Post by 1finemrg on Sept 24, 2022 20:49:06 GMT -5
Very saddened to learn about the passing of Kal David, legendary blues guitarist and all-around good guy. Complications from pneumonia took his life on August 16 at the age of 79.
Born David Raskin, Kal first made his mark on the Chicago music scene fronting Kal David and the Exceptions in the early 60s. The band also featured Peter Cetera and the late Marty Grebb. Peter would have a successful career as one of the vocalists in Chicago as well as a successful solo career. Marty Grebb would have a successful career with the Buckinghams.
In the mid-60's, Kal would form a duo with Paul Cotton called the Rovin' Kind. They would release a few singles during the mid-60s. A name change to Illinois Speed Press resulted in a contract with Columbia records. They would release two critically acclaimed albums, produced by James William Guercio. The self-titled first album was released at the same time as "Chicago Transit Authority" promoting what was called the Chicago Sound. Albums by The Flock and Aorta were also released.
Kal David and Paul Cotton would split in the early 70s. Paul would have long-term success as a member of Poco. Kal would reunite with Marty Grebb in upstate New York, forming the Fabulous Rhinestones. They would reach the Hot 100 in the summer of 1972, peaking at #78 with "What A Wonderful Thing We Have". It was from the first of three albums released by the band. While there, he met his future wife, vocalist Laurie Bono. The couple would collaborate together for the rest of their careers.
They would move back to California and do side work with Johnny Rivers and Etta James. Kal would work with John Mayall in the early 80s and held a weekly Pro-Jam at Hollywood's China Club. Celebrity attendees included Stevie Wonder, Bobby Brown, John Entwistle, Larry Carlton, Brian Wilson, Stephen Stills, Joe Walsh and Paul Young, as well as blues musicians Sam Taylor and Floyd Dixon.
Through the years, Kal and Laurie would record and tour as a duo and with various bands.
Kal David is the voice of 'Sonny Eclipse', a singing alien audio-animatronic, who resides at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
I was lucky enough to exchange several e-mails with Kal about 15 years ago. He was friendly and welcoming, and was thrilled to learn that the Fabulous Rhinestones song "What A Wonderful Thing We Have" was selected for inclusion on a local charity CD. Until that time, it was only available digitally as a Japanese import.
You are missed Kal. Thanks for all the wonderful music you provided through the years.
Obituary
Born David Raskin, Kal first made his mark on the Chicago music scene fronting Kal David and the Exceptions in the early 60s. The band also featured Peter Cetera and the late Marty Grebb. Peter would have a successful career as one of the vocalists in Chicago as well as a successful solo career. Marty Grebb would have a successful career with the Buckinghams.
In the mid-60's, Kal would form a duo with Paul Cotton called the Rovin' Kind. They would release a few singles during the mid-60s. A name change to Illinois Speed Press resulted in a contract with Columbia records. They would release two critically acclaimed albums, produced by James William Guercio. The self-titled first album was released at the same time as "Chicago Transit Authority" promoting what was called the Chicago Sound. Albums by The Flock and Aorta were also released.
Kal David and Paul Cotton would split in the early 70s. Paul would have long-term success as a member of Poco. Kal would reunite with Marty Grebb in upstate New York, forming the Fabulous Rhinestones. They would reach the Hot 100 in the summer of 1972, peaking at #78 with "What A Wonderful Thing We Have". It was from the first of three albums released by the band. While there, he met his future wife, vocalist Laurie Bono. The couple would collaborate together for the rest of their careers.
They would move back to California and do side work with Johnny Rivers and Etta James. Kal would work with John Mayall in the early 80s and held a weekly Pro-Jam at Hollywood's China Club. Celebrity attendees included Stevie Wonder, Bobby Brown, John Entwistle, Larry Carlton, Brian Wilson, Stephen Stills, Joe Walsh and Paul Young, as well as blues musicians Sam Taylor and Floyd Dixon.
Through the years, Kal and Laurie would record and tour as a duo and with various bands.
Kal David is the voice of 'Sonny Eclipse', a singing alien audio-animatronic, who resides at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
I was lucky enough to exchange several e-mails with Kal about 15 years ago. He was friendly and welcoming, and was thrilled to learn that the Fabulous Rhinestones song "What A Wonderful Thing We Have" was selected for inclusion on a local charity CD. Until that time, it was only available digitally as a Japanese import.
You are missed Kal. Thanks for all the wonderful music you provided through the years.
Obituary