Died On This Date (July 2, 2008) Natasha Shneider / Singer & Keyboardist For Eleven

Natasha Shneider
May 22, 1956 – July 2, 2008

Born in Russia, Natasha Shneider, was a multi-instrumentalist and singer for, most notably, ’90s rock band Eleven.  Shneider moved to the United States, where her band, with former Red Hot Chili Pepper, Jack Irons and husband, Alain Johannes, had a few minor hits through the early ’90s thanks to their hard alternative rock sound that was part grunge and part funk-metal.    In later years, Shneider and Johannes lent their talents on recordings by No Doubt, Chris Cornell, and Queens Of The Stone Age, with whom they also toured. Natasha Shneider lost her battle with cancer on July 2, 2008.

Thanks to Craig at Number1Albums for the assist.

What You Should Own

Eleven - Eleven

Died On This Date (July 2, 2009) Tom Keylock / Rolling Stones Confidant

Tom Keylock
August 9, 1926 – July 2, 2009

With Brian Jones

Tom Keylock was initially the Rolling Stones’ driver during the early years of their career.  Due to his strong loyalty to the band, he quickly moved up through the ranks to more care-taker and confidant of the group.   His duties over the years included acting as body guard, road manager, escort, cook and “fixer.”  He established a personal relationship with the guys, who oftentimes sought his counsel on relationships and such.  When Brian Jones drowned in 1969, it was Keylock that was one of the first on the scene, resulting in unfounded rumors about his possible involvement in the mysterious death.  After leaving the Stones, Keylock started his own chauffeur company, and in the ’80s, he worked as a driver for England’s football team.  He passed away at the age of 82.

Died On This Date (July 1, 2005) Luther Vandross / R&B Great

Luther Vandross
April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005

lutherLuther Vandross was one of America’s most successful R&B singers during the ’80s and ’90s, selling over 25 million albums and scoring eight Grammy wins.  In the early part of his career, Vandross sang back up for the likes of Robert Flack, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Bette Midler, and Barbra Streisand.  By 1981, Vandross was on his way to becoming a superstar in his own right.  The new decade saw him release hit after hit with songs like “Never Too Much,” “A House Is Not A Home,” and “Stop The Love.” But perhaps his biggest legacy is his 1989 recording of Terry Steele’s “Here And Now,” one of the most popular wedding songs out there.   In 1985, tragedy struck in the form of a fatal car accident.  While at the wheel, Vandross crossed a center divider and crashed into two oncoming vehicles, killing one of his passengers.  Vandross pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter and later reached an out-of-court financial settlement with the victim’s family.  Vandross continued to stay active through the ’90s and into the early 2000’s.  Suffering from diabetes and hypertension, Vandross suffered a stroke in early 2003.  He suffered a fatal heart attack on July 1, 2005.

What You Should Own

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The Ultimate Luther Vandross (Collector's Edition) - Luther Vandross

Died On This Date (July 1, 1999) Dennis Brown / Prolific Reggae Star

Dennis Brown
February 1, 1957 – July 1, 1999

Dennis Brown was a Jamaican reggae star who, over the course of his astonishing 30-year career made over 75 albums. He was much respected by peers and fans the world over for his lovers rock style of reggae. One fan in particular carried tremendous weight within the community, that being Bob Marley, who called Brown “the crown prince of reggae.” Literally growing up in the center of Jamaica’s music scene, the young Brown would witness then and future reggae stars going to and from recording sessions. Bitten by the bug, Brown was just 11 years old when he recorded his first hit, a cover of the Impressions’ “No Man Is An Island,” and by 13, he was releasing his first album. By 1975, Bob Marley was calling him the best reggae singer in the world, and by the time he turned 22, he was already considered a reggae legend the world over. Sadly, ganja wasn’t Brown’s only mind recreation of choice as he developed an addiction to cocaine, perhaps say some, due to the phenomenal recording and performance pace he kept throughout his career. That addiction would prove fatal when he was rushed to the hospital with what turned out to be a collapsed lung. Dying on the operating table on July 1, 1999, many believe the typically non-fatal condition became deadly because of his substance abuse.

What You Should Own

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Money In My Pocket - Dennis Brown

Died On This Date (July 1, 1987) Philip “Snakefinger” Lithman

Philip “Snakefinger” Lithman
June 17, 1949 – July 1, 1987

Philip Lithman, or as he was known professionally, Snakefinger was an English multi-instrumentalist who is best known for his collaborations with the Residents.  Although he came out of the British blues scene, Lithman’s guitar fret work had more in common with Robert Fripp than John Mayall. In 1971, Lithman moved to San Francisco where he hooked up with avant-garde art rockers, the Residents to perform in their live band. Over the next few years would move back to the UK and then back to California where he shopped around a light rock album and eventually hooked back up with the Residents. In 1982, Lithman put together his own backing band called the Vestal Virgins. It was with this band that Lithman was performing in Austria on July 1, 1987. Midway during the show, Lithman died of a heart attack.

What You Should Own

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Snakefinger