Died On This Date (May 21, 1990) Morris Levy / Owned Roulette Records

Moishe “Morris” Levy
August 27, 1927 – May 21, 1990

Morris Levy’s checkered career in the music industry began in the late ’40s when he owned multiple New York City nightclubs, including the famous jazz venue, Birdland.  Because of his venues, Levy learned that performers were required to pay royalties on the songs they performed to the publishing owners, so he started his own publishing company where he began making his fortune.  In 1956, Levy launched Roulette Records which was, at one time or another, home to Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, Tommy James & the Shondells, Buddy Knox, Jimmie Rodgers, and many more.  In numerous cases, Levy appeared as co-writer and owned the publishing on the label’s early hits, even though he actually had no hand in the writing.  It was Tommy James who scored the most hit records for the label but unfortunately, he saw litttle of the fortune until Levy sold the company to EMI Music during the late ’80s, and James’ catalog was issued on CD.   Unlike other label heads, Levy also owned pressing plants, duplicating companies, and printing presses, leading law enforcement to believe he was also making pirated copies of popular releases, including many of his own, to make money along the black market as well.   Levy also owned a record store chain and had dubious relationships with radio stations and other alleged underworld characters over the years.  It has long been believed, though never officially proven that he carried out his illegal operations using all facets of his empire to make his fortune.   Although more felonious actions have been attributed to him, Levy was tried and convicted of extortion in 1986, but passed away while free on appeal and before ever serving any time.

Died On This Date (May 21, 2008) Michelle Meldrum / Guitarist for Meldrum, Phantom Blue

Michelle Meldrum
September 28, 1968 – May 21, 2008

Michelle Meldrum was a hard rock guitarist who was in Phantom Blue and her own Meldrum.  Born in Detroit, Meldrum moved with her family to Los Angeles when she was 13.  It was around that time that she picked up the guitar.  It was only a matter of time before Meldrum formed her first band, Wargod, followed by Phantom Planet, an all-girl metal band that she co-founded.  The band was signed to Shrapnel Records and later, Geffen Records.   The band became very popular with metal fans thanks in part to tours with Black Label Society, Sepultura and Danzig.   On May 16, 2008, Michelle Meldrum fell into an unexpected coma due to a cerebral hemorrhage.  She died three days later due to a cystic growth on her brain.  She was 39.

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