Died On This Date (December 12, 2011) John Atterberry / Music Exec Killed In Hollywood Shooting Rampage

John Atterberry
DOB Unknown – December 12, 2011

John Atterberry was a respected music manager, publisher, and promoter who began his career at Tabu Records where he worked in A&R.  After a short detour into the fashion industry, Atterberry was named Vice President of Death Row Records where he was instrumental to the success of such acts as Snoop DogTupac Shakur and Doctor Dre.  He later formed Margela Records & Consulting, and then, Infusion Music Group, a publishing company that counted the Spice Girls and Jessica Simpson among its artists.  In 2007, Atterberry went to work for GridLock, an event promotions company while also acting as CFO of the VIP Group, a real estate brokerage firm.  On Friday, December 9, 2011 Atterberry was on Sunset Boulevard at Vine Street when he was shot in the face and upper body by Tyler Brehm who was firing random shots into passing cars as he walked down the middle of  Sunset.  Police say that Brehm shot nearly 20 bullets into the air and at cars while he screamed that he wanted to die.  A brave witness in a nearby building held his attention long enough for police to arrive on the scene and order him to drop his weapon.  When Brehm reportedly aimed at the officers, they shot and killed him.   Charles Atterberry, who was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, succumbed to his injuries on Monday, December 12, 2011.  He was 40 years old.



Died On This Date (December 12, 2011) Bert Schneider / Created “The Monkees” TV Show

Bert Schneider
May 5, 1933 – December 12, 2011

Bert Schneider was an American movie producer whose credits include Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, and The Last Picture Show.  His contribution to pop music was huge and came by way of The Monkees television series he created with Bob Rafelson in 1966.  The weekly comedy followed the hi-jinks of a fictional rock band as they tried to build a music career in Los Angeles.  The show starred Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith as the band loosely based on the Beatles.  The show obviously launched their music careers even though in the beginning, they contributed very little musically.  Many of the program’s songs, which were showcased like music videos every week, became hits and future staples of oldies radio.  They included “(Theme From) The Monkees,” “Last Train To Clarksville,” and “I’m A Believer.”  The show won two Emmys in 1967 and continued on in reruns ever since.  Bert Schneider was 78 when he died of natural causes on December 12, 2011.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

Died On This Date (December 12, 2011) Malina Olinescu / Romanian Pop Singer

Malina Olinescu
January 29, 1974 – December 12, 2011

Malina Olinescu was a Romanian pop singer.  In 1998, Olinescu represented Romania in the popular Eurovision Song Contest with her song, “Eu Cred” which came in at #22.  On December 12, 2011, Malina Olinescu reportedly took her own life by leaping from the 6th floor of a building.  She was 37.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.



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.