In Memoriam

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In Memoriam

Postby KD » Sun Dec 14, 2003 9:29 am

Peter James Walker (1916-2003), Founded QUAD Electroacoustics

The passing of one of the audio world's great luminaries was today (December 12, 2003) announced on the Official Quad Site.

P J Walker needs no introduction to anyone visiting this site, as the co-inventor of the legendary Quad ESL, inventor of the equally famous Quad '63 and the Quad II amplifier. There are so many other contributions he made to the audio field that it would require yet another book on the Quad company to detail them all. So, rather than recount his historic contributions further I would like to reflect on other matters.

I will not speak here of "World Girdling Empires", "Leading Edge Technology", and "Amazing Steps Forward" in the field of audio, even though in some ways, Peter Walker, in his unassuming way, managed to change the world of audio forever.

Let me speak instead, briefly, of the things that Peter Walker has given hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.

He has given them the most nearly perfect sound transducer ever conceived by man.

He has given them inter-relationships, communication and shared experiences.

He has given (directly and indirectly) employment to many thousands of people.

He has given audio designers food for thought and cause for despair(!)

He has left a lasting legacy of loyalty, inspiration and common sense to a field that (alas) often lacks one or more of these.

As it is with the legendary products of the legendary company he founded, his legend will endure.

There is a certain rejoicing in heaven this day, I suspect, and, is that the sound of harps I hear, or is it a Quad ESL playing?



Gary Jacobson

13/12/2003

Tribute shamelessly lifted from www.quadesl.org
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Postby KD » Sun Dec 14, 2003 9:40 am

Another tribute, shamelessly lifted this time from PC Review UK



I heard some very sad news today. Peter Walker, the founder of Quad, passed away on Wednesday. He had been very ill for some time.

His amplifier definition "a straight wire with gain" will immortalise him, along with so many fabulous products used by many loyal music listeners including myself.

He will be remembered for a very long time to come.

A tribute to Peter Walker........


SIMPLY THE BEST
by Kristan Benson

Late 60’s early70’s as a very young man I recall finishing work every Saturday morning and high tailing into Leeds (Vallance and Davidsons’) to check out two obsessions – having sifted through the ones that changed their model no’s and appearance on a yearly basis, “ QUAD & B&O “, sad you might say. Not so as I was later to choose one which would become a total relaxing agent/household companion for many years too come.

So!! Saturday afternoons I would stand there in the store listening to Alan Freeman playing the likes of Pink Floyd, Zeppelin and Bowie in FM stereo on these two wonderful machines, plus inferior types which I would smugly walk past having by now made up my mind for a Quad bar a couple of minor points like prices.

At 23 years of age I went into Dixon’s to enquire as to the price of the Quad gear and was told “more than you can afford”. At 24 years of age I with great pride and a fistful of cash went into Dixon’s and purchased my first QUAD item, this was the 33 pre-amp which I ran through a Sansui with it’s own pre-amp unplugged. I was finally on my way with my very own Quad. Of course I would re-trace my steps now and then just to make sure I wasn’t making a big mistake but NO - Quad always came out on top.

At 25 years of age the heat was on, partly because I was concerned about possible price increases plus other commitments, at this point I should mention that I always swore I would have my Quad before I got married,” And I did”.
Things being as they were I decided to forego the other priorities and took the plunge buying the 303 amp and some Celestion 44 speakers (which I still have), “WOW” what a sound, never before have I heard anything so beautiful.
The trouble if one could call it so was that by then I was living in a caravan which was fine by me as this produced an effect similar to what they now call “Surround Sound”, never mind my Quad is safe.

Ironically just after this I became a married man, went into catering, and became a chef and my Quad and wife followed me all over the country this time living in hotels. After marrying it did occur to me that I did not as yet have the FM3 Radio
or the Electro-static speakers. My wife Bless her (!) bought me the FM3. As for the electro’s WELL (sigh) they are still on the want list.

Through my obsession (for the want of a Better Word) I have taught myself basis electronics e.g. difference between Germanium and Silicon, N.P.N./P.N.P. and Ohms law etc. So that I can maintain my own equipment. Is it love of music? Am I obsessed? Or even a fanatic? I don’t know “Who cares?” What I do know is that I still have my Quad 30 years on and it still sounds excellent “What a companion!”

I go into Dixon’s/Curries and Comet and look at all the flashing lights (very pretty) and have a quick listen, still 30 years on I walk out smiling. I have seriously still never heard ANYTHING to better Peter Walker’s Quad.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU MR. WALKER, SIR.
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Postby KD » Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:16 pm

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Ray Charles (1930-2004), The Genius

"We lost a genius and we lost my brother. You've lost a cornerstone of good, and that hurts real bad."
- James Brown
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Postby KD » Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:56 pm

Maestro Frederick Fennell (1914 - 2004)

Dr. Frederick Fennell passed away peacefully at his home in Florida on December 7. The maestro served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Wind Symphony for many years and we are profoundly saddened by this loss. The band world has truly lost one of its greatest. Our prayers go out to him and his family.
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Postby arnoldc » Wed Dec 15, 2004 3:15 pm

Thomas Scheu of Scheu Turntables, died in what was reported as suicide.

Big loss to the industry as his turntables were the inspiration for Teres, RedPoint and some others.
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Postby KD » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:29 am

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Lou Rawls, 72

(CNN) -- Lou Rawls, whose mellifluous baritone was featured on hits ranging from his own "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" to Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me," has died. He was 72.

Rawls died Friday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He was hospitalized last month for treatment of lung and brain cancer, said his publicist, Paul Shefrin. His wife, Nina, was at his bedside when he died.

The singer was as well known for his charitable activities as he was for his smooth four-octave range. He founded the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon, which raised millions of dollars for the United Negro College Fund.

"What I really loved about Lou was how his voice was so unique," Kenny Gamble, who with his partner Leon Huff wrote "You'll Never Find," told The Associated Press.

"The other thing was that he had a sense of community. Thousands and thousands of young kids benefited from his celebrity."

"Lou Rawls was one of the music world's most versatile vocalists," said Recording Academy President Neil Portnow in a statement from the organization, which awards the annual Grammys. "His deep, smooth, soulful style exemplified his classy elegance and made him one of the most recognizable voices anywhere. And his philanthropic efforts on behalf of many charitable causes further displayed his passion and commitment to helping others through music. We have lost a true musical pioneer, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all."
Last edited by KD on Fri Dec 15, 2006 1:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Superman » Sat Jan 07, 2006 11:28 am

how sad...he's my dad's favorite singer...
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Postby Jon Agner » Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:24 am

:( I'll always remember him singing "pure imagination"
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Postby pican » Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:48 am

And "Lady Love," and "You'll Never Find."

His legacy will live on.

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Postby JackD201 » Mon Jan 09, 2006 12:38 pm

Depressing yung thread na ito ah. :(

I wonder if our younger members will post about the rappers who seem to be getting knocked off regularly :roll:
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Postby KD » Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:52 am

Ahmet Ertegun, 83, Founder, Atlantic Records

Posted 12/14/2006 6:54 PM ET

NEW YORK (AP) — Ahmet Ertegun, who helped define American music as the founder of Atlantic Records, a label that popularized the gritty R&B of Ray Charles, the classic soul of Aretha Franklin and the British rock of the Rolling Stones, has died, his spokesman said. He was 83.

Ertegun remained connected to the music scene until his last days — it was at an Oct. 29 concert by the Rolling Stones at the Beacon Theatre in New York where Ertegun fell, suffered a head injury and was hospitalized. He later slipped into a coma.

"He was in a coma and expired today with his family at his bedside," said Dr. Howard A. Riina, Ertegun's neurosurgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Ertegun will be buried in a private ceremony in his native Turkey, said Bob Kaus, a spokesman for Ertegun and Atlantic Records. A memorial service will be conducted in New York after the New Year's.

Ertegun, a Turkish ambassador's son, started collecting records for fun, but would later became one of the music industry's most powerful figures with Atlantic, which he founded in 1947.

The label first made its name with rhythm and blues by Charles and Big Joe Turner, but later diversified, making Franklin the Queen of Soul as well as carrying the banner of British rock (with the Rolling Stones, Cream, Led Zeppelin) and American pop (with Sonny & Cher, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and others).

Today, the company, part of Warner Music Group, is the home to artists including Kid Rock, James Blunt, T.I., and Missy Elliott.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Postby keith » Fri Dec 15, 2006 1:17 pm

How about Peter Boyle who passed away yesterday. Known by the older generation for his role as Frankenstein's monster in Young Frankenstein (1974). Yup, the one wearing a tux and singing and dancing "Putting on the Ritz."

Known more today as Ray Baron's father, Frank Baron, in "Everybody Loves Raymond."
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Postby KD » Mon Dec 25, 2006 11:26 pm

James Brown, Godfather of Soul, 73

ATLANTA (AP) — James Brown, the dynamic, pompadoured "Godfather of Soul," whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made him a founder of rap, funk and disco as well, died early Monday, his agent said.
Brown, 73, was hospitalized with pneumonia at Emory Crawford Long Hospital on Sunday and died around 1:45 a.m. Monday, said his agent, Frank Copsidas of Intrigue Music. Longtime friend Charles Bobbit was by his side, he said.

Copsidas said the cause of death was uncertain. "We really don't know at this point what he died of," he said.

Along with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and a handful of others, Brown was one of the major musical influences of the past 50 years. At least one generation idolized him, and sometimes openly copied him. His rapid-footed dancing inspired Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson among others. Songs such as David Bowie's "Fame," Prince's "Kiss," George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" and Sly and the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song" were clearly based on Brown's rhythms and vocal style.

If Brown's claim to the invention of soul can be challenged by fans of Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, then his rights to the genres of rap, disco and funk are beyond question. He was to rhythm and dance music what Dylan was to lyrics: the unchallenged popular innovator.

"James presented obviously the best grooves," rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy once told The Associated Press. "To this day, there has been no one near as funky. No one's coming even close."
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Postby boytoy24 » Tue Dec 26, 2006 7:05 am

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JAMES JOSEPH BROWN, JR. (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006)
"He made soul music a world music, What James Brown was to music in terms of soul and hip-hop, rap, all of that, is what Bach was to classical music. This is a guy who literally changed the music industry. He put everybody on a different beat, a different style of music. He pioneered it." "May the Lord bless his soul."
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Postby boytoy24 » Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:31 am

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Frankie Laine (March 30, 1913 – February 6, 2007)

"A clarion-voiced pop singer with lots of style, able to fill halls without a microphone, and one of the biggest hit-makers of late 1940s/early 1950s, Laine had more than 70 charted records, 21 gold records, and worldwide sales of over 250 million disks. Originally a rhythm and blues influenced jazz singer, Laine excelled at virtually every music style, eventually expanding to such varied genres as popular standards, gospel, folk, country, western/Americana, rock 'n' roll, and the occasional novelty number. He was also known as Mr. Rhythm for his driving jazzy style."
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Postby boytoy24 » Fri Feb 09, 2007 10:19 am

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ANNA NICOLE SMITH (November 28, 1967 – February 8, 2007)

On February 8, 2007, Smith was found unresponsive in a room at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. At 1:38 (18:38 UTC) Seminole Police Chief Charlie Tiger said a nurse called the hotel front desk, who in turn called security, who in turn called 911, and at 1:45 p.m. a bodyguard administered CPR before she was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital at 2:10 p.m and pronounced dead upon arrival at 2:49 p.m. She was 39.
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Postby Jon Agner » Fri Feb 09, 2007 10:20 am

:shock: :shock: :shock:
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Postby KD » Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:04 pm

Albert Hofmann, 102, Inventor of LSD


GENEVA (AP) — Albert Hofmann, the father of the mind-altering drug LSD whose medical discovery grew into a notorious "problem child," died Tuesday. He was 102.

Hofmann died of a heart attack at his home in Basel, according to Rick Doblin, president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, in a statement posted on the association's website.

His death was confirmed to The Associated Press by Doris Stuker, a clerk in the village of Burg im Leimental, where Hofmann moved following his retirement in 1971.

Hofmann's hallucinogen inspired — and arguably corrupted — millions in the 1960's hippy generation. For decades after LSD was banned in the late 1960s, Hofmann defended his invention.

"I produced the substance as a medicine. ... It's not my fault if people abused it," he once said.

The Swiss chemist discovered lysergic acid diethylamide-25 in 1938 while studying the medicinal uses of a fungus found on wheat and other grains at the Sandoz pharmaceuticals firm in Basel.

He became the first human guinea pig of the drug when a tiny amount of the substance seeped on to his finger during a repeat of the laboratory experiment on April 16, 1943.
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Postby dexterc » Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:38 pm

:shock: 102?
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Postby jaklord » Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:03 am

Rock pioneer Bo Diddley dies at age 79
June 2, 2008, 12:25 PM EST
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79.

Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., spokeswoman Susan Clary said. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.

read more:
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=317054&GT1=7702
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