Died On This Date (June 3, 2012) Bobby Durango / Rock City Angels
themusicsover Bobby Durango
DOB Unknown – June 3, 2012
Bobby Durango is perhaps best remembered as the lead singer of the ’80s hard rock band, Rock City Angels. Formed out of the ashes of a punk band called the Abusers – Durango performing as Bobby Bondage, Rock City Angels eventually morphed into a glam-by-way-of punk band that built a sizable following on their home turf of South Florida. By the late ’80s, they found themselves in Hollywood and Durango was going by Bobby St. Valentine. Numerous line up changes later, including a stint with pre-21 Jump Street Johnny Depp on guitar, the band caught the attention of Geffen Records who signed them to a lucrative deal. The band released their debut album, Young Man’s Blues in 1988 and subsequently toured with the likes of Joan Jett and the Georgia Satellites before focusing on their second album. Unfortunately for bands like Rock City Angels, it was the early ’90s and bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and their grunge brethren to the north, were starting to draw kids – and record labels – away from the hair and post-hair metal bands of the Sunset Strip, so Geffen dropped them before their new album came together. The band eventually broke up but reunited to record Use Once & Destroy in 2001. Durango continued on with the group, in one form or another, for the better part of the next decade and were reportedly working on a new album to be released in late 2012. But Bobby Durango passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Janiss Garza for the assist.
Jack Emerson was a longtime music executive who first made his mark on the industry as co-owner of Praxis International, an independent label and management company. During the company’s 14 years, Emerson helped guide the careers of such roots music luminaries as John Hiatt, the Georgia Satellites, and Webb Wilder. Later, Emerson joined forces with Steve Earle to launch E-Squared Records who put out releases by the V-Roys, Steve Earle & the Del McCoury Band, and others. Emerson ultimately ran Jack of Heart Recordings. He also helped form the Americana Music Association. Jack Emerson passed away on November 22, 2003 following a courageous battle with lung and respiratory problems. He was 43