Died On This Date (November 9, 2012) Major Harris / Philly Soul Singer

Major Harris
February 9, 1947 -November 9, 2012

Major Harris was a singer of what is commonly referred to as Philly Soul.  Born into a musical family in Richmond, Virginia, Harris learned from his father, a guitarist, and his mother, a singer.  He began his career singing in such vocal groups as the Charmers, the Jarmels, and the Teenagers.  By the early ’70s, Harris was singing in the Delfonics, replacing Randy Cain.  In 1974, he left the Delfonics to pursue a solo career.  That first year, he scored a moderate disco hit with “Each Morning I Wake Up,” and the following year, he hit big with “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” which shot to #1 on the R&B charts and #5 on the pop charts.  The single was certified Gold in the US.  In later years, Harris rejoined the Delfonics who toured the oldies and Northern Soul circuits throughout the ’90s and 2000s.  Major Harris passed away from congestive heart and lung failure on November 9, 2012.  He was 65.

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My Way - Major Harris

Died On This Date (November 8, 2012) Pete Namlook / Electronic Music Pioneer

Pete Namlook (Born Peter Kuhlmann)
1960 – November 8, 2012

Pete Namlook was a German electronic music producer whose innovations in ambient are highly regarded by both fans and peers alike.  In 1993, he founded the FAX +49-69/450464 record label and has since released upwards of 130 album, both of his own and as a collaborator.  The list of artists he worked with includes Bill Laswell, Klaus Schulze, and Richie Hawtin.  Pete Namlook was 51 when he died peacefully of “unspecified causes” on November 8, 2012.

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Pete Namlook

Died On This Date (November 7, 2012) Cleve Duncan / The Penguins; Sang “Earth Angel”

Cleve Duncan
 July 23, 1935 – November 7, 2012

Cleve Duncan was a founding member of popular 50’s doo-wop group, the Penguins.  Formed with Curtis Williams, Dexter Tisby, and Bruce Tate while Duncan was still in high school, the group released its first record on Dootone Records in 1954.  The single was “Hey Senorita” with the Duncan-sung “Earth Angel” sitting on its b-side.  But when an unknown disc jockey flipped the 45 over and played “Earth Angel,” the phones lit up and other radio stations soon followed suit.  In the early weeks of 1955, the record hit #1 on the pop charts and stayed there for three weeks.  Years later, Frank Zappa had Duncan reprise the popular chorus on his record, “Memories Of El Monte.”  The Penguins’ only other hit came with “Pledge of Love” in 1957. That record peaked at #15 on the R&B chart.  The group broke up on in 1962, but Duncan continued on with various incarnations well into the 2000s.  The Penguins were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.  On November 7, 2012, Cleve Duncan, 77, reportedly died unexpectedly while casting his vote in the Presidential Election  Cause of death was not immediately release.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.

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The Penguins

Died On This Date (November 1, 2012) Mitch Lucker / Lead Singer Of Suicide Silence

Mitch Lucker
DOB Unknown – November 1, 2012

Mitch Lucker was the lead singer of the popular Riverside, California extreme metal band, Suicide Silence. Formed with Lucker in 2002, the band quickly built a loyal following thanks in part to their live shows and debut EP.  Within a few years of forming, the band signed to respected metal label, Century Media, who released The Cleansing, their full length debut, in 2007.  The album debuted at #94 on the Billboard Top 200 and was followed by No Time To Bleed and The Black Crown which reached #32 and #28, respectively. Meanwhile, the band were a very popular draw at extreme metal festivals across the US and beyond.  At around 9:00 pm on October 31, 2012. Mitch Lucker, 28, reportedly lost control of his motorcycle while riding it in Huntington Beach, California.  He was quickly taken to an area hospital where he died of his injuries the next morning.  Exact cause of the accident was still undetermined in the in the immediate aftermath.

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The Black Crown - Suicide Silence