Died On This Date (December 13, 2001) Chuck Schuldiner / The Father of Death Metal
themusicsover Chuck Schuldiner
May 13, 1967 – December 13, 2001
Chuck Schuldiner was a rock singer, songwriter and guitarist who has been called the “father of death metal” for creating a genre by marrying the best elements of British metal bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest with those of thrash bands like Slayer and Mercyful Fate. Schuldiner began learning the acoustic guitar before he was ten-year old, but soon grew tired of it, so his parents bought him an electric guitar and amps which he took too with a vengeance. In 1983, he formed his first band, Mantas who eventually morphed into Death, a band that would define the death metal genre, much in the same way Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys spawned bluegrass. Over the next decade, Death released seven killer albums that have come to influence a new generation of headbangers. In May of 1999, Chuck Schuldiner was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. The tumor was removed during an expensive procedure that was partially paid for by the metal community. Unfortunately, the cancer came back in 2001 and lead to Schuldiner’s death on December 13, 2001. He was 34.
What You Should Own
Clifton Chenier was an accordion player, singer, and songwriter who was considered the undisputed king of zydeco music. The Louisiana native began his music career in 1954, releasing his debut album on a small label that same year. Thanks to regional touring and local airplay, the album became a minor hit, helping him land a deal with the legendary label, Chess Records. By the mid ’70s, he was appearing on national television, which expanded his following even more. In 1983, he won a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Album for I’m Here. Clifton Chenier was 62 when he died of diabetes related kidney failure on December 12, 1987.
One thing is known about Blind Lemon Jefferson, that he has been rightfully called the “Father of Texas Blues,” but most else about the man still remains in question. As the story goes, Jefferson, who was blind since birth, began learning the guitar as a young teen, and within a few years, he was performing at local dances and parties. By the time he was in his 20s, he was touring around Texas, hooking up with the likes of 
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 