Singer

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.

 

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Indo Memories - Andy Tielman

Died On This Date (November 7, 2011) Joe Frazier / Heavyweight Boxing Champ; Soul Singer

Joe Frazier
January 12, 1944 – November 7, 2011

joe-frazierKnown to millions around the world as “Smokin’ Joe” inside the boxing ring, Joe Frazier also flirted with a career in music by fronting his own R&B group, the Knockouts.  As a fighter, Frazier’s well-documented career included a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics as well as numerous professional victories over the likes of Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis, and of course, Muhammad Ali, in a 1971 fight that has been dubbed the “Fight Of The Century.”  His trio of battles with Ali (including the legendary 1975 “Thilla In Manilla”) made up one the greatest rivalries in sports history.  Throughout the course of his professional career, Frazier had an impressive record of 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.  What many didn’t know however, was that Frazier could very well have been a champ of the music charts as well.  He loved to sing – both inside the ring and out, and he recorded several decent records over the years.  That list includes “If You Go, Stay Gone,” “Little Dog Heaven,” “The Bigger They Come,” and “You Got The Love.”  He also formed his own soul revue outfit, Joe Frazier & the Knockouts, who performed regularly in Las Vegas, Reno, and beyond.  In September of 2011, Joe Frazier learned he was suffering from liver cancer, and on November 7, 2011, the cancer took his life.  He was 67.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist. 



Died On This Date (November 7, 2011) Andrea True / Porn Star Turned Disco Queen

Andrea True (Born Andrea Truden)
July 26, 1943 – November 7, 2011

Andrea True was an adult film actress who scored a massive disco hit with her 1976 record, “More, More, More.”  Born in Nashville, Tennessee, True moved to New York City after high school to chase her dreams of being an actress.  She succeeded in landing some minor roles, but when times got tough, True made the move into adult movies.  She quickly became one of the industry’s biggest stars and appeared in over 60 hardcore films throughout the ’70s and mid ’80s.  In 1976, True recorded “More, More, More” and the Andrea True Connection was born.  The song quickly became a hit at US and European discos and True found herself performing the track on music countdown shows on television.  The record ultimately reached the Top 5 on the US and UK singles charts.  And her next two singles, “N.Y. You Got Me Dancing” and “”What’s Your Name, What’s Your Number,” did moderately well as well.  In 1980 however, True released a more punk leaning album, War Machine, to very little interest.  She attempted a porn comeback during the early ’80s, but found it difficult to compete with so many younger starlets coming into the field.  Due to throat issues, True retired from the entertainment business save for a few adult film documentary appearances during the early 2000s.  Andrea True was 68 when she passed away on November 7, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

What You Should Own

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More, More, More - Andrea True Connection

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