Died On This Date (February 17, 2011) JP Fraley / Bluegrass Fiddler

Jesse “JP” Fraley
DOB Unknown – February 17, 2011

JP Fraley was a bluegrass fiddler who is considered by many to have been the one of the greatest to ever come out of Kentucky.  After years working in the local mines, and later as a sales rep for mining equipment, Fraley became a professional musician.  He recorded three albums for the revered roots label, Rounder Records – each one included his wife, Annadeene Fraley on guitar.  The two spent most of their lives together, having met as children.  Fraley spent much of his time teaching young fiddlers and wrote several instruction books.  During the ’70s, Fraley began his annual Mountain Music Gathering which started out as a family reunion but quickly grew into one of the biggest old-time music festivals in northeastern Kentucky.  JP Fraley was 87 when he passed away on February 17, 2011.

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Maysville - J.P. and Annadeene Fraley

Died On This Date (February 17, 2011) Phil Vane / Singer For Extreme Noise Terror; Napalm Death

Phil Vane
DOB Unknown – February 17, 2011

Phil Vane is best remembered as the two-time vocalist for pioneering UK grindcore band, Extreme Noise Terror.  Formed with Vane in 1985, the band is credited for being the founding fathers of the grindcore sub-genre, crustgrind.  Although now common, ENT were one of the earliest such bands to feature dual lead singers, with Vane being one of them.    In 1987, the band was offered its first of four sessions on John Peel’s influential BBC program – a huge break for the band.  Over the next several years, ENT rose to the top of the grindcore heap thanks to the release of popular records and heavy touring around the world.  In 1996, Vane left the band to join fellow grindcore greats, Napalm Death only to make a brief return in 1997.  Phil Vane, age 46, reportedly died in his sleep on February 17, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Mike Woodford for the assist.