Died On This Date (January 5, 2011) Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa / Ozomatli

Jose Espinosa
DOB Unknown – January 5, 2011

Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa was a founding member of Los Angeles Latin rock/funk/hip-hop collective, Ozomatli.  Formed in 1995, the band, which has counted as many as many as 10 members, quickly became local favorites thanks in part to their highly energetic shows and dance friendly message songs.  With a sound rooted deep in Latin folk and lyrics in both Spanish and English, it was no doubt they’d become hometown favorites.  The band is also highly regarded for using its popularity to lend a voice to people of struggle.   During the 2000 Democratic Convention, Ozomatli staged a large protest concert outside of the event.  In 1998 they released their self-titled debut that included the uptempo song “Como Ves” which became a film and TV staple and helped the band build its sizable following outside of Southern California.  They have since released several more records, toured the world many times over, and wowed audiences at the biggest music festivals across the United States.  Their fans range from lovers of traditional Latin music, Salsa, hip-hop, jamband, and alternative rock.   Outside of Ozomatli, Espinosa collaborated with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, Ubalaye, Money Mark, and the Salvador Santana Band.  Jose “Crunchy” Espinosa died of cancer on January 5, 2011.

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Died On This Date (January 4, 2010) Sandro / The Argentine Elvis

Sandro de America (Born Roberto Sanchez)
August 19, 1945 – January 4, 2010

Sandro de America was an Argentine singer and actor who rose to prominence during the ’60s.  He began his career imitating Elvis Presley, but soon evolved into a style that raised him above the pack and garnered him millions of fans worldwide.  By doing so, he became known as the “father of Spanish rock.”  As an actor, Sandro appeared in popular telenovelas  (Spanish soap operas), and approximately two dozen films.  In the early ’70s, he became the first Latino performer to sell-out Madison Square Garden, and he did so four other time.  One such concert in April of 1970 was broadcast worldwide via satellite, marking it the first time any singer had ever done so.  On January 4, 2010 Sandro de America died of complications from a heart and lung transplant he received on November 20, 2009.  He was 64 years old.

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Died On This Date (January 4, 1986) Phil Lynott / Thin Lizzy

Phil Lynott
August 20, 1949 – January 4, 1986

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Phil Lynott was the lead singer, bassist and primary songwriter for the popular ’70s Irish rock band, Thin Lizzy.   Formed in 1969, the band gained international fame during the mid ’70s with such rock hits as “The Boys are Back in Town,” “Jailbreak,” and “Dancing in the Moonlight (It’s Caught Me in its Spotlight).”  Their 1978 live album, Live and Dangerous sits alongside Frampton Comes Alive and Kiss Alive as one of the definitive albums of its generation and one of the best live rock albums of all time.  Lynott released a handful of solo albums beginning in 1980, the best of which being Solo in Soho.  Thin Lizzy called it quits in 1984.  On Christmas Day, 1985, Lynott collapsed in his home, and was brought to an area hospital where it was discovered he was suffering from a kidney and liver infection, a result of his drug and alcohol abuse.   He died while still in the hospital’s intensive care unit on two weeks later as a result of heart failure and pneumonia.  Phil Lynott was 36 when he passed away on January 4, 1986.

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Died On This Date (January 4, 2008) Keith Baxter / 3 Colours Red

Keith Baxter
February 19, 1971 – January 4, 2008

keith

Keith Baxter was the drummer for popular ’90s British rock band, 3 Colours Red. Formed in 1995, the band found moderate success with the 1999 release of Revolt which included the band’s biggest hit, “Beautiful Day.”  The popularity of that album helped them secure tour dates with the likes of Aerosmith and Marilyn Manson.  In 1999, the band split due to internal politics and Baxter went on to form the band, Elevation and later collaborated with Therapy?.  3 Colours Red briefly reformed in 2002.  On January 4, 2008, 38-year-old Keith Baxter died of a gastro-intestinal hemorrhage.


Died On This Date (January 4, 2010) Tony Clarke / Respected British Producer

Tony Clarke
August 21, 1941 – January 4, 2010

Tony Clarke is best remembered as a successful British record producer who worked on records by the likes of the Moody Blues, the Four Tops, Clannad, and Rick Wakeman.  In the early years of his music career, he worked as a session man, most prominently for Decca Records who eventually hired him as a record promoter.  Tony Clarke was 68 when he passed away on January 4, 2010.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.