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Dee MurrayEnglish bass player
Date of Birth: 03.04.1946
Country:  Great Britain |
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Biography of Dee Murray
Dee Murray, whose real name was David Murray Oates, was born in 1946 in Southgate, London. He began his career as a bass guitarist in the late 1960s as a member of the Spencer Davis Group along with drummer Nigel Olsson.
Joining Elton John
Murray and Olsson later joined Elton John as his touring sidemen. In 1970, both Murray and Olsson participated in the recording of Elton John's album 'Tumbleweed Connection'. Murray gained his main recognition as a bass guitarist through his association with Elton John. However, in 1975, after the recording of Elton John's album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy', Murray and Olsson were fired by Elton. Elton John explained that he wanted to achieve a new sound.
Career Highlights
After his departure from Elton John, Murray briefly joined Procol Harum in 1977, and his bass can be heard on their album 'Something Magic'. It is also known that in 1978-79, Murray worked with the legendary Alice Cooper. Murray reunited with Elton John in 1980 and accompanied him on European tours for the next four years. Their collaboration concluded with the album 'Reg Strikes Back'. After his second departure from Elton John, Murray and Olsson returned to the American country music scene and worked as session musicians.
Illness and Death
Unfortunately, Murray was diagnosed with skin cancer and had to battle the disease for several years. Despite his efforts, he was unable to overcome it. In 1992, during his cancer treatment, Murray suffered a severe stroke and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. However, doctors were unable to help him. Dee Murray passed away on January 15, 1992, at the age of 45. In memory of their friendship, Elton John held two solo concerts in Nashville, Tennessee in March 1992, with the proceeds going to Murray's family. Reflecting on Murray, Elton John admitted, "He left a huge void in my life".
Legacy
Dee Murray is survived by his wife Maria and their two children, as well as a daughter from a previous marriage.
