Died On This Date (December 10, 2011) Karryl “Special One” Smith/ Hip-Hop’s Conscious Daughters

Karryl Smith
DOB Unknown – December 10, 2011

Karryl “Special One” Smith was one half of the popular San Francisco hip-hop duo, the Conscious Daughters.  Smith formed the act with Carla “CMG” Green in 1992, and within a year, they were signed to Paris’ label, Scarface Records. Their first album, 1994’s Ear To The Street, included their first hit, “Somethin’ to Ride (Fonky Expedition).”  They went on to secure a deal with the iconic Priority Records who released their follow-up, Gamers, which landed on the Billboard charts and sold upwards of 300,000 copies.  More releases followed, including 2011’s The Jane Of All Trades.   Special One was reportedly found dead inside her home on December 10, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (December 10, 2011) David Astor / Created “For Teenagers Only” Music TV Program

David Astor
September 26, 1919 – December 10, 2011

David Astor’s contribution to popular music was the regional teen dance program he created and hosted for many years.  In 1956, Portland, Maine television viewers were introduced to The Dave Astor Show: For Teenagers Only, a weekly dance program that Astor developed and hosted on WMGE.  The American Bandstand type show, which aired every Saturday at 5pm, was an instant hit with the city’s youth and stayed on the air until 1971.  The show featured area high school kids singing, lip-synching, and/or dancing to popular hits played by a student band – if they maintained good grades, of course.  David Astor passed away on December 10, 2011.  He was 92.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.