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Barbara Dane

May 11, 1927 - Oct 19, 2024

Oakland, CA

A Champion of Revolutionary Causes and Singer – Barbara Dane, passed away at 97. Barbara Dane, a blues, folk, and jazz music giant who relentlessly championed social justice movements from around the globe, died of heart failure in her home in Oakland on October 20. Admired for her rich voice, Barbara was renowned not only for singing along with Muddy Waters and Louis Armstrong but also for founding Paredon Records with her husband – an activist and music scholar. Irwin Silber. From 1970 to 1985, the label produced over 50 albums that spoke about feminism, anti-imperialism, and racial justice. These albums provided a platform to activist artists from Palestine, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the United States, Greece, and a lot of other places. Their masterpiece is now archived in Smithsonian Folkways. What made Dane stand out was that rather than blindly following the conventional path to fame, she started her career as a teenager in the 1940s, singing at protests. The Detroit-born singer relocated to San Francisco and became a star of the local post-World War II blues and jazz scene. This move also helped in launching the careers of Sugar Pie DeSanto and Etta James. She made her debut as a recording artist with her 1957 album, “Trouble in Mind.” Being a white artist, she went against convention by touring with Black musicians, including Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon, during the segregation. In 1961, she started her own club in San Francisco’s North Beach, Sugar Hill. Later, in 1966, Dane became the first singer from the United States to perform in post-revolutionary Cuba. In the 1970s, she committed herself to performing at anti-Vietnam War rallies, and she released her album “I Hate the Capitalist System” in 1973. Because of her activism, Dane was among the many artists who were surveilled by the FBI. Interestingly, her FBI file later became a source material for her autobiography, “This Bell Still Rings: My Life of Defiance and Song (2022).” She is survived by her children Pablo Menendez, Nina Menendez, and Jesse Cahn, as well as grandson Osamu Menendez (all of whom are musicians) and three great-grandchildren.

Tyler Cunningham

Jan 10, 1970 - Jan 20, 1970

Oakland, CA

Tyler Cunningham Oakland, CA - Tyler Cunningham, age 29, passed away on May 18, 2024, in Oakland, CA. He was born on January 24, 1993, in East Galesburg, IL. Tyler was a beloved member of the community. Despite his young age, he touched the hearts of many with his infectious smile and joyful presence. Although his time with us was short, the impact he made on those around him will be remembered forever. Tyler's funeral service will be held at Cooper Chapel, located at 1580 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94601, on 5/21/24. Due to the wishes of the family there will only be a short celebration of life. In his brief time, Tyler brought immense joy to his family and loved ones. He is survived by his grieving family members who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him. As we mourn the loss of Tyler, let us remember the beauty of his spirit. May his innocent soul rest in eternal peace.