Died On This Date (March 10, 2011) Eddie Snyder / American Composer & Lyricist
themusicsover Eddie Snyder
February 22, 1919 – March 10, 2011
Eddie Snyder was an American composer who is best remembered for co-writing the English lyrics and music for the Frank Sinatra hit, “Strangers In The Night.” The song was first written by a Croation songwriter, the piece eventually ended up with Snyder who helped create the English lyrics and complete the music with Bert Kaempfert and Charles Singleton. Although Sinatra reportedly hated the song, his rendition of it was the title song of his most successful album and won three Grammys. Snyder also co-wrote the Al Martino hit, “Spanish Eyes.” Songs that Snyder either wrote or co-wrote have been recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley (“Spanish Eyes”), Johnny Mathis (“A Time For Us”), and Perry Como (“The Girl With The Golden Braids”) to name just a few. Eddie Snyder passed away on March 10, 2011 at the age of 92.
Thanks to Anne Bentley for the assist.
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.