Violet Hensley (the ‘Whittlin’ Fiddler) The announcement of her death was Aug. 7, 2026. Born October 21, 1916 in Mount Ida, Arkansas. She was 109 years old. Her father taught her how to carve and play the fiddle. She appeared on the Beverly Hillbillies. She hung out with Mr. Green Jeans on TV\'s Captain Kangaroo and was on To Tell the Truth and other TV shows. Toured all over the country. She raised nine children. The National Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame inductee and appeared on the Grand Ole Opry.

WILLIAM ORBIT, the acclaimed British music producer, best known for his work with acts like MADONNA, BLUR, U2, ALL SAINTS, NO DOUBT and others, died 23. of July 2026.

TERRY SLATER, an important figure in the international music scene, died at the end of July 2026 (no exact date available). During the 1960s he was bass player, writing partner and a lifelong friend for THE EVERLY BROTHERS. Later he became an influential executive at EMI, working with artists like QUEEN, KATE BUSH, DURAN DURAN and THE SEX PISTOLS, before taking A-ha under his wings, leading them to huge international success.

PETER KATSIS (d. August 6th 2026 aged 68) US talent manager, joint founder of Prospect Park and, on his own, The Firm. Handled - at various stages of their careers - Korn, Limp Bizkit, Jane’s Addiction, plus a post-Smiths Morrissey, and The Backstreet Boys.

JERNEY KAAGMAN (b. Christina Henriette Kaagman July 9th 1947, d. 5th August 2026) Dutch vocalist and later music business executive, originally lead singer with EARTH, WIND AND FIRE, who were massive in the 70’s and 80’s. Later became president of the Dutch musicians union.

JOHN DOUGLAS (d. August 3rd 2036 aged 63) Guitarist and songwriter for Irvine, Scotland’s TRASHCAN SINATRAS. Part of the indie scene in the 1980’s, and noted for their clever lyrics, they had a minor hit in 1987 with ‘Obscurity Knocks’.

DAVID Z (b. David Bruce Rivkin 25th March 1948, d. 2nd August 2026) Minneapolis-based record producer and musician. Originally a member of LIPPS (They did ‘Funkytown’ in 1980) he was best known for his long collaboration with Prince. He also worked with Fine Young Cannibals and Billy Idol.

LUIS GASCA, the versatile American trumpeter and flugelhorn player in the fields of latin jazz, jazz and rock fusion, died 02. of August 2026. In his long career he recorded and toured with numerous greats like CARLOS SANTANA, MALO, JANIS JOPLIN (KOZMIC BLUES BAND), VAN MORRISON, GRATEFUL DEAD, RAY CHARLES and COUNT BASIE. He performed his final concert in San Antonio, Texas the night before.

FROM MAY. E.J. Peaker (Edra Jeanne Peaker) died May 16 of Alzheimer’s disease at her home in Las Vegas. Born Feb. 22, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Actress and Singer. Appeared with Barbra Streisand in Hello, Dolly! and starred with Robert Morse on ABC\'s TV show, \"That’s Life\", a musical comedy show that only lasted one season. Appeared in numerous TV shows and films. She was married to musician, Scott Rosen. She had earlier been married to screenwriter Bob Zampino.

Not sure, if this info has already been mentioned... GRAHAM JOHNSON, drummer and last surviving original member of the British beat group THE RENEGADES (\"Cadillac\"), died 28. of March 2025.

Rest in Peace...BOB COMMON...(died June 26, 2026)...English \"party\" folk-band THE YETTIES. recorded two very traditional albums for Acorn in 1969. signed with Argo Records & producer Kevin Daly (who was a key player on the label). Bob retired & left the band around 1980. most notable lp \"Dorset is Beautiful\" (1972).

Kavinsky (Vincent Pierre Claude Belorgey) found dead July 28, 2026 in Paris, France and police suspect a stroke. Born July 31, 1975 in Barbès, Paris, France. (French House - Synthwave) Was a French DJ, record producer and actor. He did, \"Testarossa Autodrive\" and \"Nightcall\".

VICKI WICKHAM OBE (b.Vicki Heather Wickham 1939, d. 31st July 2026) Legendary British TV producer, music manager and songwriter. She co-produced ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’ for ITV. It brought a first look at The Beatles, Stones, Who, Kinks, Animals and pretty much everybody else to English TV screens on Friday evenings in the early-mid 1960’s. ‘The weekend starts here’ was its motto and it was hugely influential. She also managed Dusty Springfield and co-wrote the lyrics to ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’, a worldwide hit in 1965.

Rest in Peace...JEFF \'Monoman\" CONOLLY...(1956 - August 1, 2026)...member of essential band DMZ in 1977...went on to sensational THE LYRES in 1979.. Boston garage-rock singer / keyboards..

No current news, but an update regarding 2025... FRANCISCO BAREDO, singer, guitarist and flautist for the Mexican progressive rock legend EL RITUAL, died 14. of November 2025. They recorded their great and highly collectable self-titled album on RIFF RAFF label in 1971, housed in a beautiful fantasy cover. Listen to it...

GLENN BAKER (b. Glenn A Baker July 28th 1952, d. July 31st 2026. Australian rock journalist and band manager (‘Ole ‘55’). He was the Australian editor for Billboard magazine and wrote cover notes for many albums. Also winner of the BBC’s ‘Rock Brain of the Universe’ competition - three times!

JAVIER MARTIN DEL CAMPO, singer, guitarist and founder of the legendary Mexican psychedelic rock band LA REVOLUCION DE EMILIANO ZAPATA, died 29. of July 2026 (death announced on this date). Listen to their fantastic and highly collectable self-titled album, Polydor 1971 (incl. their hit \"Nasty Sex\")!

ARLENE SMITH, lead singer and co-founder of the successful American R&B girl group THE CHANTELS (\"Maybe\"), died 29. of July 2026.

Akihiro Miwa (AKA Shingo Maruyama and Akihiro Maruyama) Died June 20, 2026. Born May 15, 1935 in Nagasaki, Japan. (Cabaret - Chanson) Singer, actor, director and composer. He did, \"Yoitomake no Uta\" and his cover of, \"Mé Qué Mé Qué became a hit in 1957. He was a survivor of the bombing of Nagasaki.

Glen Hansard (Glen James Hansard ) died July 29, 2026 in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, Dublin, Ireland. Born April 21, 1970 in Ballymun, Dublin, Ireland. (Folk - Folk Rock) Singer, songwriter and played guitar, piano and mandolin. Was a member of The Frames and was half of the duo the Swell Season Worked with Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran and Kirsty MacColl. He was married to Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa.