Died On This Date (August 6, 2011) Fred Imus / Radio Personality & Songwriter
themusicsover Fred Imus
January 11, 1942 – August 6, 2011
Fred Imus was a songwriter, radio personality, younger brother, and frequent guest of controversial radio talk giant, Don Imus. In 1962, the Imus brothers co-wrote and recorded “I’m a Hot Rodder (and All That Jazz)” under the name Jay Jay Imus and Freddy Ford. Years later, while working on the railroad during the mid ’70s, the younger Imus and friend, Phil Sweet co-wrote “I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You” which shot to #1 on the country music charts as recorded by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. The tune was ultimately named Song of the Year by Music City News. During the ’90s, Imus began restoring vintage cars at his Auto Body Express which eventually became extremely successful for its branded clothing and food products thanks to publicity from his brother’s radio show. The shop, along with a second gift shop in the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, closed in 2003. In recent years, Imus could be heard on his weekly Americana music program, Trailer Park Bash, which aired on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel. The program was literally broadcast from his trailer in the Arizona desert. On August 6, 2011, Fred Imus was found dead in his bed when he failed to report to the studio for his radio program. He reportedly died in his sleep at the age of 69.
Jack Emerson was a longtime music executive who first made his mark on the industry as co-owner of Praxis International, an independent label and management company. During the company’s 14 years, Emerson helped guide the careers of such roots music luminaries as John Hiatt, the Georgia Satellites, and Webb Wilder. Later, Emerson joined forces with Steve Earle to launch E-Squared Records who put out releases by the V-Roys, Steve Earle & the Del McCoury Band, and others. Emerson ultimately ran Jack of Heart Recordings. He also helped form the Americana Music Association. Jack Emerson passed away on November 22, 2003 following a courageous battle with lung and respiratory problems. He was 43
Champ Hood was a respected Texas guitarist who is perhaps best remembered as part of Uncle Walt’s Band (with 
David Schnaufer was a folk musician whose instrument of choice, the dulcimer, can be heard on countless country, Americana and bluegrass recordings. During the ’80s, he moved from Texas to Nashville where he became one of the most in-demand studio players. Over the years he’s played on records by the likes of the Judds, Kathy Mattea, Hank Williams Jr., Alison Krauss, and Cyndi Lauper. He was also a member of alt-country band, the Cactus Brothers which included members of Walk The West. During the mid ’90s, he became a music professor at Vanderbilt University. David Schnaufer died of lung cancer on August 23, 2010. Fellow Cactus Brother,