Died On This Date (May 10, 2009) Gary Finneran / Ex-Idols
themusicsover Gary Finnerman
April 17, 1964 – May 10, 2009
Gary Finneran was the leader of ’90s Orange County punk band, the Ex-Idols. Signed to Relativity Records, the Ex-Idols released their debut Social Kill in 1994. It garnered positive reviews and received moderate airplay around the US. Finneran later moved on to such acts as Tuscaurora, She Died and Tragedy Club. Gary Finneran passed away on May 10, 2009 at the age of 45.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.
Lester Butler was a blues harmonica player and singer who was in the Red Devils (previously known as the Blue Shadows), a Los Angeles blues rock band who also included members of the Blasters and the Knitters. In 1992, the band caught the ear of Rick Rubin who produced their debut album. That lead to some studio work with Mick Jagger and Johnny Cash. On May 10, 1998, Lester Butler, age 38, died of a drug overdose.
Keith Whitley was an American country singer who achieved mainstream success in the mid to late ’80s. Married to Lorrie Morgan in 1986, the couple were destined to become one of country music’s favorite couples. But that dream was cut short on May 9, 1989 when Whitley was found dead face down in his bed. After many years battling alcoholism, he died at the age of 34 from what was officially ruled alcohol poisoning.
Lena Horne was a popular and influential jazz vocalist and actress who broke many color barriers over a career that spanned nearly seven decades, and her 1943 recording of “Stormy Weather” is arguably the most recognized song of its era. Horne was not only a multi-Grammy award-winning singer, she was also an award-winning star of stage, screen and television. She appeared in popular Broadway shows as well as numerous MGM musicals during their golden years. Horne was also a familiar face on television during most of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, either as a guest or star of her own specials. During the ’60s, Horne was one of the most visible celebrities involved with the Civil Rights movement. She remained professionally active well into the 2000s. Lena Horne was 92 when she passed away on May 9, 2010.