Toby Myers, John Sykes, David W. Duclon, and Melba Montgomery Dies

Several artists passed away in January 2025. They include the bassist for John Mellencamp, a British rock guitarist celebrated for his contributions to bands such as Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, a television writer and producer famous for a multitude of sitcoms, including Punky Brewster, and a country music singer who performed duets with George Jones, Gene Pitney, and Charlie Louvin.

Jeffrey Glenn “Toby” Myers was an American musician renowned for his role as the bassist for John Mellencamp and the band Roadmaster. Born September 26, 1949, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Myers developed an interest in music during his youth, practicing bass in a music shop adjacent to where his mother did the family’s laundry. Before fully committing to his musical career, he attended the John Herron School of Art from 1968 to 1971. In 1971, he joined Pure Funk, a local band that later evolved into Roadmaster,

achieving regional success and recording four albums under Village/Mercury Records. Following Roadmaster’s dissolution, Myers joined John Mellencamp’s band in 1982, making his debut performance on “Saturday Night Live” on April 10 of that year. He contributed to several of Mellencamp’s albums,

including the 1983 release “Uh-Huh,” and was part of a lineup that Rolling Stone magazine described in 1988 as “one of the most powerful and versatile live bands ever assembled.” Myers also appeared as “Luke” in the 1992 film “Falling from Grace,” directed by Mellencamp. Myers toured and recorded with John Mellencamp from 1982 to 1999.

His final show with John was the sold-out New Year’s Eve show in Indianapolis. Myers resided in Nashville, Indiana, a town in Washington Township, Brown County, until his death on Thursday, January 16, 2025, following a battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.

John James Sykes (July 29, 1959 – January 20, 2025) was a British rock guitarist celebrated for his contributions to bands such as Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, and Whitesnake. Born in Reading, Berkshire, England, Sykes developed a passion for music early on, inspired by guitarists like Jimmy Page and Ritchie Blackmore. He began his professional career with Tygers of Pan Tang in 1980, contributing to their albums “Spellbound” and “Crazy Nights.”

In 1982, Sykes joined Thin Lizzy, playing a pivotal role in their final studio album, “Thunder and Lightning.” Following Thin Lizzy’s disbandment, he joined Whitesnake, co-writing and performing on their successful 1987 self-titled album, which featured hits like “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love.”

Despite the album’s success, Sykes departed from Whitesnake due to tensions with frontman David Coverdale. He then formed the hard rock group Blue Murder, releasing two albums, and later pursued a solo career, producing four studio albums. Sykes was known for his exceptional musical talent and charismatic personality. He passed away on January 20, 2025, at the age of 65, after a battle with cancer, and is survived by his three sons.

Warren David Duclon was an American television writer and producer renowned for creating and developing notable series such as “Punky Brewster,” “Silver Spoons,” and “Family Matters.” Born in Rockford, Illinois, April 27, 1950,

Duclon began his television career in the 1970s, contributing as a writer to iconic shows like “The Odd Couple,” “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley,” and “The Jeffersons.” He earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Children’s Program in 1985 and 1986 for his work on “Punky Brewster.” Duclon was married to his high school sweetheart, with whom he had two children. He passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Franklin, Tennessee, at the age of 74.