Died On This Date (May 29, 1989) John Cipollina / Quicksilver Messenger Service
themusicsover John Cipollina
August 24, 1943 – May 29, 1989
John Cipollina is perhaps best known as the lead guitarist for San Francisco psychedelic rock band, Quicksilver Messenger Service, but his great talent was was shared by a list of no fewer than 24 other acts, including the Grateful Dead. He was renowned for the unique sound he developed for his guitar and is considered one of the true architects of the San Francisco psychedelic sound. His impact was later recognized by Rolling Stone who ranked him as the 32nd greatest guitarist of all time. Cipollina died of as a result of chronic emphysema at the age of 45.
What You Should Own
Derek Frigo was the son of jazz musician Johnny Frigo and singer-actress Brittney Browne. He was also the lead guitarist for 80’s glam band, Enuff Z’nuff who had a couple of hits with “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle.” He was considered by many to be one of the unsung guitar greats of hard rock. Forming in 1984, Enuff Z’nuff signed to Atco Records who released their self titled debut that was loaded with neo-psychedelic pop rock songs. Their music became popular enough to warrant an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman and numerous visits to the Howard Stern show. Rolling Stone even called them the “hot band of the year” upon the release of their 1991 follow-up, Strength. But despite regular rotation on MTV and critical praise, their albums failed to sell the numbers they deserved, so Atco and then Arista Records dropped them. It was about this time that Frigo left the band and sadly let the effects of drugs and alcohol take control of his life. He moved to Los Angeles where he played with a few local bands and was reportedly working with Stone Temple Pilots on some of their material, but nothing seemed to click for him. Frigo was found dead of an overdose outside the apartment of a friend on May 28, 2004.
Born in South Africa, Jackson Kaujeua grew up to become a much respected politically active singer, composer and musician. He is perhaps best remembered for his gospel songs. During the mid ’70s, Kaujeua was expelled from his country for his anti-apartheid activities and later moved to the UK where he performed with the popular Black Diamond. He returned home to Namibia after its independence in 1990 and became one of its most popular musicians. Jackson Kaujeua was 56 when he died of a kidney disorder on May 27, 2010.
