Died On This Date (May 7, 1998) Eddie Rabbitt / Country Superstar
themusicsover Eddie Rabbitt
November 27, 1941 – May 7, 1998
Eddie Rabbit was a prolific country singer songwriter who achieved much of his success during the ’70s and ’80s. Thanks to his hits, Rabbitt helped define what was considered “crossover” at the time, meaning that they appealed to both a country AND pop music fans. Rabbitt’s first hit came as a songwriter in 1969 when Elvis Presley scored a gold record with his “Kentucky Rain.” In 1974, Rabbitt signed to Elektra Records and proceeded to release a series of hits over the next ten years or so. In all, Rabbitt had 25 #1 country hits and eight Top 40 pop hits. His biggest were “I Love A Rainy Night,” “Step By Step,” and “Drivin’ My Life Away.” Eddie Rabbitt died of lung cancer at the age of 56.
What You Should Own
Ron Wilson was the original drummer for Southern California surf band, the Surfaris. It was Wilson’s pounding drum riff that opened “Wipe Out” and became the bench mark to which all drum riffs would forever be judged. Wilson died of a brain aneurysm on May 7, 1989.
LonPaul Ellrich was a much respected multi-instrumentalist and producer who added his skills to such notable Indianapolis acts as Sardina, the Mysteries of Life, June Panic, Some Girls, and the United States of Three. He was also part of Marmoset, one of the first acts to sign to the Secretly Canadian label. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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