Died On This Date (April 19, 2010) Guru / Gang Starr; Jazzmatazz
themusicsover Guru (Born Keith Elam)
July 17, 1966 – April 19, 2010
Guru was a popular rapper/MC who gained popularity during the early ’90s with Gang Starr. A duo formed with DJ Premier in 1987, Gang Starr signed with EMI Records who released their debut, No More Mr. Nice Guy, in 1989. The group’s effective used of New York swing jazz and hip hop endeared them to fans and critics alike. In 1993, Guru released the brilliant Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 album where he introduced a live jazz band into the hip hop arena. Guests on the album included Branford Marsalis, Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. Guru had been actively recording and performing up until the time of his death. On February 28, 2010, he suffered a heart attack which resulted in a coma that he eventually awoke from. On April 19th however, he died of cancer at the age of 43.
What You Should Own
Earl Bolick was one of bluegrass’s senior class when he passed away in 1998. He and his brother 
At 71 in 2005, Rick Lewis was the last surviving member of doo wop group, the Silhouettes. Although credited to the entire group, Lewis was the songwriter of their huge hit, “Get A Job,” which by many accounts is the quintessential doo wop song. The group performed the song numerous times on American Bandstand, and it was later featured in movies such as American Graffiti and Stand By Me. Lewis died of multiple organ failure on April 19, 2005 at the age of 71.
