Jazz, doo-woop, R'n'B and Rock'n'Roll music producer John Dolphin, aka Lovin John and The Toast of the Coast, is murdered aged 55 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Dolphin is murdered behind the desk of his office in Hollywood by frustrated singer and shipping clerk Percy Ivy. His murder is witnessed by young musicians Bruce Johnston, Sandy Nelson and Dave Shostac, who were trying to get Dolphin interested in their music.
In a long career, Dolphin worked with, among others,
Sam Cooke, Jesse Belvin,
Charles Mingus, Pee Wee Crayton, Major Lance, Scatman Crothers, Harry Caesar, Tony Allen, Gene Forrest , Percy Mayfield,
Damita Jo, Marvin Phillips, Jesse Belvin,
Illinois Jacquet and Linda Hayes. He was also a political activist, organising campaigns against racial intimidation in the music business.