The renowned soul and jazz guitarist Melvin Sparks died recently. Best known for his work with the Upsetters who backed the likes of Little Richard, Marvin Gaye, and Curtis Mayfield.

Sparks died in New York at the age of 64. He had been battling diabetes and high blood pressure for years.

The loss of Jet Harris will also be felt amongst British Pop enthusiasts. Harris, 71, died last friday after a long fought battle with cancer. He is best known for his work with 60s pop band Shadows. He produced a hit in 1960 when Shadow released a massive instrumental crossover single known as “Apache”.

Harris went solo after a few more years with the band then continued on with a solo career. Harris’s solo work was substantial and he made records up to his last one in 2007 called Jet Harris – The Journey.