Legendary Drummer Howard Grimes Dead at 80

Howard Grimes in the 1970s. 

Drummer Known as 'The Bulldog,' Recorded Iconic Tracks With Al Green, Ann Peebles and Others

One of the architects of Memphis soul music and the man responsible for the driving beats tying together some of the rhythms behind some of R&B’s greatest artists, Howard Grimes, is dead at 80.

Known affectionately as “The Bulldog” for his persistence and precision behind the drum kit, Grimes death of kidney failure at Memphis, Tennessee’s St. Francis Hospital Saturday (Feb. 12), was confirmed by publicist Nick Loss-Eaton, whose firm did the public relations campaign for the artist's 2021 autobiography “Timekeeper.”

“Heartbroken to confirm the passing of Memphis soul drum legend Howard Grimes (8/11/41-2/12/22),” wrote Loss-Eaton, “a true gentleman and my favorite drummer ever.”

Heartbroken to confirm the passing of Memphis soul drum legend Howard Grimes (8/11/41-2/12/22), a true gentleman and my favorite drummer ever.

I am grateful to have worked PR on his 2021 autobiography Timekeeper. For press who need info, footage, etc.: https://t.co/AVBQscJchw

— nick loss-eaton (@harmonicaboy) February 13, 2022

His bandmate in The Bo-Keys, Scott Bomar, also confirmed the death. Speaking to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, which reported the musician had been in and out of the hospital since January, Bomar said Grimes was at peace before he passed. “I think what Howard would want people to know about him was that his relationship with his creator, his spiritually, was the most important thing in his life. The second was Memphis music,” Bomar said.

Born in Memphis in 1941, Grimes career as a drummer touched seven decades. As a member of the renowned Hi Rhythm Section — essentially an all-star house band for some of the greatest soul acts of the 1970s for Memphis’ Hi Records — he set the pace for albums by Al Green, Ann Peebles and Rufus Thomas amongst others.

Megan Thee Stallion Launches Charity Honoring Parents to Celebrate 27th Birthday

Hip-hop diva, Popeyes Franchisee and recent college graduate Megan Thee Stallion celebrated her 27th
birthday Tuesday with a gift to underserved communities across the globe.

The Houston native launched the Pete and Thomas Foundation in her hometown, a non-profit organization supporting charitable programs in the city and beyond. It honors the memory of its namesake's, her father, Joseph Pete Jr., and her mother, Holly Thomas.

“In celebration of my birthday, I’m honored to introduce the Pete and Thomas Foundation. @PeteThomasFDN is a non-profit organization focused on uplifting and assisting women, children, senior citizens and underserved communities in Houston, Texas and across the world,” she wrote in an Instagram post announcing the endeavor.

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The "Savage" rapper added in a press release, "Launching the Pete and Thomas Foundation is easily one of the most significant endeavors that I'll ever be part of in my career. My family raised me to help others and give back, so I'm incredibly proud to be in a position to accomplish that goal. I have a responsibility to use my platform to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who may not have access to resources and support services."

According to its website the organization will focus on awarding scholarships and student resources, addressing housing issues for senior citizens, single mothers and families in need, and providing health and wellness care.

"Fast and Furious' Franchise Star, Tyrese Gibson, Loses Mother to Covid-19 Complications

@tyrese/ Instagram

While others were celebrating the loves of their life this past Valentine’s Day, actor Tyrese Gibson took to Instagram to share the loss of one of his with the world.

In a solemn video posted on the site, the 43-year-old “Fast and Furious” movie franchise star mourned the loss of his mother Priscilla Murray, who died on Monday after being hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia the previous week.

"On behalf of my family and everyone who ever spent anytime praying for my mother, this is the saddest moment of my life," Gibson captioned the clip. "My sweet Valentine just passed away."

The video features the actor holding his unresponsive mother’s hand.

"Rest in peace mom," he says with tears in his voice. "You fought, mom. You fought. Oh my god, I'm so sorry this happened, mom, Jesus."

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Gibson added, "I'm gonna hold your hand for the rest of my life, OK? Everywhere I go, I'm gonna hold your hand the way you held my hand when I was a kid."

The heartbreaking scene was the end of a sad and short saga that begin on Feb. 7 when Gibson shared that his mother was hospitalized and asked his fans to pray for her.

"My mother is in a coma, in ICU, with Pneumonia and she caught Covid they got her so sedated she can't breathe or even eat on her own," he explained in an Instagram post. "This has been going on all week I haven't posted [I'm doing it this time cause I feel helpless this is my cry for help."

"Please guys praise you pray and even write out the prayers in the comments so that me and my family can read and be encouraged," Gibson said. "I feel helpless and need my prayer warriors to cover my mother please please keep her father God she's got so much more to do…"

Despite being clearly deep in mourning Gibson expressed thanks to jazz artist Kenny G. The legendary saxophonist played "Forever in Love" during an Instagram Live for Gibson and his mom while in the hospital.

"Dear @kennyg I will never ever forget what you did for our beloved mother you sent her into the heavens with the perfect melody………." he wrote. "I am going to watch this clip over and over and remember that you sent her into the heavens on the sweetest Melodies…."

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