Died On This Date (October 30, 2002) Jam-Master Jay / Run-D.M.C.
themusicsover Jam-Master Jay (Born Jason Mizell)
January 21, 1965 – October 30, 2002
Jason Mizell, who went by the stage name, Jam-Master-Jay, was a musician in and DJ for Run D.M.C., arguably the most influential rap group ever. In 2009, they would become the first hip-hop act to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. An accomplished drummer, keyboardist and bass player, Mizell performed in a handful of bands before joining up with Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels to form Run D.M.C. in 1983. The group, who sold upwards of seven million albums, was positioned at number 48 in Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest musical acts of all time. They were even instrumental in bridging the gap between rap and rock. Their cover of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way,” with guests, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, was one of the most popular songs of the era. On October 30, 2002, Jam-Master-Jay, 37, was in his recording studio when two assailants came in and shot and killed him. The murder remains unsolved.
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Mike Baker was the lead singer of ’80s progressive metal band, Shadow Gallery. Formed in 1985 as Sorcerer, the band soon changed their name before signing to independent progressive rock label, Magna Carta Records in 1991. Shadow Gallery, and Baker’s vocals had more in common with Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Queensryche than the pop metal bands that were more in fashion at the time. During the late ’90s, the band formed a kinship with like-minded band, Dream Theater, whose James LaBrie sang on Shadow Gallery’s 1998 song, “I Believe.” Mike Baker, 45, died of a heart attack on October 29, 2008.