Rockers We’ve Lost in 2012: Michael Dunford of Renaissance

Guitarist and songwriter for Renaissance, Michael Dunford died on Nov. 20 after suffering an Instantaneous Cerebral Hemorrhage. Renaissance created a melodic brand of progressive folk rock. Though never a huge-selling band, they commanded respect over their long career with vocalist Annie Haslam's incredible voice setting them apart. During the British Invasion, Dunford was a member of the Nashville Teens, a great beat group who scored a hit with their version of 'Tobacco Road.'

Renaissance was formed in 1969 by former Yardbirds members Jim McCarty and Keith Relf and carried on in various incarnations right up to the present. One of the band's longest running members and the guiding light behind their most well-known material, Dunford had recently assembled a new lineup of Renassance that included Haslam.