Died On This Date (August 22, 2012) Matthew McAnuff / Young Reggae Singer
Matthew McAnuff
1986 – August 22, 2012
Matthew McAnuff was an up-and-coming Jamaican reggae singer and son of celebrated reggae veteran, Winston McAnuff (also known as Electric Dread). The 25-year-old McAnuff was beginning to make a name for himself throughout the island’s roots reggae clubs and beyond. His most recent single, “Be Careful,” which was produced by Earl “Chinna” Smith, had found an audience in France. He was soon to release its follow-up, “If You Want War.” According to various reports, McAnuff got into an altercation near his home in Montego Bay, Jamaica which resulted in his being stabbed. He reportedly died from his injuries before help could arrive.

Gary Cox is best remembered as the founding lead guitarist for legendary American power pop band, Artful Dodger. Formed in Fairfax, Virginia in 1973, the band enjoyed a brush with fame and a loyal cult following thanks to their Beatles/Stones/Faces influenced sound. They were often compared to the Raspberries. In 1975, the band was signed to Columbia Records who released their debut self-titled album which was produced by Jack Douglas of Aerosmith fame. Even though the album was a critical fave and the band toured nearly non-stop – even opening several 1976 dates for KISS, the album failed to sell much beyond their core fan base. A couple more albums followed before Cox left the group in 1981. He rejoined the Artful Dodger for a reunion in 1991 and then again in the mid 2000s. In between, Cox ran his own professional event disc jockey service and worked as a physical therapy assistant. Gary Cox died of a brain tumor on August 12, 2012. He was 59.


Scott McKenzie is perhaps best remembered for his 1967 hit, “San Francisco (Be Sure To Where Flowers In Your Hair).” Written by 
