Singer

Died On This Date (August 24, 1978) Stacy Sutherland / 13th Floor Elevators

Stacy Sutherland
May 28, 1946 – August 24, 1978

sutherlandStacy Sutherland was the original guitarist in Roky Erickson’s 13th Floor Elevators, a psychedelic garage band that burst out of Austin, Texas in 1965.  Sutherland also had a hand in writing some of the band’s material.   And it was Sutherland’s use of reverb and echo that inspired a generation of garage bands.  When Erickson was committed to a mental institution in 1969, the band members went their separate ways with Sutherland formed his own band.  Later that year, he went to prison on drug charges.  Upon his release during the mid ’70s, Sutherland attempted to make another go with it, but was losing his battle with alcohol addiction.  On August 24, 1978, Stacy Sutherland, age 32,  was shot and killed by his wife during a domestic dispute.  His death was ruled an accident.

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Easter Everywhere - The 13th Floor Elevators

Died On This Date (August 24, 1978) Louis Prima / Jazz Legend

Louis Prima
December 7, 1910 – August 24, 1978

Louis Prima was a popular jazz trumpeter, singer, and band leader who came to prominence performing and recording with his then-wife, Keely Smith.  Thanks to his big personality on stage, Prima and his jazz combo became a popular Las Vegas draw during the ’50s.  Prima and Smith won a Grammy in 1959 for their single, “That Old Black Magic.”  His widest exposure came thanks to the 1967 Disney film, Jungle Book.  In it, Prima voiced the popular orangutan, King Louie and sang the hit song, “I Wanna Be Like You.”  In 1975, Prima’s doctors discovered a stem brain tumor.  During the surgery to remove it, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, putting him into a coma.  He passed away on August 24, 1978 at the age of 67.

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Capitol Collectors Series: Louis Prima - Louis Prima

Died On This Date (August 22, 2008) Ralph Young / Sandler & Young

Ralph Young (Born Ralph Israel)
July 1, 1918 – August 22, 2008

Ralph Young at right

Ralph Young is best remembered as half of the duo, Sandler & Young which he formed during the ’60s with fellow singer, Tony Sandler.  Signed to Capitol Records in 1966, the duo went on to release 22 albums and toured the world.  They were also a popular draw in Las Vegas throughout the ’70s and ’80s and made regular television appearances on such programs as the Ed Sullivan Show, Merv Griffin Show, and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.  Sandler & Young retired in 1983 but reunited on ocassion, the most recent being in 2003.  Ralph Young passed away in his home at the age of 90.

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Side By Side - Sandler & Young

Died On This Date (August 21, 2009) Johnny Carter / The Dells

Johnny Carter
June 2, 1934 – August 21, 2009

dells05Johnny Carter was a tenor vocalist in the doo wop groups, the Flamingos and later, the Dells.  He joined the Dells in 1960, and stayed with them for the better part of 50 years.   Elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of both the Flamingos and the Dells, Carter is one of a select few that have been inducted twice.  He passed away on August 21, 2009 at the age of 75.  Co-founder, Marvin Junior passed away in 2013.

Thanks to Craig Rosen of Number1Albums for the assist

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The Dells: Ultimate Collection - The Dells

Died On This Date (August 20, 2010) Charles Haddon / Lead Singer of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool

Charles Haddon
DOB Unknown – August 20, 2010

Charles Haddon was the front man for up-and-coming English synth-pop band, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool.  Formed in 2009, the band released one album, Christ Died For Our Synths, which spawned three moderately popular singles.  One of which, “Dance The Way I Feel,” hit the top 20 in Australia, and the top 10 in England.  On August 20, 2010, the 22-year-old Haddon apparently jumped to his death from a high tower following Ou Est Le Swimming Pool’s performance at the Pukkelpop Festival in Belgium.  Some have speculated that he may have been distraught after severely injuring a fan during a stage dive in their earlier set.  Michael Been of The Call suffered a fatal heart attack on the previous day of the festival.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums

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Dance the Way I Feel - Ou Est Le Swimming Pool