Died On This Date (October 25, 2010) Gregory Isaacs / Influential Reggae Singer
themusicsover Gregory Isaacs
July 15, 1951 – October 25, 2010
Gregory Isaacs was a Jamaican reggae singer who the New York Times once called, “the most exquisite voice in reggae.” After competing in a slew of talent contests while in his teens, Isaacs began making his first recordings during the late ’60s. In 1973, he released “My Only Lover” which became a huge hit and has been cited as the birth of the lovers rock sub-genre of reggae. He went on to work the biggest reggae producers and musicians, releasing several more hit records. By the end of the decade, Isaacs was one of reggae’s most important figures. During the ’80s, he released Night Nurse – the album and single of the same name are essential to any legitimate reggae collection. Sadly however, Isaacs developed a severe drug addiction that took a toll on his voice and lead to a short term in jail. Upon his release, he continued to make many more albums, leading to 2008’s Brand New Me, which some critics were calling a return to form. Over the course of his 40-year career, he released upwards of 500 albums. On October 25, 2010, Gregory Isaacs died of lung cancer. He was 59.
What You Should Own
Andy Kotowicz was a beloved music industry executive who is best known for his many years working at indie giant, Sub Pop Records. At the time of his passing, Kotowicz was the Vice President of Sales and Director of Marketing. He also dabbled in A&R, bringing such acts as Mudhoney and Pissed Jeans to the label. Prior to Sub Pop, Kotowicz worked briefly at Spongebath Records. Kotowicz was involved in a car accident on October 21st, 2010 after which he was taken to a local hospital where he was placed on life support. His young daughter, who was also in the car, was pulled to safety. On October 23, Andy Kotowicz was taken off life support and passed away from injuries sustained in the accident. He was 37 years old.
Ari Up was the lead singer for the British punk band, the Slits. Born in Germany, Up was exposed to the rock music world at a very young age by her mother, Nora Forster, who was friends with 
Born in Denmark, Ole Beich was an aspiring bassist who moved to Los Angeles during the early ’80s to find a career in music. In 1983, he was hired by Tracii Guns to play in his glam metal band, L.A. Guns who would also eventually include Axl Rose on lead vocals. The band soon morphed into Guns ‘N Roses with Beich serving as bassist for a short period. After playing just one show with G ‘N R in 1985, he quit the group and was replaced with Duff McKagen. On October 16, 1991, Ole Beich drowned to death in a Copenhagen lake. The circumstances were reportedly suspicious leading some to speculate that Beich committed suicide.
Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Eyedea grew up to become a popular freestyle rapper. He was also an accomplished guitarist. During the early days of his career, Eyedea was a “battle emcee,” throughout the competive circuit. His victories included Scribble Jam ’99, Blaze Battle 2000, and Rock Steady Anniversary 2000. In 1998, he partenered with DJ Abilities (Gregory Keltgen) to form Eyedea & Abilities, and in 2001, they releaseed First Born on Rhymesayers Records. Two new albums followed over the next few years, helping cement them as two of the most popular artists of the underground rap scene. Eyedea also released several other albums and 12″ singles under names and configurations (Oliver Hart, Face Candy, Carbon Carousel). Eyedea was 28 when he passed away on October 16, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released.