Johnny Jenkins (AP Photo)

Johnny Jenkins, a guitarist who worked with Otis Redding in the early 1960s and influenced Jimi Hendrix through his acrobatic playing style, has died. He was 67.

House of Blues Chicago stage manager Cardell “Doc” Simpson passed away Saturday, June 17th at the age of 45.

Kool & the Gang

Claydes Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of the group Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 57.

Duane Roland

Duane Roland, one of the original guitarists in Jacksonville-based Southern rock band Molly Hatchet, died last week at his home in St. Augustine, Florida, of natural causes. He was 53.

Arif Mardin

Arif Mardin, the legendary Grammy Award-winning producer who worked with stars including Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Norah Jones, has died.

Aaron Spelling (AP Photo)

Aaron Spelling, a onetime movie bit player who created a massive number of hit series, died Friday, his publicist said. He was 83.