Died On This Date (November 11, 2011) Michael Garrick / Jazz Pianist
themusicsover Michael Garrick
May 30, 1933 – November 11, 2011
Michael Garrick was an influential English pianist and composer who was one of the earliest practitioners of merging jazz with poetry recitations. Mostly self-taught on the piano, Garrick formed his first group while studying English literature in college. During the late ’60s, Garrick began working choral groups into his music, a style which quickly earned him praise. Over the course of a career that spanned five decades, Garrick released over 30 albums and collaborated on numerous others. In 2010, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire. As reported by Tiny Mix Tapes, Michael Garrick passed away on November 11, 2011. He was 78.
What You Should Own
Heavy D was an influential rapper, actor, and producer whose Heavy D & the Boyz became one of the most popular hip-hop groups during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Born in Jamaica, Heavy D moved with his family to New York when he was just a child. Discovering his talent as am MC, he formed Heavy D & the Boyz in 1986, and within a year, the group became the first act signed to Uptown Records. In 1987, they released their debut, Living Large. Although the album barely cracked the Top 100 album chart, The Source later included it on their list of The 100 Best Rap Albums Ever. The group went on to perform the theme song to the popular television program, In Living Color, while Heavy D himself rapped on 
Known to millions around the world as “Smokin’ Joe” inside the boxing ring, Joe Frazier also flirted with a career in music by fronting his own R&B group, the Knockouts. As a fighter, Frazier’s well-documented career included a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics as well as numerous professional victories over the likes of Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis, and of course, Muhammad Ali, in a 1971 fight that has been dubbed the “Fight Of The Century.” His trio of battles with Ali (including the legendary 1975 “Thilla In Manilla”) made up one the greatest rivalries in sports history. Throughout the course of his professional career, Frazier had an impressive record of 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. What many didn’t know however, was that Frazier could very well have been a champ of the music charts as well. He loved to sing – both inside the ring and out, and he recorded several decent records over the years. That list includes “If You Go, Stay Gone,” “Little Dog Heaven,” “The Bigger They Come,” and “You Got The Love.” He also formed his own soul revue outfit, Joe Frazier & the Knockouts, who performed regularly in Las Vegas
Andrea True was an adult film actress who scored a massive disco hit with her 1976 record, “More, More, More.” Born in Nashville, Tennessee, True moved to New York City after high school to chase her dreams of being an actress. She succeeded in landing some minor roles, but when times got tough, True made the move into adult movies. She quickly became one of the industry’s biggest stars and appeared in over 60 hardcore films throughout the ’70s and mid ’80s. In 1976, True recorded “More, More, More” and the Andrea True Connection was born. The song quickly became a hit at US and European discos and True found herself performing the track on music countdown shows on television. The record ultimately reached the Top 5 on the US and UK singles charts. And her next two singles, “N.Y. You Got Me Dancing” and “”What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number,” did moderately well as well. In 1980 however, True released a more punk leaning album, War Machine, to very little interest. She attempted a porn comeback during the early ’80s, but found it difficult to compete with so many younger starlets coming into the field. Due to throat issues, True retired from the entertainment business save for a few adult film documentary appearances during the early 2000s. Andrea True was 68 when she passed away on November 7, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released.