2011

Died On This Date (August 4, 2011) Conrad Schnitzler / Electronic Music Pioneer

Conrad Schnitzler
1937 – August 4, 2011

Conrad Schnitzler was a German-born musician who became one of electronic music’s most influential pioneers.  As an early member of the great Tangerine Dream, Schnitzler helped launch what would become known as “krautock,” and in doing so, influenced such electronic based acts as Brian Eno, Radiohead, and everyone in between.  Following his short stint with Tangerine Dream, Schnitzel left to form Kluster, another experimental group that laid the foundation of what we now know as industrial music.  In more recent years, Schnitzler self-produced and self-distributed numerous CD-Rs of his recordings while collaborating with others.  He released over 100 recordings throughout his career, the latest being 00/830, just days before he passed away.  Conrad Schnitzler died of stomach cancer on August 4, 2011.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Rare Tracks 1979 - 1982 Re-edited - Conrad Schnitzler & Dompteur Mooner

Died On This Date (August 2, 2011) Delois Barrett Campbell / Gospel Great

Delois Barrett Campbell
DOB Unknown – August 2, 2011

Delois Barrett Campbell was a dynamic and beloved Gospel singer who, over the better part of the past five decades entertained the world as 1/3 of the Barrett Sisters.   Singing together since childhood, Delois and her sisters, Billie Barrett and Rodessa Barrett cut their first records during the mid-’60s.  Their early output included their popular takes on “Wonderful,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Carry Me Back.”  Before long they were electrifying crowds from their church in Chicago, Illinois to venues all over the world.  They toured the globe no fewer than seven times and were a popular site on such TV shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.  Away from her sisters, Barrett Campbell sang with the popular Roberta Martin Singers while still in high school.  Although confined to a wheelchair for many years due to health issues, Barrett Campbell was on-hand at a special concert to celebrate her 85th birthday in March of 2011.  Delois Barrett Campbell passed away on August 2, 2011.

Thanks to Rocio Marron for the assist.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

The Best of the Barrett Sisters - The Barrett Sisters

Died On This Date (August 2, 2011) Wendy Kale / Respected Colorado Music Journalist

Wendy Kale
DOB Unknown – August 2, 2011

Wendy Kale was a music writer who over the course of some 30 years, reported on the Denver, Colorado scene for Boulder’s Colorado Daily.  Kale began her music career as a college concert promoter during the late ’70s,  eventually working shows by the likes of B.B. King, Jerry Garcia, the Rolling Stones and the Eagles.  During the mid ’80s, she began writing a column for the Colorado Daily, and went on to become the one constant at area venues as she soaked in shows for review in the paper.    A tireless supporter of the local scene, Kale has been credited for being the first to champion the Samples and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.   On August 2, 2011, Wendy Kale’s lifeless body was found in her home.  Cause of death was not immediately known, but according to officials, did not appear to be suspicious.  She was 58.



Died On This Date (August 1, 2011) Jevon Hollywood / Popular Detroit Disc Jockey

Jevon Hollywood (Born Jevon Hotchkiss)
DOB Unknown – August 1, 2011

Jevon Hollywood was a popular radio disc jockey, most recently heard on Detroit top-40 station, WDTW-FM (106.7 The Beat).  In his early days at the station, Hollywood built a following as an intern for on-air personality, Lisa Lisa.  He eventually landed his own program, the “Late Show,” which aired from 10pm to 1am throughout the week.  He was also a popular draw at station events around town.  Early reports indicated that Hollywood was walking along the shoulder of  a Novi, Michigan-area road (just northeast of Detroit) near his home around 5:30 am, when he was struck by a 61-year-old driver.  The apparent accident occurred on  July 28, with Hollywood ultimately dying of his injuries on August 1, 2011.  He was 34.

Died OnThis Date (July 30, 2011) Trudy Stamper / Grand Ole Opry Pioneer

Trudy Stamper (Born Gertrude McClanahan)
DOB Unknown – July 30, 2011

Trudy Stamper was a country music pioneer who is perhaps best remembered for her tireless work on building the Grand Ole Opry brand.  Born and raised in Nashville, Stamper moved to New York City after college in order to pursue a career on the stage.  It was while back home visiting and talking up the theater scene, that she was overheard by an executive at the powerful WSM radio station and offered the chance to be one of the first female radio personalities in the United States.  While at WSM, Stamper hosted a shopping program and acted in several of the station’s soap operas until eventually moving off microphone to a position in artist relations for the Grand Ole Opry.  Through her New York connections, Stamper was able to bring the Opry to Carnegie Hall for two nights in 1947.  The performances which included Minnie Pearl and Ernest Tubb, helped introduce the Opry and country music in general to more “cosmopolitan” audiences.  She also handled Opry bookings and artist contracts for many years and eventually became the Public Relations Director for WSM and the Opry.  In 1961, Stamper publicized the Opry’s second event at Carnegie Hall.  That bill included Bill Monroe, Jim Reeves, Grandpa Jones, Faron Young, and one of her best friends, Patsy Cline.  She retired from the music business in 1964.  Trudy Stamper was 94 when she passed away on July 30, 2011.