R.I.P. Klaus Schulze, Earth Wind & Fire sax player, and more

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Klaus Schulze) Read More Klaus Schulze Klaus Schulze was a German electronic music pioneer, composer and musician and was briefly a member of Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel and The Cosmic Jokers before launching a solo career

(Read more Musicians who died in 2022 )

Word is just coming in that Klaus Schulze, the German electronic multi-instrumentalist has died at age 74.

The hugely influential artist briefly played with the groups Tangerine Dream and Ash Ra Tempel before going solo, created electronic soundscapes that are now established as a foundation of ambient/new age music, while his beats and rhythms, helped influence modern techno, trance and other dance genres.

Born in Berlin in 1947, his discography is some 50 albums, including live albums and soundtrack recordings, and was ahead of the curve with 1979’s Dune, inspired by the Frank Herbert sci-fi novel, which he would work on again with Hans Zimmer on the 2021 film adaptation.

He worked as a producer for other artists including Dead Can Dance singer Lisa Gerrard (including recording live albums together), and pop band Alphaville.

Schulze’s final album, Deus Arrakis, was also inspired by Dune, is due for release on 10 June.

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Andrew Woolfolk, the longtime saxophonist for Earth, Wind & Fire, has died at 71.

EWF lead singer, Philip Bailey, announced Woolfolk's death on Instagram on April 25 and said he'd been ill for more than six years. Woolfolk was a member of Earth, Wind & Fire from 1973 to 1985, and also from 1987 to 1993.

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Susan Jacks, singer of ’60s pop hit ‘Which Way You Goin’ Billy,’ has died of kidney failure on April 25 at age 73
Born in 1948, Jacks reached international fame as part of the Poppy Family with then-husband Terry Jacks. 1969’s “Which Way You Goin’ Billy,” sold three million records worldwide and hit #1 in Canada and #2 on Billboard in the US.

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Randy Rand, the founding bassist of 1980s rockers Autograph, has died, confirmed by the band in a social media post.

The statement read: "It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts to announce the unexpected passing of our cherished friend and founding member of Autograph, Randy Rand. At the time of death, Randy was surrounded by his beautiful and infinite love, Regina Rand and family."

The band was best known for 1984's pop metal anthem, "Turn Up the Radio" as well as "Blondes in Black Cars' and more.  

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