advertisement
Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
advertisement
Popular
Latest News
advertisement
BILLBOARD CANADA FYI
A weekly briefing on what matters in the music industry
By signing up you agree to Billboard Canada’s privacy policy.
advertisement
advertisement
Alice Tsui
Mark Hiscock
FYI
Obituaries: Newfoundland Folk Artist Mark Hiscock, Country Music Trailblazer Johnny Rodriguez
This week we also acknowledge the passing of The Ponys drummer Nathan Jerde, English multi-instrumentalist and composer Jack Lancaster and noted Australian rock drummer James Baker.
1h
Norman Mark Hiscock, an accordionist, vocalist and songwriter and a towering figure on the Newfoundland folk music scene as a member of Shanneyganock, died suddenly on May 6, at age 53.
A CBC obituary notes that "a lifelong musician based out of St. John's, Hiscock was a mainstay of Newfoundland and Labrador's musical landscape, and was a founding member of the well-known folk band Shanneyganock — known for tunes steeped in the province's long history of storytelling."
"The band, which was formed more than 30 years ago as a musical duo alongside Chris Andrews, developed a strong following and regularly performed across Canada."
advertisement
VOCM News reports that "Hiscock was a driving force in preserving and sharing traditional Newfoundland music, captivating audiences across the province and beyond. His musical journey began early, performing in pubs and community halls throughout his youth. A chance double-booking at Erin’s Pub in the mid-1990s sparked a collaboration between Hiscock and Chris Andrews, leading to the formation of Shanneyganock. Over the next three decades, the band released multiple albums, earned numerous awards, and most recently received the MusicNL Lifetime Achievement Award."
The group recorded prolifically, releasing 15 albums, including Christmas and live records.
In 2020, Shanneyganock also received a lifetime achievement award during an ECMA gala. Chris Andrews told CBC that "We always used to laugh because we got a lifetime achievement award from the ECMAs, a lifetime achievement award from MusicNL. And we'd laugh and say, you know, 'What do you mean lifetime? We're only in our 50s, we got lots of music left to make.' Now, I couldn't be more happier that Mark got to get those things and see the appreciation."
Last week, the group was scheduled to perform at the 37th annual East Coast Music Awards on May 8 at the Mary Brown's Centre in St. John's, and that performance went ahead, dedicated to Hiscock.
advertisement
At the ECMAs over the weekend, tributes to Hiscock flowed freely.
Chris Andrews told CBC that "Mark was a very kind, gentle person. He liked everybody. He loved music, he loved Newfoundland. He loved the accordion and music, and he loved his life and his family and his wife. You know, [he] was a happy man, and it's just so sad at this great stage of his life, he was taken away."
In a statement, The East Cast Music Association noted that "Our music community is feeling the weight of the profound loss with the passing of Mark Hiscock, a beloved musician and founding member of the iconic musical group, Shanneyganock.
"For more than three decades, Mark championed the music and traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador, taking its stories and spirit to stages near and far. As a dynamic performer, thoughtful songwriter, and proud representative of Newfoundland culture, his influence will echo for years to come. Alongside Chris Andrews, Mark helped launch Shanneyganock, creating a distinctive sound that fused the high energy of kitchen parties with the heartfelt storytelling of traditional ballads.
"Their music resonated deeply, striking a chord with audiences across Canada and beyond. Their contributions to East Coast music were honoured with the ECMA Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, followed by a similar recognition from MusicNL in 2024."
advertisement
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Mark’s family, bandmates, friends, and the countless fans across the country feeling his loss. Though he may be gone, his voice will carry on through the music he created — echoing in every melody, and remembered in every heart it touched."
The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society posted this tribute: "Our music community is mourning the loss of Mark Hiscock, a beloved accordionist, singer, and founding member of Shanneyganock.
advertisement
"Born and raised in St. John's, Mark's musical journey began in his youth, deeply rooted in the province's rich folk traditions. His passion for traditional Newfoundland music led him to co-found Shanneyganock in the early 1990s. The band became a staple in the province's music scene, known for their energetic performances and heartfelt renditions of traditional songs.
"Mark's talent extended beyond performance; he was a gifted songwriter and storyteller, weaving tales of Newfoundland's history and culture into his music. His contributions played a significant role in preserving and promoting the province's musical heritage.
"Beyond the stage, Mark was a mentor to many aspiring musicians, always willing to share his knowledge and passion for music. His warm personality and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact on all who knew him."
Fellow East Coast traditional folk favourites The Irish Descendants posted a Facebook tribute that reads, in part: "Shanneyganock have delighted audiences from coast to coast with their unique brand of Irish Newfoundland folk music.
"Mark, who played many instruments, was a master accordion player, powerful singer and an all round generous man who has left a musical legacy that will forever be etched on the hearts and minds of all who ever heard him play.
"Our hearts are sore with sorrow and we want to pass on our sincere condolences to his family, band mates and his beloved wife Kelly who he truly adored. There is a band in heaven who just picked up a gem. This place won’t be quite the same without him. RIP Mark Hiscock."
His official obituary noted that "Mark was a gentle, kind, charitable man. Mark loved his family, friends and valued them the highest of all. From the sea to the stage, Mark touched many different people from all over the world. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten. He will be remembered as Mark the family man, entertainer, captain, ambassador for Newfoundland and Labrador. Mark was a genuinely kind and compassionate man."
advertisement
Donations in Hiscock's memory can be made to Easter Seals.
A celebration of Hiscock's life will take place on Monday, May 12 at 11a.m. from Saint Mary The Virgin Anglican Church. The service will be livestreamed. Info here.
International
Johnny (Juan) Rodriguez, a trailblazing Hispanic figure in country music, died on May 9, at the age of 73.
His daughter, Aubry Rodriguez, confirmed her father’s passing in a heartfelt social media post. The late Mexican-American singer had entered hospice care earlier in the week, according to Saving Country Music.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez, who left us peacefully on May 9th, surrounded by family,” Aubry wrote on Instagram. “Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the world, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humor, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.”
advertisement
ABillboard obituary reports that "Born Juan Rodriguez in Sabinal, Texas, Rodriguez was discovered at 18 by music promoter Happy Shahan after he was heard singing in a jail cell, where he was briefly held for a minor offense, according to a Ken Burns biography on PBS.org.
"Rodriguez’s musical influences ranged from mariachi to honky-tonk, shaped by his South Texas upbringing. 'I was drawn to country music because I could relate more to what they were singing about,' he told Burns. 'And also it was just like the music of our people. In Mexican music, you have stories. Mexican music and country music said almost the same thing, just in different languages,' he said."
Initially performing under the name Johnny Rogers, Rodriguez soon caught the attention of country stars Bobby Bare and Tom T. Hall. At 21, he moved to Nashville, changed his last name back to Rodriguez, joined Hall’s band as a guitarist, and later signed with Mercury Records.
His debut album, Introducing Johnny Rodriguez, reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart in May 1973 and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. He had six No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart: “You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me),” “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “I Just Can’t Get Her Out Out of My Mind,” “Just Get Up and Close the Door” and “Love Put a Song in My Heart.”
Rodriguez won an ACM Award for Most Promising Male Vocalist in 1973 and was nominated for Single of the Year for his breakthrough hit, “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through). The following year, he was nominated for Top Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the year (in addition to Album of the Year).
At the CMA Awards, Rodriguez was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year in 1973 and Album of the Year in 1994 as one of many artists on Asleep at the Wheel’s Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.
In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Canadian country music authority Larry Delaney (Cancountry) informed Billboard Canada that "Johnny Rodriguez recordings included several songs written by Canadian songwriters, most notably the Paul Anka song 'My Way,' the Gordon Lightfoot classic 'If You Could Read My Mind' and the Don Devaney ballad, 'Someone Loves You Honey.'"
Johnny Rodriguez is pictured here at the January,1990 taping in Ottawa of the TV series "Ronnie 'n The Browns"
James Baker, a rock drummer who co-founded The Hoodoo Gurus and played with other notable Australian bands, died on May 6, at age 71, of cancer.
Noise11.com reports that "Baker formed The Victims with Dave Faulkner in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1977. Together they co-wrote The Victims ‘Television Addict’. Baker joined The Invaders in 1978 with Kim Salmon as they were renamed The Scientists.
In 1981, he formed Le Hoodoo Gurus in Sydney with Dave Faulkner, Roddy Radalj of The Scientists and Kimble Rendall of XL Capris. Rendall died in April 2025 at age 67. Baker was the drummer on Hoodoo Gurus debut album Stoneage Romeos but was sacked soon after by the band."
In 1983, Baker helped form Beasts of Bourbon (featuring Tex Perkins) and recorded three albums with them: The Axeman’s Jazz (1984), Sour Mash (1988) and Black Milk (1990). His next group was The Dubrovniks but in 1995 Baker returned to Perth. There he played in Perth bands Rockin’ Hendy (since 2000) and The Painkillers (since 2005).
He was inducted into the Western Australian Hall of Fame in 2006.
Nathan Jerde, the drummer of Chicago indie-rock outfit The Ponys, has passed away at age 50. A cause of death has not been reported.
News of Jerde’s passing was confirmed by the band on social media on May 5. “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we let you know our friend, our band mate, and our brother left this world today,” The Ponys wrote.
“Nathan was an amazing drummer and possessed savant like art skills. Nathan loved goofing around, and had the sweetest of hearts. We traveled the world together. We ate amazing meals together and we met lifelong friends together. We fought like brothers sometimes, but we had so much f–king fun together. Nathan, we will miss you so much!”
Billboard reports that "The Ponys were formed in Chicago in 2001 by vocalist and guitarist Jered Gunmere, who had previously performed with The Defilers and The Guilty Pleasures. Joined by girlfriend (and later, wife) Melissa Elias on bassist, the lineup was rounded out by Jerde, who was previously the drummer for The Mushuganas, and Ian Adams, who also comprised one half of Chicago duo Happy Supply, on guitar and keys.
The band released their debut album Laced with Romance in 2004 via In the Red, before teaming up with veteran producer Steve Albini, to record their follow-up, 2005’s Celebration Castle. The group would sign to Matador for their third album, with 2007’s Turn the Lights Out reaching No. 39 on the Heatseekers Albums chart that same year.
The band would split in 2007, with members focusing on other projects. Jerde founded the group Mother of Tears and also joined Tyler Jon Tyler as bassist, before The Ponys regrouped for a series of shows throughout 2009 and 2010.
Jerde continued working in the music industry, focusing on the artwork for bands such as Outer Minds, Mannequin Men, and Choke Chains in the ensuing years. The Ponys would reunite again in 2016 for a series of shows, though had not played live since the following year.
Jack Lancaster, a British composer, record producer and woodwind player best known for his work in Blodwyn Pig and his solo records, died on May 4. His age and cause of death have not been reported.
In the late 1960s, Lancaster co-founded the British rock group Blodwyn Pig with Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams. They released nine albums, including live and best of collections, with the most acclaimed behing their debut, 1969's A Head Rings Out.
A decade later he was a member of the British progressive rock group Aviator, appearing only on the band's debut album.
In between these high-profile projects, Lancaster collaborated with keyboardist Robin Lumley in the studio band The Soul Searchers with a line-up that included guitarists Gary Moore and John Goodsall, bassist Percy Jones, and drummer Bill Bruford. This group released one 7" single in 1975 for EMI Records.
Lancaster performed on two jazz fusion records with Lumley released by RSO Records in the mid-1970s. The first was The Rock Peter and the Wolf (1975), a rock version of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, and the second was Marscape (1976).
In 1980, Lancaster released a solo album on the Kamera Records label titled Skinningrove Bay that included Rod Argent, Clive Bunker, Phil Collins, Robin Lumley, Gary Moore, John G. Perry, Mick Rogers, Rick van der Linden and Bernie Frost.
Since then he performed live on tour, composed for television and film, performed as a session musician and has produced, written and arranged recording sessions with artists including Gary Moore, Phil Collins, Rod Argent, Anthony Phillips, Hans Zimmer, Stéphane Grappelli, Brian Eno, Vangelis and Rick van der Linden. His final solo album was 2016: Carnival of the Animals.
Lancaster was a genuine multi-instrumentalist, skilled on all the saxes, flutes, clarinet, violin, keyboards and percussion.
keep readingShow less
advertisement
Popular
advertisement
Published by ARTSHOUSE MEDIA GROUP (AMG) under license from Billboard Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation.
advertisement