Died On This Date (December 9, 1996) Patty Donahue / The Waitresses
themusicsover Patty Donahue
March 29, 1956 – December 9, 1996
Patty Donahue is best remembered as the lead singer of ’80s new wave act, the Waitresses. Formed in 1978 in Akron, Ohio, the band made its mark on pop culture with three catchy songs during the early ’80s. Their “I Know What Boys Like” from their debut album stands today as one of the most lasting and instantly recognizable songs of the era, while their stab at a Holiday song, “Christmas Wrapping,” continues to be an annual favorite at modern rock stations around the world. And in 1982, the group provided the theme song for the now cult classic American TV show, Square Pegs. Much more than a pretty face with a sultry pop voice, Donahue blazed the trail for feminist-centric alternative rockers to follow. That list includes Liz Phair and Ani DiFranco. Following the break up of the Waitresses in 1984, Donahue moved over to the label side where she worked in A&R at MCA Records. On December 9, 1996, Patty Donahue died of cancer. She was 40 years old.
Thanks to Bob Bell for the assist.
What You Should Own
Taylor Mitchell was an up-and-coming singer songwriter who was just beginning to build her career in her home country of Canada when her life was tragically cut short. Mitchell recorded her first EP in 2007 and released her full length debut For Your Consideration, in March of 2009 . Mitchell’s back-up band for her latest album included a cast of all-star musicians who have played with the likes of Ani DiFranco, Ron Sexsmith and Kathleen Edwards. Taylor Mitchell, 19, was hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, when she was attacked by two coyotes. Mitchell died of her injuries in a Halifax hospital.
