Died On This Date (January 10, 2010) Dannie Flesher / Co-Founder Of Wax Trax Records
themusicsover Dannie Flesher
DOB Unknown – January 10, 2010
Dannie Flesher was the co-founder of Wax Trax Records, the storied Chicago record store and label during the ’80s and ’90s. Flesher and partner, Jim Nash first opened the store in Denver, but moved it to Chicago in 1978. The store specialized in punk and electronica, and usually stocked the most sought-after import releases. The store became a local mecca for young punks and hip college kids. Flesher and Nash eventually launched the Wax Trax record label, home to such industrial acts as KMFDM, Ministry, and Front 42. Unfortunately, Flesher and Nash never felt the need to sign contracts with their artists, so as would be expected, the successful ones ended up being courted away by major labels. The label went bankrupt in 1992 and was purchased by TVT Records. Dannie Flesher retired from the music business in 2005 and died of pneumonia on January 10, 2010. He was 58 .
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
Sam Cooke was one of soul music’s most respected and influential artists. Over a career that spanned just seven years, he placed almost thirty songs on the Top 40 charts. More than that, Cooke was a savvy businessman and was a visible participant in the Civil Rights movement. His hits included “A Change is Gonna Come,” “You Send Me,” “Twistin’ the Night Away,” and “Chain Gang.” Cooke first came to prominence in 1950 as the singer for the influential gospel group, the Soul Stirrers. By the mid ’50s, he began releasing crossover pop records, and in 1961, he started his own record company, SAR Records, which soon signed the likes of 
Patty Donahue is best remembered as the lead singer of ’80s new wave act, the Waitresses. Formed in 1978 in Akron, Ohio, the band made its mark on pop culture with three catchy songs during the early ’80s. Their “I Know What Boys Like” from their debut album stands today as one of the most lasting and instantly recognizable songs of the era, while their stab at a Holiday song, “Christmas Wrapping,” continues to be an annual favorite at modern rock stations around the world. And in 1982, the group provided the theme song for the now cult classic American TV show, Square Pegs. Much more than a pretty face with a sultry pop voice, Donahue blazed the trail for feminist-centric alternative rockers to follow. That list includes Liz Phair and Ani DiFranco. Following the break up of the Waitresses in 1984, Donahue moved over to the label side where she worked in A&R at MCA Records. On December 9, 1996, Patty Donahue died of cancer. She was 40 years old.