Died On This Date (February 26, 1995) Frank O’Keefe / The Outlaws
themusicsover Frank O’Keefe
March 18, 1950 – February 26, 1995
Frank O’Keefe was and early bassist for southern rock band, the Outlaws. Although the band was riding high on a string of what would eventually become classic rock staples, O’Keefe decided to leave the band after suffering a broken neck from a fall in July, 1976. The trials of a hectic life on the road also helped in that decision. That neck injury lead to his reliance on pain medication for the rest of his life. On February 26, 1995, O’Keefe’s lifeless body was found by his roommate in his Clearwater, FL home. He apparently died as a result of drug and alcohol abuse.
What You Should Own
Cornell Gunter was a founding member of the Platters, one of R&B/rock ‘n roll’s most successful vocal groups. He was ALSO a member of another popular group, the Coasters. With the Platters, which he helped form in 1953, Gunter sang lead on such hits as “You Send Me,” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” He left the group in 1960. With the Coasters, he sang on “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” and “Poison Ivy.” Gunter made several solo recordings throughout his career as well. Cornell Gunter was in the process of launching a comeback in Las Vegas when he was gunned down by an unknown assailant on February 26, 2009. The crime was never solved.
Randall Bewley was the lead guitarist for Athens, Georgia alternative rock band, Pylon. Formed in 1979, Pylon were one of the fabled college town music scene’s most popular bands of their time. Even local musical icons the B-52s and R.E.M. championed Pylon whenever they could. Over the course of their career, Pylon released three albums along with an ep and a few singles. All of which became a fixture on college radio, and were part of the blueprint from which today’s indie rock was built. On February 23, 2009, Randall Bewley suffered a heart attack while driving near his home. The resulting accident put him in a coma. Two days later, he was taken off life support and passed away. He was 53 when he died.
Lyman Woodard was a much respected Detroit jazz organist who, if he weren’t living in the shadow of Motown, might have been more of a household name. Woodard kept busy during the late ’60s and ’70s by either fronting his own Latin and Afro-Cuban influenced jazz band, or by recording with many of the Motown acts. He also served as the musical director for Martha Reeves and the Vandellas during that time. On stage with his own band, Woodard was legendary for his rousing and rollicking live shows. Lyman Woodard was 66 when he passed away due to ill health.