Died On This Date (March 31, 2011) Don Hill / Iconic New York Nightclub Owner
themusicsover Don Hill
DOB Unknown – March 31, 2011
Don Hill was a popular New York City club manager and owner who helped make the Cat Club, and later his own Don Hill’s nightclub THE places to be seen for rock stars and celebrities of every stripe. Born and raised in New Jersey, Hill was just 18 when landed his first Manhattan job at Kenny’s Castaways. In 1985, he took over management of the Cat Club and began booking talent like G.G. Allin, Poison, Soundgarden and L.A. Guns – it was the first place most New Yorkers caught a glimpse of these acts. The Cat Club stage also played host to David Bowie and Peter Frampton during the ’80s. In 1993, he opened Don Hill’s which again, became and still is, the hangout of choice for many of rock’s elite. Don Hill was 66 when he passed away on March 31, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.
David Emmanuel, known professionally as Smiley Culture was a popular reggae singer and DJ who had several UK hits during the ’80s. His two most popular were 1984’s “Cockney Translation” and “Police Officer.” As a DJ for Saxon Studio International sound system, Emmanuel worked with the likes of Maxi Priest and Tippa Irie. In 1986 he appeared alongside David Bowie, Ray Davies and Sade in the Julien Temple film, Absolute Beginners. On March 15, 2011, David Emmanuel, age 48, died during a reported police raid on his home. Early reports indicate he was killed by a self-inflicted stab wound but that a local watchdog group was investigating. In a twist of irony, his 1984 hit, “Police Officer” told the story of a time he was arrested for marijuana possession but was let go when an officer recognized him as a reggae star.
Albert Collins was an electric blues guitarist so great, that he was awarded not one, but three nicknames – the Iceman, the Master of the Telecaster, and the Razor Blade. Born in a small Texas town mid-way between Dallas and Houston, Collins took an early shine to the music he heard around him. When he was 7, he and his family moved to Houston, and it was there that he eventually began making a name for himself by playing a style that was equal parts Texas, Mississippi, and Chicago blues. In 1952, Collins formed his first band and within two years, he was headlining clubs in and around Houston. He began making records in 1958, and went on to record for such respected labels as Imperial, Alligator, and Point Blank. Collins was also an in-demand side man and be heard playing on records by the likes of David Bowie, B.B. King, 
