Died On This Date (May 28, 2008) Jerry Cole / Surf Guitar Great, Played With The Beach Boys
themusicsover Jerry Cole
September 23, 1939 – May 28, 2008
Jerry Cole was one of surf music’s original guitar gods. Besides being a much in demand session player, Cole had his own group, the Spacemen, with whom he released four classic albums of “space age surf music.” As a sideman, Cole played on the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, and the Byrds‘ “Mr. Tamborine Man. He was also part of Phil Spector’s “wrecking crew,” affording him the opportunity to play on countless other songs. Cole could also be heard as part of the house band on TV’s “Shindig” and “Hullabaloo.” He died of a heart attack on May 28, 2008.
What You Should Own
Derek Frigo was the son of jazz musician Johnny Frigo and singer-actress Brittney Browne. He was also the lead guitarist for 80’s glam band, Enuff Z’nuff who had a couple of hits with “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle.” He was considered by many to be one of the unsung guitar greats of hard rock. Forming in 1984, Enuff Z’nuff signed to Atco Records who released their self titled debut that was loaded with neo-psychedelic pop rock songs. Their music became popular enough to warrant an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman and numerous visits to the Howard Stern show. Rolling Stone even called them the “hot band of the year” upon the release of their 1991 follow-up, Strength. But despite regular rotation on MTV and critical praise, their albums failed to sell the numbers they deserved, so Atco and then Arista Records dropped them. It was about this time that Frigo left the band and sadly let the effects of drugs and alcohol take control of his life. He moved to Los Angeles where he played with a few local bands and was reportedly working with Stone Temple Pilots on some of their material, but nothing seemed to click for him. Frigo was found dead of an overdose outside the apartment of a friend on May 28, 2004.
Born in South Africa, Jackson Kaujeua grew up to become a much respected politically active singer, composer and musician. He is perhaps best remembered for his gospel songs. During the mid ’70s, Kaujeua was expelled from his country for his anti-apartheid activities and later moved to the UK where he performed with the popular Black Diamond. He returned home to Namibia after its independence in 1990 and became one of its most popular musicians. Jackson Kaujeua was 56 when he died of a kidney disorder on May 27, 2010.
