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.




Died On This Date (February 15, 2011) Rick Kulwicki / Guitarist In The Fluid

Rick Kulwicki
July 7, 1961 – February 15, 2011

Rick Kulwicki is best remembered as a guitarist for Denver, Colorado punk band, the Fluid.  Formed in 1984 out of the ashes of Madhouse, the Fluid went on to release a handful of albums for Rayon, Glitterhouse, Hollywood and most notably, Sub Pop Records.  They have the distinction of being the first non-Seattle band signed to that revered label.   The band broke up in 1993 and reunited in 2008.  All the while, Kulwicki was a constant and respected player throughout the vibrant Denver rock scene.  He was most recently a member of the Buckingham Squares.  Rick Kulwicki was 49 when he passed away on February 15, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Mike Woodford for the assist.



Died On This Date (February 14, 2011) George Shearing / Popular Jazz Pianist and Composer

George Shearing
August 13, 1919 – February 14, 2011

George Shearing was a popular and influential jazz pianist and composer who could claim over 300 pieces as his own.  Born blind in London, Shearing spent his early professional career playing in an all-blind band – he started playing the piano at just three years old.  During his late 20s, Shearing moved to the United States where he continued to master his complex style of swing, bop and bebop.  In 1949, he formed the George Shearing Quintet and went on to record for such labels as Verve, Capitol, and MGM.  His hits included “Lullaby Of Birdland” and “September In The Rain.”    Over the years he’s collaborated with the likes of Oscar Pettiford, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, and Mel Torme.  In 2007, he was knighted – Officer of the Order of the British Empire – for his contributions to music.  George Shearing died of heart failure on February 14, 2011.  He was 91.

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Died On This Date (February 12, 2011) Bud Reed / Bluegrass Pioneer

Ralph “Bud” Reed
January 16, 1918 – February 12, 2011

Bud Reed was a respected bluegrass and old-timey musician who will be forever linked with his wife and musical collaborator, Ola Belle Reed.  After serving his country during WWII, Reed came home to focus on a music career, mainly that of his wife.  He can be heard playing guitar and harmonica on several of her records.  Over the years, the Reeds opened a handful of music-themed amusement parks in Pennsylvania.  Legends likes of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Ralph Stanley have all graced their stages from time to time.  In 1982, Reed cut his own album, a tribute to the songs of Jimmie Rodgers.  Bud Reed was 93 when he passed away on February 12, 2011.



Died On This Date (February 8, 2012) Marvin Sease / American R&B Singer

Marvin Sease
February 16, 1946 – February 8, 2011

Born in South Carolina, Marvin Sease initially considered himself a gospel singer, performing in area gospel groups while still in his teens.  At the age of 20, he moved to New York City where he joined the Gospel Crowns.  He soon left them to form his own R&B group, Sease, along with his three brothers. After knocking around with them for a few years, Sease went off on his own.  In 1986, he released his self-titled debut which included “Ghetto Man,” a song that helped grow his profile along the “chitlin circuit” of the southern states.   Within a year, he was signed to Polygram Records, who re-released the album with the bonus track of “Candy Licker,” which quickly became a crowd and jukebox favorite thanks to its racy lyrics.  He released several more albums over the next ten years or so, charting on the Billboard blues and pop charts here and there.  Marvin Sease was 64 when he passed away on February 8, 2011.   Cause of death was not immediately released.

What You Should Own

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