Johnny Adams; Blues, Ballad, Jazz Singer

Johnny Adams, 67, a blues and ballad singer who crossed over from vaudeville-like comedy to gospel music and jazz. A member of the gospel group Soul Revivers in the 1950s in his native New Orleans, he was known for versions of “Precious Lord” and “I Won’t Cry” (released originally as “Oh Why”). He worked in relative obscurity until 1983, when he recorded a nine-album series for Rounder Records that featured contemporary blues coupled with jazz standards. As a result of the albums, he came into favor with international audiences as well as U.S. blues and jazz fans. In Baton Rouge, La., on Monday of cancer.

Barrett Deems; Drummer for Many Jazz Greats

Barrett Deems, 83, a drummer for Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman, among other jazz greats. Deems, known in jazz circles as the Great Deemus, started drumming professionally at age 15. Highlights of his nearly 70-year career included keeping time for the likes of musicians Joe Venuti, Jimmy Dorsey, Buck Clayton, Roy Eldridge, Muggsy Spanier, Jack Teagarden, Art Hodes and Benny Carter. In Chicago on Tuesday.

Peter Phillips; Princess Anne’s Former Father-in-Law

Peter Phillips, 78, former father-in-law of Princess Anne of Britain. Phillips was thrust into the limelight in 1973 when his son, Mark, married Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter. The couple divorced in 1992 and the princess married Capt. Timothy Laurence. After serving in World War II, Peter Phillips ran his family’s farm for about 10 years, then joined the Walls Meat Co., suppliers of sausages to the royal family. He retired in 1975. In London on Saturday.