Died On This Date (September 30, 2010) Aaron-Carl Ragland / Popular Detroit DJ

Aaron Carl Ragland
1973 – September 30, 2010

Aaron-Carl Ragland was a respected house and electronic producer and DJ who began building a following in Detroit during the mid ’90s.  Ragland was revered for his dynamic showmanship and for bringing the house, electronic and techno communities together.  After several popular releases on respected techno labels like Soul City, he formed his own label, Wallshaker Music.   Ragland recently canceled his European tour when he was hospitalized for abdominal pains and learned he was suffering from lymphoma.   Aaron-Carl Ragland was 37 when he died of the disease on September 30, 2010.

What You Should Own

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Dance Naked - Aaron Carl

Died On This Date (September 28, 2009) Gordon “Gungi” Paterson / Respected Sound Engineer

Gordon “Gungi” Paterson
DOB Unknown – September 28, 2009

Gordon Paterson was a beloved sound engineer who worked the “front of house” at countless shows for some of popular music’s biggest acts.  He also worked as a tour manager and production manager for many as well.  Throughout his career, Paterson worked tours for the likes of Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Megadeth, A Perfect Circle, Tears For Fears, and Fiona Apple.   Gordon “Gungi” Paterson passed away on September 28, 2009 following a three year battle with cancer. More about Gungi can be found at Friends Of Gungi.

Thanks to Richard Ames for the assist



Died On This Date (September 24, 2010) Dick Griffey / Founder Of SOLAR Records

Dick Griffey
November 16, 1938 – September 24, 2010

Dick Griffey is best remembered as the founder of influential R&B label, SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records).  Formed in 1977, the label was one of the most successful R&B labels outside of Motown.  Griffey launched his music career during the ’60s when he became part owner of a Los Angeles nightclub, Guys and Dolls which played host to shows by the likes of Ike & Tina Turner and Isaac Hayes.  He soon went on to work as a talent scout for the influential TV dance program, Soul Train.  That lead to a partnership with show creator, Don Cornelius with Soul Train Records.  For some reason, the label folded within two years, so Griffey built SOLAR from its ashes.  The label was one of the most influential urban labels during the late ’70s and ’80s thanks in part to Griffey’s ability to find talent that were much more than the majority of one-dimensional disco and dance acts of the era.  The label roster included the Whispers, Klymaxx, Midnight Starr, Lakeside, and the Deele.  The latter featured a young Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid.   Griffey was also a successful concert promoter for a time, setting up tours for the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin.  During the ’90s, Griffey had a part in the birth of Death Row Records, the label founded by Suge Knight and Dr. Dre.  On September 24, 2010, Dick Griffey passed away while recuperating from heart surgery.  He was 72.



Died On This Date (September 24, 2010) John Hanson / The Slickee Boys

John Hanson
DOB Unknown – September 24, 2010

John Hanson was the sound man, roadie and sometime rhythm guitarist for Washington DC new wave band, the Slickee Boys.  Formed in the mid ’70s, the Slickee Boys soon became heroes of the local underground scene.  Hanson was just 16 years old when he went to work for the band as the decade was drawing to a close.  Besides acting as the band’s roadie and sound man while on the road, Hanson filled in on rhythm guitar, taking over the slot officially in 1988.  The band broke up, for the most part, in 1991 after which Hanson played in such groups as the Septic Twins, the Zones, and the Upsetters.   He also worked the soundboard at the legendary DC venue, the 9:30 Club.  John Hanson reportedly committed suicide on September 24, 2010.  He was 47.

What You Should Own

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Live at Last / Fashionably Late - The Slickee Boys

Died On This Date (September 23, 2005) Sam Fields / Los Angeles Radio DJ

Sam Fields
1950 – September 23, 2005

Sam Fields was a popular and longtime Los Angeles area radio disc jockey.  For over three decades, he spun records at such influential stations as KMET, KROQ, KLAC, KKGO and KKJZ. But it was his love and knowledge of jazz that made him stand out above all the rest.  He hit the L.A. airwaves in 1972 and was most recently heard at Long Beach’s respected KKJZ where he was recognized for bringing blues to the jazz station’s playlist.  Sam Fields was 55 when he passed away in his home on September 23, 2005.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Micaela Pierce for the assist.