Died On This Date (October 30, 2010) Sean “The Captain” Carasov / Record Label Exec
themusicsover Sean Carasov
November 17, 1961 – October 30, 2010
Sean “The Captain” Carasov was a respected music industry executive who launched his career in the mid ’80s. In those early years he acted as the Beastie Boys’ road manager and more – working for Russell Simmons at the time – on the inaugural tour. If there was ever a “fourth Beastie,” by all accounts, it might very well have been Carasov. An expert on and lover of hip-hop, he had no difficulty landing A&R gigs at such labels as Jive, Atlantic and Mammoth just as the genre was starting to explode. His successes include signing A Tribe Called Quest and curating the popular Menace II Society soundtrack. Carasov also contributed numerous articles to music magazines from France to Japan. In later years, he handled music supervision for the film, American Pimp and was did A&R for ARTISTdirect Records. Sean Carasov was 48 when he took his own life on October 30, 2010.
Andy Kotowicz was a beloved music industry executive who is best known for his many years working at indie giant, Sub Pop Records. At the time of his passing, Kotowicz was the Vice President of Sales and Director of Marketing. He also dabbled in A&R, bringing such acts as Mudhoney and Pissed Jeans to the label. Prior to Sub Pop, Kotowicz worked briefly at Spongebath Records. Kotowicz was involved in a car accident on October 21st, 2010 after which he was taken to a local hospital where he was placed on life support. His young daughter, who was also in the car, was pulled to safety. On October 23, Andy Kotowicz was taken off life support and passed away from injuries sustained in the accident. He was 37 years old.
Aaron-Carl Ragland was a respected house and electronic producer and DJ who began building a following in Detroit during the mid ’90s. Ragland was revered for his dynamic showmanship and for bringing the house, electronic and techno communities together. After several popular releases on respected techno labels like Soul City, he formed his own label, Wallshaker Music. Ragland recently canceled his European tour when he was hospitalized for abdominal pains and learned he was suffering from lymphoma. Aaron-Carl Ragland was 37 when he died of the disease on September 30, 2010.
Dick Griffey is best remembered as the founder of influential R&B label, SOLAR (Sound Of Los Angeles Records). Formed in 1977, the label was one of the most successful R&B labels outside of Motown. Griffey launched his music career during the ’60s when he became part owner of a Los Angeles nightclub, Guys and Dolls which played host to shows by the likes of 
Stacy Fleeman was a beloved member of the Nashville music community. Besides being the singer of area band, Dharmakaya, Fleeman ran Spat! Records and also worked the door at the popular night club, The End. Fleeman passed away at Vanderbilt Hospital at the age of 33. Cause of death was not immediately released.