Tony Schepkens
April 19, 1973 – August 1, 2008
Tony Schepkens was the bassist Belgian grindcore band, Agathocles. The political band formed in 1985 and released numerous split singles and EPs as well. They were a popular touring band, having shared the stage with such bands as Napalm Death. Sadly, Tony Schepkens took his own life on August 1st, 2008. He was 35.
Mitch Miller
July 4, 1911 – July 31, 2010
Mitch Miller was many things – musician, record company executive, A&R man, singer, conductor, band leader and producer, but to millions of Americans he was the host of the popular television series and number one albums entitled Sing Along With Mitch. Although his music was far from rock ‘n roll, he is considered one of the most influential people in popular music. He is also often credited for inventing what would later be called karaoke because of the “bouncing ball” he used over the songs’ lyrics as the music was broadcast into homes during the ’50s and ’60s. As an A&R man and producer for Columbia Records, Miller helped create stars out of the likes of Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, and Rosemary Clooney. Many songs he produced have since become pop standards. He also discovered Aretha Franklin and signed her to her very first record deal until she was courted away by Atlantic Records. Mitch Miller was 99 when he passed away on July 31, 2010.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist
Jim Reeves
August 20, 1923 – July 31, 1964
When Jim Reeves graduated from college, he played semi-pro baseball until he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1944. An ankle injury put the brakes on his baseball career while still in the farm system. Reeves soon turned his sights on music and by the late ’40s was making records and was part of Moon Mulican’s band. Reeves later made his solo radio debut on the highly influential program, Louisiana Hayride, reportedly as a last-minute replacement for Hank Williams. He eventually signed with RCA Records where, with the help of producer, Chet Atkins he released a string of hits including “Four Walls” and “He’ll Have To Go.” His smooth voice and style came to exemplify the “Nashville Sound.” Jim Reeves died when the small plane he was piloting crashed in bad weather over Tennessee. He was 40 years old.
Baatin (Born Titus Glover)
March 8, 1974 – July 31, 2009
Coming to prominence in the Detroit’s underground rap scene of the ’90s, Baatin was part of the popular rap group, Slum Village. The group released several albums throughout its career, including a couple for Capitol Records. Baatin left the group in 2002 due to undisclosed health reasons. He passed away at the age of 35 on July 31, 2009. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Lee Young
March 7, 1914 – July 31, 2008
Lee Young was a respected jazz drummer, record producer, and A&R man who is credited for discovering Steely Dan. He was also the younger brother of famed jazz saxophonist, Lester Young. Throughout his career, he’s played with Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, Lionel Hampton, and Benny Goodman. He was the drummer in the Nat King Cole Trio during the ’50s. Lee Young passed away in his home at the age of 94.
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