R.I.P.: John "Marmaduke" Dawson, founding member of New Riders of the Purple Sage, 1945-2009

[Amerigo Vespucci]

JOHN "MARMADUKE" DAWSON (1945-2009)



John passed away peacefully on July 21, 2009 at the age of 64 in Mexico, where he had retired several years ago. It is with great sadness that we relay this news, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and all his many fans out there.

His songs inspired us in so many ways. His energy, passion and commitment to the New Riders brought us all so much joy over the years. We can all be thankful that his music and legacy will live on forever.

http://www.nrpsmusic.com/

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. I'm very sorry to read this...

I've listened to him for years.

RIP, Mr. Dawson. :-(

[Amerigo Vespucci]

2. The band released a new, Dawson-less album just before his passing

These days, the band is founding member David Nelson, Jerry Garcia's pedal steel replacement Buddy Cage, Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna) on guitar and vocals, Ronnie Penque on bass and vocals and Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried) on drums and vocals.

According to the official NRPS Web Site "John Dawson remains retired in Mexico and has given the guys his blessing and sends his best to all his fans out there and thanks you all for continuing to enjoy his songs." (written before his passing, obviously)

The new album:



http://www.amazon.com/Where-Come-Riders-Purple-Sage/dp/B001W1Z3T4

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. stop it. Just stop it right now.

I can't take anymore. :cry:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

6. Mark Lindsay posted a nice tribute to Drake Levin on his Web Site...

...in case you missed it. It also includes a tribute to Mike "Smitty" Smith, who passed away in 2001 (he's pictured with Levin in all of the photos below).

:hi:

http://www.marklindsay.com/In_Tribute.html

IN TRIBUTE

DRAKE LEVIN 1946-2009

(Raiders 1963-66, 1967 ~ Guitar)



© 2009 Mark Lindsay • All Rights Reserved

In the very early 60s, Paul Revere & the Raiders were looking for a guitar player to replace one that had moved on. We were based in Boise at the time and heard through the grapevine about a kid still in high school who might have some talent. Paul sent me over to check him out. The kid blew me away!

His name was Drake Levin, and when he moved from Chicago to Idaho, he brought his love of Chicago blues with him. Drake was not only a gifted lead guitarist, but was also one of the best rhythm players ever. This was a great combination and led to some iconic guitar solos. Think Kicks, Hungry, Good Thing, and the most magical interplay of Drake and Drake on Just Like Me.



Drake was the soul of the Raiders and when we played instrumentals, his impeccable rhythm and great lines made even a mediocre sax player like me sound halfway decent. His blues licks were authentic and his rock and roll was always fresh, driving and right in the pocket.



I feel that Drake never got the recognition he was due. Go back and listen to the Raiders' guitar solos through 1967 (our heyday I think) and you will hear that unique combination of talent and intellect that always knew what and what not to play.



Drake joined the big band in the sky on Independence Day morning. I will miss him, but I'm imagining that the guitar player in the crowd at the Spanish Castle who watched Drake play with his guitar behind his head has taken him under his wing and is showing him the ropes. I can almost hear Jimi and Drake jamming on their own hazy purple cloud now...

[hobbit709]

4. Damn!

I'm losing too many people I know.

[graywarrior]

5. Damn!

[Amerigo Vespucci]

7. John's final performance with the band, at a 2001 reunion

"Garden of Eden"...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAln2Fs61vA

A nice 10-minute version. After that, he headed off to Mexico for retirement.

:toast:

[bluesbassman]

8. Johnny keep your brakes on for this corner if you please .

Safe passage my friend.

[Bennyboy]

9. Sad story...

I loved NRPS. Saw them many times. Still see em too.

[peacefreak]

10. Oh no.

Well, at least Jerry's waiting. There will be some good celestial jammin'. Rest in Peace, Marmaduke.

[Vidar]

11. RIP Mr. Dawson.