Musician

Died On This Date (November 10, 2011) Andy Tielman / The Godfather Of Indorock

Andy Tielman
May 30, 1936 – November 10, 2011

Andy Tielman on guitar

Andy Tielman was a popular Indonesian singer and guitarist who, during the ’50s and ’60s, popularized a genre of music called indorock.  Known as the “Godfather of Indorock,” Tielman combined the best of ’50s American rock ‘n roll with Indonesian rhythms.  By doing so, he became one of the most popular acts throughout Europe during his peak years.  He was also praised for being an excellent showman on the stage.  By the late ’50s, Tielman had moved with his family from the Dutch East Indies where he was born, to the Netherlands.  And in 1958, he released what is referred to as the first Dutch rock ‘n roll single.  He and his band, the Tielman Brothers went on to become one of the most influential pop groups in Dutch history.  They continued to record and perform well into the 2000s in one form or another.  Tielman himself has been cited as a direct influence on the likes of Barry Hay of Golden Earring, and Jan Akkerman of Focus.  Andy Tileman, age 75, died of gastric cancer on November 10, 2011.

Thanks to Harry for the assist.

 

What You Should Own

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Indo Memories - Andy Tielman

Died On This Date (November 8, 2011) Heavy D / Influential Rapper

Heavy D (Born Dwight Myers)
May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011

Heavy D was an influential rapper, actor, and producer whose Heavy D & the Boyz became one of the most popular hip-hop groups during the late ’80s and early ’90s.  Born in Jamaica, Heavy D moved with his family to New York when he was just a child.  Discovering his talent as am MC, he formed Heavy D & the Boyz in 1986, and within a year, the group became the first act signed to Uptown Records. In 1987, they released their debut, Living Large.  Although the album barely cracked the Top 100 album chart, The Source later included it on their list of The 100 Best Rap Albums Ever.  The group went on to perform the theme song to the popular television program, In Living Color, while Heavy D himself rapped on Michael Jackson’s “Jam,” and Janet Jackson’s “Alright.”  As an actor, Heavy D appeared on such TV shows as A Different World, Roc, Living Single, Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit, and Boston Public.  He was also in the films Life, New Jersey Drive, and 2011’s Tower Heist.   On November 8, 2011, TMZ reported that at around 11:30 that morning, a 911 call was made from Heavy D’s home to report that he was unconscious. Paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital where he passed away.  Cause of death was not immediately released.  Heavy D was 44 years old.  Trouble T Roy of Heavy D & the Boyz passed away in 1990.

Thanks to Ken McCullagh at New Releases Now! for the assist.

What You Should Own

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Heavy Hitz - Heavy D & The Boyz

Died On This Date (November 6, 2011) Jesse Morris / San Francisco Busker

Jesse Morris
DOB Unknown – November 6, 2011

Photo by Jenner Davis

Known throughout the San Francisco area as the “Punk Rock Johnny Cash,” Jesse Morris was a local musician who by day, busked at the city’s train stations, and by night played clubs fronting Jesse Morris & the Man Cougars.  The charismatic singer earned his nickname for his near perfect delivery of Cash songs along with punk and metal covers in the same crushed velvet baritone voice.  In 2008, Morris went into the studio to begin recording a country album.  Though never finished, several tracks are available through the Different Fur Studios site. Jesse Morris was 28 when he died of an apparent suicide on November 6, 2011.

Thanks to Kim Shepard for the assist.



Died On This Date (November 3, 2011) Cory Smoot aka Flattus Maximus of GWAR

Cory Smoot
August 25, 1977 – November 3, 2011

Cory Smoot, or as he’s better known to fans, Flattus Maximus, was the lead guitarist for notorious heavy metal band, GWAR.  Formed in 1984, GWAR built a legion of fans due in part to their over-the-top sci-fi inspired costumes and comic book violence that ran through their lyrics and live shows.  Not an original member, Smoot joined the band in 2002 and was the longest running Flattus Maximus in the band’s history.  Besides playing on every album since he joined, Smoot helped with production and mixing duties as well.  He can be heard singing lead on the band’s “Release The Flies.”  As reported by MetalSucks, during the morning hours of November 3, 2011, Cory Smoot’s GWAR band mates discovered his lifeless body as they were preparing to travel into Canada on tour.  Cause of death was attributed to a coronary artery thrombosis.

Thanks to Ken McCullagh for the assist.

What You Should Own

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Lust In Space (Bonus Track Version) - Gwar

Died On This Date (October 30, 2011) George Rountree / Four Tops Musical Director

George Rountree
May 13, 1950 – October 30,2011

George Rountree is perhaps best remembered as the long time music director for legendary Motown group, the Four Tops.  For over 30 years, Rountree helped the quartet deliver its best possible sound to adoring fans around the world.  He also served as their arranger, composer, and keyboardist from time to time.  Throughout the years, Rountree also performed with the likes of Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Temptations, Martha Reeves, and Frankie Valli, to name a few.  George Rountree was 61 when he passed away on October 30, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.