Died On This Date (April 10, 2013) Tim Carr / Former A&R Executive at Capitol, Dreamworks & Geffen

Tim Carr
DOB Unknown – April 10, 2013

tim-carrTim Carr was a songwriter, producer, and A&R executive who made perhaps his biggest mark on the music business while at Capitol, Dreamworks and Geffen Records.  While at Capitol, Carr was instrumental in signing such bands as the Beastie Boys and Megadeth to the label.  Throughout his career he also worked with such acts as Lush, Babes In Toyland, David Byrne, and Information Society.  Prior to his record company work, Carr, who was living in Minneapolis, wrote music reviews for the local press and put on a local music festival.  During the early 2000s, he moved to Thailand where he was worked with local rock singer, Sek Loso.  He was also working on a music documentary.  According to various sources, Carr’s body was discovered in his home by his landlord with at least one apparently fatal stab wound to the chest.  Other circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately released.  Tim Carr was 57 when he passed away.

Thanks to Benjie Gordon of The Hair Up There for the assist.



Died On This Date (June 30, 2012) Yomo Toro / Popular Puerto Rican Musician

Yomo Toro (Born Victor Touro)
July 26, 1933 – June 30, 2012

Yomo Toro was a beloved Puerto Rican musician whose prowess with the cuatro – a mandolin-type of stringed instrument – helped define the New York City Latin music scene of the ’50s and ’60s.  Toro was just six when he picked up the instrument, and by 15 he was already fronting his own band.  He commuted between Puerto Rico and New York City beginning in 1953, and ultimately moved there in 1957.  During the ’70s, he recorded with and traveled the world as part of the legendary Salsa group, the Fania All-Stars. Fania Records is considered the finest Salsa label the world has ever known.  During the ’60s and ’70s, Toro hosted his own local television program, The Yomo Toro Show. Over the course of his career, he released over 20 albums and appeared on more than 150 others.  He recorded with the likes of Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, David Byrne, Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, and Linda Ronstadt.   Yomo Toro was 78 when he died of kidney failure on June 30, 2012.



Died On This Date (April 20, 2011) Gerard Smith / Bassist For TV On The Radio

Gerard Smith
DOB Unknown – April 20, 2011

Gerard Smith was the bassist for New York City art rock band, TV on the Radio.  Formed in 2001, the band was both a critical and fan favorite – SPIN magazine chose their Return To Cookie Mountain as the Album of the Year for 2006.  Fans of the band include David Bowie, David Byrne and Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) who have all appeared on their records.  In March of 2011, the band announced that Smith was suffering from lung cancer, and on April 20, 2011, he died from the disease.  He was 36.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at number1albums for the assist.

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Return to Cookie Mountain - TV On the Radio

Died On This Date (August 13, 2010) Esteban “Steve” Jordan / Acclaimed Tejano Musician

Esteban Jordan
February 23, 1939 – August 13, 2010

Known as the “Jimi Hendrix of the accordion,” Esteban Jordan was also remarkably adept at over 30 other instruments.  While the traditional rhythms of Norteño stayed close to his heart, he often stretched his own boundaries by dabbling in zydeco, rock, jazz, country and mambo.  Jordan was nominated for a Grammy in 1986 and could be heard on Cheech Marin’s popular single, “Born In East L.A.”  Throughout his career he’s performed with Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, and David Byrne, to name just a few.  Esteban Jordan was 71 when, on August 13, 2010, he died as a result of liver cancer.

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Esteban