Died On This Date (February 17, 2011) JP Fraley / Bluegrass Fiddler

Jesse “JP” Fraley
DOB Unknown – February 17, 2011

JP Fraley was a bluegrass fiddler who is considered by many to have been the one of the greatest to ever come out of Kentucky.  After years working in the local mines, and later as a sales rep for mining equipment, Fraley became a professional musician.  He recorded three albums for the revered roots label, Rounder Records – each one included his wife, Annadeene Fraley on guitar.  The two spent most of their lives together, having met as children.  Fraley spent much of his time teaching young fiddlers and wrote several instruction books.  During the ’70s, Fraley began his annual Mountain Music Gathering which started out as a family reunion but quickly grew into one of the biggest old-time music festivals in northeastern Kentucky.  JP Fraley was 87 when he passed away on February 17, 2011.

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Maysville - J.P. and Annadeene Fraley

Died On This Date (February 17, 2011) Phil Vane / Singer For Extreme Noise Terror; Napalm Death

Phil Vane
DOB Unknown – February 17, 2011

Phil Vane is best remembered as the two-time vocalist for pioneering UK grindcore band, Extreme Noise Terror.  Formed with Vane in 1985, the band is credited for being the founding fathers of the grindcore sub-genre, crustgrind.  Although now common, ENT were one of the earliest such bands to feature dual lead singers, with Vane being one of them.    In 1987, the band was offered its first of four sessions on John Peel’s influential BBC program – a huge break for the band.  Over the next several years, ENT rose to the top of the grindcore heap thanks to the release of popular records and heavy touring around the world.  In 1996, Vane left the band to join fellow grindcore greats, Napalm Death only to make a brief return in 1997.  Phil Vane, age 46, reportedly died in his sleep on February 17, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Mike Woodford for the assist.




Died On This Date (February 15, 2011) Rick Kulwicki / Guitarist In The Fluid

Rick Kulwicki
July 7, 1961 – February 15, 2011

Rick Kulwicki is best remembered as a guitarist for Denver, Colorado punk band, the Fluid.  Formed in 1984 out of the ashes of Madhouse, the Fluid went on to release a handful of albums for Rayon, Glitterhouse, Hollywood and most notably, Sub Pop Records.  They have the distinction of being the first non-Seattle band signed to that revered label.   The band broke up in 1993 and reunited in 2008.  All the while, Kulwicki was a constant and respected player throughout the vibrant Denver rock scene.  He was most recently a member of the Buckingham Squares.  Rick Kulwicki was 49 when he passed away on February 15, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Mike Woodford for the assist.



Died On This Date (February 14, 2011) George Shearing / Popular Jazz Pianist and Composer

George Shearing
August 13, 1919 – February 14, 2011

George Shearing was a popular and influential jazz pianist and composer who could claim over 300 pieces as his own.  Born blind in London, Shearing spent his early professional career playing in an all-blind band – he started playing the piano at just three years old.  During his late 20s, Shearing moved to the United States where he continued to master his complex style of swing, bop and bebop.  In 1949, he formed the George Shearing Quintet and went on to record for such labels as Verve, Capitol, and MGM.  His hits included “Lullaby Of Birdland” and “September In The Rain.”    Over the years he’s collaborated with the likes of Oscar Pettiford, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, and Mel Torme.  In 2007, he was knighted – Officer of the Order of the British Empire – for his contributions to music.  George Shearing died of heart failure on February 14, 2011.  He was 91.

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The Definitive George Shearing - George Shearing

Died On This Date (February 12, 2011) Bud Reed / Bluegrass Pioneer

Ralph “Bud” Reed
January 16, 1918 – February 12, 2011

Bud Reed was a respected bluegrass and old-timey musician who will be forever linked with his wife and musical collaborator, Ola Belle Reed.  After serving his country during WWII, Reed came home to focus on a music career, mainly that of his wife.  He can be heard playing guitar and harmonica on several of her records.  Over the years, the Reeds opened a handful of music-themed amusement parks in Pennsylvania.  Legends likes of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Ralph Stanley have all graced their stages from time to time.  In 1982, Reed cut his own album, a tribute to the songs of Jimmie Rodgers.  Bud Reed was 93 when he passed away on February 12, 2011.