Darryl Pandy was a Chicago, IL area singer who has been credited for helping bring house music to a much wider audience. Known for his six-octave voice, Pandy sang lead on Farley Jackmaster Funk’s 1986 cover of Isaac Hayes’, “Love Can’t Turn Around,” the first house record to chart on the UK singles chart. When it was re-released in 1996, it again charted in the UK, making it one of the few singles to hit the Top 40 there twice. Farley and Pandy released other singles together as well, including “Free Man” and “He’s My Best Friend.” Pandy recorded numerous other records away from Pandy as well. Darryl Pandy passed away following a long illness on June 10, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Aaron-Carl Ragland was a respected house and electronic producer and DJ who began building a following in Detroit during the mid ’90s. Ragland was revered for his dynamic showmanship and for bringing the house, electronic and techno communities together. After several popular releases on respected techno labels like Soul City, he formed his own label, Wallshaker Music. Ragland recently canceled his European tour when he was hospitalized for abdominal pains and learned he was suffering from lymphoma. Aaron-Carl Ragland was 37 when he died of the disease on September 30, 2010.
DJ Randy Flash (Born Rendell Miller)
DOB Unknown – July 14, 2010
DJ Randy Flash was a pioneering turntablist from Philadelphia, PA. Following a 10 year career in a local record store, Flash went on to become one of the most respected house DJ’s of the city. Music makers like ?uestlove of the Roots and DJ Jazzy Jeff have been admirers of his work. While DJing at a a local event, 41-year-old DJ Randy Flash was shot and killed by an unknown assailant it what initially appeared to have been random shooting.
Louise Dean of Shiva was an up-and-coming British house music singer whose life was cut short by a hit-and-run driver on June 18, 1995. Shiva’s most popular song, “Freedom” reached #18 on the UK charts shortly after Dean’s death.
Ian Loveday (aka Eon)
September 22, 1954 – June 17, 2009
Eon was a pioneer in the genres of techno and house music. His 1992 Void Dweller album is considered one of the best. He is also known for the rave hit, “Spice” from 1990. He found his early audiences thanks to airplay on London’s pirate radio stations. Eon died of complications from pneumonia on June 17, 2009.