Music’s Aviation Tragedies: Marcel Dadi

Video screen grab
@FourWalls (77276)
United States
February 5, 2024 10:52am CST
Today’s point in the monthlong look at aviation disasters that took the lives of musicians brings us to the first commercial airliner on the list. Most of these tragedies occurred with smaller planes, but there are a few commercial plane crashes to discuss. A disaster you remember, and a name you probably don’t. Marcel Dadi This is also our first international entry on the list. Unless you’re an intense guitar geek you’ve probably never heard of Marcel Dadi. I can explain him very simply: he was France’s version of Chet Atkins. He imitated Atkins’ finger-picking style admirably. And that, in the long run, is what led to his death. In July 1996 Dadi was honored at the old Country Music Hall of Fame with a marker on their “walkway of stars.” He was in Nashville to attend the ceremony, then started on the way home to France. He was one of the 230 victims of TWA Flight 800 on July 17, 1996. For those who don’t remember, TWA Flight 800 exploded shortly after takeoff from JFK in New York City. Initial reports claimed it was terrorism (and that was nothing new: there were plane crashes caused by bombs in the 1960s), but the NTSB’s investigation ruled that it was a short circuit in wiring that caused a spark, igniting (and exploding) fuel. In addition to Dadi, jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter’s wife died in the crash. The sad post-script to this story is that, five years later, the new Country Music Hall of Fame opened in Nashville and the old one was torn down. The “walkway of stars,” the ceremony which Dadi had attended that caused him to be on the doomed flight, was dismantled and not re-installed at the new Hall of Fame. Marcel Dadi August 21, 1951 - July 17, 1996 (age 44) Place of crash: Atlantic Ocean near East Moriches, New York Commercial airline: TWA, flight 800, intended route New York - Paris - Rome Here’s Marcel Dadi playing guitar the “Chet” way:
Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later
6 people like this
5 responses
@LindaOHio (196441)
• United States
6 Feb 24
How tragic. I've never heard of him or his music. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (77276)
• United States
6 Feb 24
I was working at the Hall of Fame right before this happened, and John Knowles (longtime friend of Chet’s) was so excited for Marcel.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (359922)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Feb 24
I love this way of finger-picking, if that's what it is. It's a pity they didn't reinstall the walkway of stars. I wonder why that was.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (77276)
• United States
6 Feb 24
The daughter of someone honored on the old walkway said they promised they’d give the star to the family…and they never did. I’m with you…love the “Travis style” so much.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (95467)
• Arvada, Colorado
6 Feb 24
I had never heard of this guy Rest in Peace though. Nor the song.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (77276)
• United States
6 Feb 24
Not surprised. That’s one of the reasons I do these.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (87546)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Feb 24
Marcel whoosie? Nope never heard about this one, Sorry he went so young,
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (77276)
• United States
6 Feb 24
Not surprised that you hadn’t heard of him. Deep geekdom here.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (123979)
• United States
5 Feb 24
Nope
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (77276)
• United States
5 Feb 24
Are you SURE??
1 person likes this