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Home • Interviews • Writing A Song • Obituaries International Songwriters Association The Obituaries Songwriter Obituaries For Names In Blue Denotes An ISA Hall Of Fame Member For earlier obituaries, see list at the bottom of this page Laurie Holloway Born Laurence Holloway, in 1938, in Oldham, UK, Laurie Holloway was a pianist, composer, and musical director renowned for his contributions to television and jazz music. He began playing the piano at the age of four, received formal lessons by seven, and became the organist and choirmaster at his local church by twelve. Turning professional in 1954, Holloway joined Syd Willmott and his Band as a pianist, later performing with Geraldo and the Cyril Stapleton Band. As a session musician, he played on numerous hit tracks, including Petula Clark's "Downtown" in 1964. From 1970 to 1975, he served as the musical director for Engelbert Humperdinck, collaborating on albums and touring the United States, including performances in Las Vegas. Holloway's association with jazz deepened through his work with singer Cleo Laine, leading to his role as pianist and arranger for the John Dankworth Band. He collaborated with a diverse array of artists, such as Stéphane Grappelli, Tom Jones, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., and Gilbert O’Sullivan. His compositions include theme tunes for television shows like "Game for a Laugh," "Blind Date," and "Beadle's About." In 1990, Holloway accompanied Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret on piano for a private recording of Scottish childhood songs at Buckingham Palace, intended as a gift for the Queen Mother's 90th birthday. Beginning in 1998, he became the musical director for Michael Parkinson's chat show, a role he maintained until 2007. He and Michael remained close friends, living close to each other in Bray until Parkinson's death in 2023. In 2004, Laurie was appointed the original musical director for the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing," contributing numerous arrangements for the show's first three series. During his career, he penned two stage musicals, one of which ("Instant Marriage") was a long-runing West End success starring Joan Sims. He released fifteen albums, appeared on dozens of hit singles, and received several accolades, including the Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services to music. He was married to American jazz singer Marion Montgomery from 1965 until her passing in 2002, and together they set up the charity The Montgomery Holloway Music Trust which provides assistance to promising young singers. At the age of 86, on the 9th January 2025, in Bray. Berkshire, UK, of undisclosed causes. © Jim Liddane Ken Chase Born Milton Yorgan in Oklahoma, USA in 1935, Ken Chase was a radio DJ on KISN in Portland, Oregon, where he opened a teen club called The Chase, and selected a local semi-pro act The Kingsmen to regularly play there. In 1962, Chase produced the band performing an esoteric version of the classic Richard Berry song “Louie Louie”. The subsequent release hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963 going on to sell two million copies. By 2024, there were 2150 cover versions enabling "Louie Louie" to become the most-recorded song of all time. At the age of 85, on the 7th January 2025, in Portland, Oregon, USA, of undisclosed causes. © Jim Liddane> Sam Moore Born in Miami, Florida, USA, in 1935, Sam Moore was a singer-songwriter who emerged as a significant figure in the soul and R&B music scenes. Sam Moore’s career started in gospel, performing with groups like the Sensational Hummingbirds and the Melionaires. A pivotal moment occurred in 1961 at Miami's King of Hearts Club, where he met Dave Prater. This meeting led to the formation of the dynamic duo Sam & Dave. Initially signed to Roulette Records, Sam & Dave recorded one of Sam's songs "I Need Love", a composition which would be covered by another soul duo James & Bobby Purify. Sam & Dave achieved modest success on Roulette before joining Atlantic Records in 1964. They were subsequently "loaned" to Stax Records, where their collaboration with songwriters Isaac Hayes and David Porter resulted in a series of hits. Notable tracks include "You Don't Know Like I Know" (1965), "Hold On! I'm Comin'" (1966), "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby" (1967), "Soul Man" (1967), and "I Thank You" (1968). Their energetic performances and soulful harmonies earned them the nickname "Double Dynamite." Despite their success, tensions between Moore and Prater led to their initial split in 1970. They reunited in 1971, continuing to perform together until their final show on December 31, 1981. Tragically, Prater died in a car accident in 1988. Following the duo's final separation, Moore pursued a solo career. He collaborated with artists such as Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen, and Lou Reed. In 1986, he re-recorded "Soul Man" with Reed for the film of the same name, reaching No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart. Moore also appeared in the 1988 film "Tapeheads" alongside Junior Walker, portraying the fictional soul duo "The Swanky Modes." A lifelong Republican, Moore penned the song "Dole Man" for Republican Bob Dole’s presidential campaign in 1996. Throughout his career, Moore received numerous accolades. In 1992, he and Prater were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "Soul Man" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Moore was also honoured with a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in 1991 and a MOBO (Music of Black Origin) lifetime achievement award in 2006. In his later years, Moore remained active in the music industry. He performed at various events, including a tribute concert for George Jones in 2013 and President Donald Trump's inaugural concert in 2017. In 2022, he collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on two tracks for Springsteen's soul cover album. Moore's personal life was marked by challenges, including a battle with drug addiction, which he overcame with the support of his wife, Joyce McRae. The couple became advocates for artists' rights and anti-drug programs. At the age of 89, on the 10th January 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida, USA of complications from surgery. © Jim Liddane The Earlier Obituaries January 2025 to Today July 2024 to December 2024 January 2024 to June 2024 July 2023 to December 2023 January 2023 to June 2023 January 2020 to December 2022 January 2018 to December 2019 January 2011 to December 2017 January 2004 to December 2010 Obituaries Prior To 2004 ISA • International Songwriters Association (1967) internationalsongwriters@gmail.com Cookies Policy • Privacy Policy • Copyright Legal Notice This site is published by the International Songwriters Association, and will introduce you to the world of songwriting. It will explain music business terms and help you understand the business concepts that you should be familiar with, thus enabling you to ask more pertinent questions when you meet with your accountant/CPA or solicitor/lawyer. 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