Died On This Date (April 19, 1997) Eldon “El Duce” Hoke / The Mentors
themusicsover Eldon “El Duce” Hoke
March 23, 1958 – April 19, 1997
Eldon Hoke was the drummer and lead singer of subversive band, the Mentors, a band that inhabited rock’s underworld alongside the Dwarves, G.G. Allin, and the Plasmatics. Some called it “shock rock,” others called , “rape rock.” Generally trying to shock their audiences, the Mentors sang of topics that were considered obscene by many while usually wearing executioners’ hoods. The Mentors’ “popularity” peaked in 1985 when during Tipper Gore’s PMRC hearings, the band’s “Golden Showers” was singled out, it’s lyrics read aloud. All that did was cause an outburst of laughter, prompting many to agree that the hearings were a joke. Following Kurt Cobain’s death on April 5, 1994, Hoke went on Jerry Springer’s show as well as to the National Enquirer claiming that Courtney Love offered him $50,000 to kill Cobain, a claim that was never proven. It has been reported that on April 17, 1997, Hoke went to a friend asking where to get a fake driver’s license. He allegedly told this friend that he was told who “killed Kurt Cobain” and was afraid for his life. Two days later, he was found dead after having been hit by a train.
What You Should Own
Guru was a popular rapper/MC who gained popularity during the early ’90s with Gang Starr. A duo formed with DJ Premier in 1987, Gang Starr signed with EMI Records who released their debut, No More Mr. Nice Guy, in 1989. The group’s effective used of New York swing jazz and hip hop endeared them to fans and critics alike. In 1993, Guru released the brilliant Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 album where he introduced a live jazz band into the hip hop arena. Guests on the album included Branford Marsalis, Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. Guru had been actively recording and performing up until the time of his death. On February 28, 2010, he suffered a heart attack which resulted in a coma that he eventually awoke from. On April 19th however, he died of cancer at the age of 43.
Earl Bolick was one of bluegrass’s senior class when he passed away in 1998. He and his brother 
At 71 in 2005, Rick Lewis was the last surviving member of doo wop group, the Silhouettes. Although credited to the entire group, Lewis was the songwriter of their huge hit, “Get A Job,” which by many accounts is the quintessential doo wop song. The group performed the song numerous times on American Bandstand, and it was later featured in movies such as American Graffiti and Stand By Me. Lewis died of multiple organ failure on April 19, 2005 at the age of 71.