Died On This Date (March 9, 2011) Bob Marcucci / Original Rock ‘n Roll Idol Maker
themusicsover Bob Marcucci
February 28, 1930 – March 9, 2011
Bob Marcucci was a successful artist manager who is perhaps best remembered for discovering and guiding the early careers of Frankie Avalon and Fabian. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Marcucci was just 25 when he entered the music business as a song writer. A short time later, he launched his own Chancellor Records where he signed Avalon and Fabian. In later years, Marcucci managed popular gossip columnist Rona Barrett, and served as co-producer of the Bill Murray film, The Razor’s Edge. The 1980 film, The Idolmaker was loosely based on his life in the music business. Bob Marcucci died of respiratory failure on March 9, 2011. He was 81.
Mike Starr was the original bassist for Seattle grunge band, Alice In Chains. Morphed from Diamond Lie, a band made up of Starr, Jerry Cantrell, 
Herman Ernest was a respected New Orleans drummer who, over the course of his career appeared on countless records including those with the likes of Kermit Ruffins, Shemekia Copeland, Jeremy Davenport, and Dr. John. Ernest, who was also known as “Roscoe” to friends and fans, called his hard-hitting style of drumming, “diesel funk.” He spent many years playing with Dr. John – appearing 0n numerous albums over the past two decades as well as on stage as part of his Lower 911 Band. His last appearance with him was on December 30, 2010. Herman Ernest died on March 6, 2011 following a long battle with cancer. He was 59.
Johnny Preston was a rock ‘n roll pioneer who is perhaps best remembered for is 1960 #1 hit, “Running Bear.” Preston was still in his teens when he and his band caught the attention of 
