there when Side Effect opened for Kip Winger. That was also the last time l saw Nate Winger.
My grandkids still remember when you came to my apartment with Tamales and Asacia took a zillion photos of you with my tablet. So many memories of seeing Side Effect. Your voice was amazing, your friendship is one I will cherish and I totally regret losing touch. But I was always there for you in my heart. I prayed for you when things got tough. I am sorry you are no longer here on Earth. Say hello to Tony and Nate. Rest in Peace. I will have to get a slice of pecan pie at V.I. in your honor. I will never forget you.
Chris Dellinger: Another rough one today. RIP Brian. I spent so much time with Brian over the past 4 years it is hard to believe we will never hear you say “It’s another beautiful day.” Brian was our smoker here at the Goose for years but we mainly would always talk about music. We had a fun game of Trivia we would play where we would try to stump each other with odd facts about the most obscure 80’s Metal bands. Or who the songwriters actually were vs. studio musicians vs. live players. Our bands had played shows together and he was a brother to so many of us in the music scene. Much love to all of our music friends. You will be missed by so many.
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From Troy Benns on Fb, 4/05/25: When you spend the last 50-plus years playing the local Denver music scene, working at guitar stores, selling and repairing guitars, running sound for gigs, and so on, you become what I call a lifer. My friend and bandmate, Greg “Squigy” Stieman, was this man. An amazing musician on guitar or keys (sometimes both), he spent a lifetime crafting his talent.
A giant of a man in the industry, he would share all his knowledge with anyone at any time. His sense of humor was second to none. Greg passed away yesterday from a short/long fight with cancer. I find it very fitting with his sense of humor, he passed on April Fool’s Day. He got the nickname “Squig Diamond”, offering a ride home to a friend that had a little too much of something, He called him “Squig Diamond” instead of Greg Steinman, it stuck
There are people who are one of a kind in this world, and Greg was one of those special people who affected everyone around them, always positive and thinking of others. He always said “make it a great day”, because he always tried. He was a wonderful family man and friend. He would do 2 or 3 gigs a day. It is truly a special gift to share music with people and make them feel good. Greg was a hall of famer in the truest sense. Greg romanticized the allure of playing long hours in a crappy bar, for very little pay.
That was what I wanted to be: just like him. His laugh was always from his heart, he always knew the right time to wait and say something that was funny and intelligent. I never heard him say anything bad about someone, which is highly unusual when you’re playing crappy bar gigs. They say that within 3 generations, you are forgotten. Do you know your great-grandparents’ names, or what they did?
That said, we pass down a trait of some kind, no matter if it is morals, integrity, music, or love, and that changes a person. Then, they have the opportunity to pass it down so you are not forgotten. Greg shaped how I make music and how I treat people. What you do in life is important. God bless Greg “Squig Diamond” Steinman, always and forever, your friend. ~ Troy
https://www.facebook.com/troycecilia.benns
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Warning Signs of Suicide – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or if you want to discuss, call the old numbers at 800-273-TALK or 800-273-8255 for English and 888-628-9454 for Spanish. Learn the signs of someone who may be contemplating suicide.
If you want to know more about any of the musicians we lost, please check them out at http://www.wikipedia.com
APRIL
10: Titiek Puspa, 87, Indonesian singer and songwriter.
8: Rubby Pérez, 69, merengue singer (died in Jet Set Nighclub roof collapse)
7: William Finn, 73, American composer (Falsettos, A New Brain, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Tony Award winner (1992).
6: Al Barile, 63, American guitarist (SSD), rectal cancer; Clem Burke, 70, American Hall of Fame drummer (Blondie), cancer; Roberto De Simone, 91, Italian stage director and composer (La Gatta Cenerentola); Anna Slováčková, 29, Czech singer (Tvoje tvář má známý hlas) and actress (Ordinace v růžové zahradě 2), breast cancer; Pongsri Woranuch, 85, Thai luk thung singer, lung disease.
5: Dave Allen, 69, English bassist (Gang of Four, Shriekback) and record label executive (World Domination Recordings); Pasha Technique, 40, Russian rapper and music producer, complications from drug overdose.
4: Amadou Bagayoko, 70, Malian musician (Amadou & Mariam)
2: Miles Griffith, 55, American jazz singer.
1: George Freeman, 97, American jazz guitarist (Birth Sign, New Improved Funk, Man & Woman); Wayne Handy, 89, American rock and roll singer; Michael Hurley, 83, American folk singer-songwriter (Have Moicy!, Snockgrass, Watertower); Alfi Kabiljo, 89, Croatian composer and musician; Val Kilmer, 65, American actor (Top Gun, The Doors, Batman Forever), pneumonia; Johnny Tillotson, 86, American singer-songwriter (“Poetry in Motion”, “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'”, “Without You”), complications from Parkinson’s disease.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaths_in_2025
Photo: Greg Steinman
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1194569102072563&set=a.102389441290540