Died On This Date (May 20, 2011) Macho Man Randy Savage / Professional Wrestler & Rapper
themusicsover Randy Savage (Born Randall Poffo)
November 15, 1952 – May 20, 2011
Macho Man Randy Savage was more commonly known as a wildly flamboyant WWF professional wrestler who held no fewer than 30 championship belts. But Savage also made a mark on popular music as well. In 2003, Savage released his only album, a rap collection entitled, Be A Man that included the hit “diss” on Hulk Hogan of the same name. The CD comes highly recommended by no less than indie-rock darling, Devendra Banhart by way of a 2007 Stereogum interview. On May 20, 2011, Savage suffered a heart attack while driving his jeep in Florida. After losing control of the vehicle, he crossed the median and crashed into a tree. His wife, who was also in the car, suffered minor injuries. Randy Savage died of his injuries at a local hospital. He was 58.
Thanks to Stephen Brower of the Silent Majority for the assist.
John Kulhken was an accomplished musician who took up the drums when he was just 8 years old. Born and raised in the San Diego, California area, Kulhken joined the Air Force after graduating from high school and later earned a Journalism degree from San Diego State University. A true journeyman drummer, Kulhken played in many local bands including the MacAnanys, the Nards, the Rugburns, and Sara Petite and the Sugar Daddies. A 10-year survivor of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma for which he received a bone marrow transplant, Kulhken was hospitalized after not feeling well on May 20th only to learn he was suffering from a blood infection that ultimately took his life several hours later. John Kuhlken was 49 when he passed away on May 20, 2011.