I have the 1956 Red Norvo Vibe-rations LP. The notes on the back of the cover say:
"In memoriam- Bill Dillard, one of the great new jazz stars, and guitarist on these sessions, lost his life shortly after these recordings were made. The tragedy thus deprived the jazz world of his genius less that a decade after his idol, Charlie Christian, passed into the great beyond. These sides were Bill's last known recordings."
Since Charlie died in 1942 the "less than a decade" is not quite correct but who cares?
Does anyone know how Bill Dillard lost his life?