Sad news.
Sandy
-----Original Message-----
From: ourplace-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ourplace-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Marty Rimpau
Sent: July-30-16 8:56 AM
To: our place list
Subject: [ourplace] gary paxton, pop song writer who turned to gospel
Gary Paxton, pop song writer who turned to gospel . By Harrison Smith
Washington Post . WASHINGTON - Gary S. Paxton, a musical maverick who wrote
more than 2,000 songs and produced the pop hits "Alley-Oop" and "Monster
Mash," and who later overcame addiction and transitioned to a career as a
gospel musician, died July 17 at an assisted-living center in Branson, Mo.
He was 77. The cause was complications of heart surgery and liver disease,
said his wife, Vicki Sue Paxton. Mr. Paxton had his first taste of success
as one-half of Skip & Flip, a late 1950s pop duo that broke into the Top 20
with "It Was I," a bittersweet song about a jilted lover, and "Cherry Pie,"
a cover of Marvin & Johnny's doo-wop hit. Less a performer than a
songwriter, Mr. Paxton quickly tired of touring and quit the road in favor
of the Hollywood recording life. He and fellow producer Kim Fowley churned
out "Alley-Oop" (1960) with a group of studio musicians and friends he
called the Hollywood Argyles. Two years later, Mr. Paxton had his second No.
1 with "Monster Mash," released on his Garpax label. Mr. Paxton said he used
his newfound wealth to acquire mountain cabins and a marina, hotel and music
store, as well as a series of recording studios, but "lost it all" because
of drugs and alcohol. Later, he stopped abusing drugs and drinking alcohol
and began working with gospel artists, and in 1976 released his first solo
album.
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