Continuing a summer of loss for the Blues, West Coast piano master Floyd Dixon has passed in Los Angeles, California of kidney failure.
From the start of his recording career in 1947, Dixon pioneered the smooth West Coast Blues sound and wrote several hits including Hey Bartender, made famous by the Blues Brothers and County singer Johnny Lee. He reportedly suggested to Ray Charles that he bring his Gospel roots to his act resulting in the evolution of Brother Ray's signature style.
Dixon received a W.C. Handy award in 1997 for "Comeback Album of the Year" with Wake Up And Live!.
Born February 8, 1929 in Marshall, Texas, J Riggins Jr. Dixon, grew up musically in the church and local juke joints. He was mentored by piano master Charles Brown, the two went on to define the classic piano driven sound. In 1984 he was honored with a commission to compose a Blues theme for the '86 Olympics.
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