Died On This Date (April 20, 2010) Hutch Carlock / Music Retail & Wholesale Pioneer

Elbert “Hutch” Carlock
DOB Unknown – April 20, 2010

Hutch Carlock was a longtime music wholesaler and retailer based in Nashville, Tennessee.  In 1953, Carlock invested $500 to start Music City Record Distributors which eventually became one of the largest music and video wholesalers in United States.   In those early years, he distributed such labels as Atlantic and Mercury, but when the labels evolved into their own distribution companies during the ’70s, MCRD became a wholesaler.  In 1974, Carlock opened the first Cat’s Music store which would become one of the most successful music and video chains in Tennessee with upwards of 30 stores.  Carlock was all but retired from the business by the early ’90s, with his sons taking over the company.  Most of the stores have since closed due to the downturn in music retail.  Hutch Carlock was 86 when he died of heart failure on April 20, 2010.



Died On This Date (April 19, 1997) Eldon “El Duce” Hoke / The Mentors

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.

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The Mentors

Died On This Date (April 19, 2010) Guru / Gang Starr; Jazzmatazz

Guru (Born Keith Elam)
July 17, 1966 – April 19, 2010

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.

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Jazzmatazz, Vol.1 - Guru

Died On This Date (April 19, 1998) Earl Bolick / Bluegrass’ Blue Sky Boys

Earl Bolick
November 16, 1919 – April 19, 1998

Earl Bolick was one of bluegrass’s senior class when he passed away in 1998. He and his brother Bill Bolick made up the Blue Sky Boys who began making records for RCA Records in the mid-1930s. They recorded several dozen songs for RCA over the next three decades and found considerable success along the so-called hillbilly circuit. They basically retired in the mid 50s partially due to their dislike to what was happening to country music (i.e.; the electric guitar), but came out of retirement a couple of times in the 60s then the 70s (most recently on Rounder Records) to make a few more albums. Bill Bolick passed away on March 13, 2008.

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Blue Sky Boys

Died On This Date (April 19, 2005) Bryan Ottoson / American Head Charge

Bryan Ottoson
1978  – April 19, 2005

bryan-ottosonMember of the 27 Club

Bryan Ottoson was a  guitarist for Minneapolis hard rock band, American Head Charge.  Their music is generally categorized as “industrial metal.”  By 2000, the band had moved to Los Angeles and signed to Rick Rubin’s American Recordings.  Rubin produced their debut.   The next few years found the band’s fan base quickly growing, sharing tours with the likes of Slipknot, Ministry, and Mudvayne.   On April 19, 2005, Ottoson’s lifeless body was found in his tour bus bunk prior to a show in South Carolina.  Officials determined that he had overdosed on prescription medicine.  It appears to have been accidental.

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The War of Art - American Head Charge