Joe Beck worked with Gloria Gaynor and Esther Phillips, among many others. Check out his credits at allmusic.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/ar...ref=obituaries

also

Yesterday, it was reported that Michael Berniker had passed. He was responsible for signing Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band. In fact, he is listed as being one of the cast of "characters". He also was very popular with Broadway cast recordings.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/ar...ref=obituaries

R.I.P. Gentlemen. And thank you for the music.