Died On This Date (November 25, 2010) Armando Acosta / Saint Vitus
themusicsover Armando Acosta
DOB Unknown – November 25, 2010
Armando Acosta was the founding drummer for doom metal band, Saint Vitus. Formed in Los Angeles in 1979, Saint Vitus was one of the genre’s earliest and most influential bands. They called it quits in 1996 but reformed briefly in 2003 and then again in 2008. Over the years, they released seven albums, four of which on the great SST Records. Acosta left the band in 2009. Armando Acosta was 58 when he passed away on November 25, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released.
What You Should Own
Albert Collins was an electric blues guitarist so great, that he was awarded not one, but three nicknames – the Iceman, the Master of the Telecaster, and the Razor Blade. Born in a small Texas town mid-way between Dallas and Houston, Collins took an early shine to the music he heard around him. When he was 7, he and his family moved to Houston, and it was there that he eventually began making a name for himself by playing a style that was equal parts Texas, Mississippi, and Chicago blues. In 1952, Collins formed his first band and within two years, he was headlining clubs in and around Houston. He began making records in 1958, and went on to record for such respected labels as Imperial, Alligator, and Point Blank. Collins was also an in-demand side man and be heard playing on records by the likes of David Bowie, B.B. King, 
Known by the stage name, Sleazy, Peter Christopherson is best remembered as a founding member of British avant-garde industrial band, Throbbing Gristle. He was also part of such projects Psychic TV, Coil, Soisong, and The Threshold HouseBoy’s Choir. Throbbing Gristle formed in 1975, with Christopherson mostly handling synthesizers and vibraphone. The group developed a very loyal following thanks in part to their sometimes controversial shows that often included disturbing visuals of Nazi concentration camps and pornography. Throbbing Gristle were pioneers of incorporating prerecorded tapes, or “samples” into their shows, and paved the way for such bands as Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails, Front 242. The group broke up in 1981 but then reformed in 2004. Remarkably prolific, they recorded numerous albums for the highly influential Mute Records, also the one-time home for Depeche Mode, The Birthday Party, Nick Cave and Erasure, to name a few. While he wasn’t making music, Christopherson was a video director, graphic artist, and photographer. Peter Christopherson passed away in his sleep on November 24, 2010. Cause of death was not immediately released. He was 55.
Jack Emerson was a longtime music executive who first made his mark on the industry as co-owner of Praxis International, an independent label and management company. During the company’s 14 years, Emerson helped guide the careers of such roots music luminaries as John Hiatt, the Georgia Satellites, and Webb Wilder. Later, Emerson joined forces with Steve Earle to launch E-Squared Records who put out releases by the V-Roys, Steve Earle & the Del McCoury Band, and others. Emerson ultimately ran Jack of Heart Recordings. He also helped form the Americana Music Association. Jack Emerson passed away on November 22, 2003 following a courageous battle with lung and respiratory problems. He was 43
Little Smokey Smothers was a popular Chicago-area blues singer and guitarist. Smothers was playing the guitar by the time he turned 15, and within two years, he had moved from his home in Mississippi to Chicago to make his mark. In those early years, he played with the likes of 