Died On This Date (May 18, 1980) Ian Curtis / Joy Division

Ian Curtis
July 15, 1956 – May 18, 1980

Ian Curtis was the troubled singer and main songwriter for the Manchester rock band, Joy Division. Even as a young boy, Curtis showed signs of being a gifted writer, and by his late teens, he was turning his focus on becoming a rock performer. By 1978 he was fronting Joy Division. His lyrics were dark, sad and intensely hopeless. On stage, Curtis, who was epileptic, would mimic those fits while dancing. Unless of course he was having an actual seizure on stage. Fans sometimes didn’t know the difference. On May 18, 1980, two weeks after what would be Joy Division’s final show, Ian Curtis hanged himself in his kitchen. Some have speculated that the drugs he took for epilepsy and the exhaustive touring may have contributed to his desire to take his life. Others claim it was his disappointment over his failed marriage. Following the death of Curtis, the other members of Joy Division went on to form New Order.

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Died On This Date (May 18, 1985) Pee Wee Crayton / Texas Blues Great

Connie “Pee Wee” Crayton
December 18, 1914 – May 18, 1985

Pee Wee Crayton was a brilliant Texas blues guitarist stylistically similar to T-Bone Walker but a bit more soul leaning. One of his first recordings landed at the top of the Billboard R&B charts in 1948. Crayton continued to record and tour well into the ’70s. In recent years, Morgana Kennedy at Vanguard Records exposed Crayton’s music to new fans around the world.  He died of a heart attack on May 18, 1985.

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Died On This Date (May 18, 1999) Augustus Pablo / Reggae Great

Augustus Pablo (Born Horace Swaby)
June 21, 1953 – May 18, 1999

Augustus Pablo was a popular reggae musician and producer who was unique in that his instrument of choice was the melodica, or “blow-organ,” which was up until the late ’60s, primarily used to teach music to school children.  Pablo began making records in 1971, with one of his earliest, “East Of The River Nile,” being a minor hit.    By the end of the decade, he released numerous hits and collaborated with the likes of Bob Marley, Horace Andy, King Tubby, and Hugh Mundell.   Throughout the last two decades of his life, Pablo recorded less, but produced more hits by the likes of Junior Delgado.  He also continued to be a popular concert draw around the world.  Augustus Pablo was 44 years old when he passed away on May 18, 1999.  He died as the result of a collapsed lung brought on by a nerve disorder he had suffered from for quite some time.

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Died On This Date (May 18, 2004) Elvin Jones / Respected Jazz Drummer

Elvin Jones
September 9, 1927 – May 18, 2004

Elvin Jones was a jazz drummer who found his fame during the post bop era.  Over the course of his illustrious career, Jones played with just jazz luminaries as Charles Mingus, Miles Davis and John Coltrane with whom he played for six years during the ’60s.  He can be heard on Coltrane’s landmark album, A Love Supreme.  He also played behind several of his own groups over the years.  J0nes’ style was highly influential on rock drummers – Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker have cited him as a direct influence.  He was also a tireless educator, often taking part in drum clinics and free performances at prisons.  Elvin Jones died of heart failure on May 18, 2004.

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It Don't Mean a Thing... - Elvin Jones

Died On This Date (May 18, 2009) Dolla / Popular Atlanta Rapper

Dolla (Born Roderick Burton II)
November 25, 1987 – May 18, 2009

DollaDolla was an up-and-coming Atlanta based rapper who was signed to Akon’s Kovict Muzik label in 2007.   He has released a handful of popular hip hop singles since his signing.  Songs to his credit include “Who The Fuck Is That?” (with T-Pain and Tay Dizm), “Make A Toast,” and “Feelin’ Myself” from the Step Up soundtrack.  Dolla was also a member of rap group, Da Razkalz Cru.  He was allegedly shot and killed on May 18th, 2009 after an altercation outside the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.  He was just 21.  Police later arrested Aubrey Berry at Los Angeles International Airport, charging him with the murder of Dolla.