Died On This Date (April 9, 2009) Randy Cain / The Delfonics

Randy Cain (Born Rudy Cain)
May 2, 1945 – April 9, 2009

Randy Cain at right
Randy Cain at right

As one of the Delfonics, Randy Cain helped put Philly soul on the map back in the mid-1960s.  The group, originally called the Four Gents formed while Cain was still in high school.  The vocal group went on to record some of the era’s most memorable songs including “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind),” and “La La (Means I Love You).”  Both of which found new audiences when they were prominently featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown.  The Delfonics’ songs are favored by many of today’s Hip Hop artists including Nas, the Nortorious B.I.G., and Missy Elliott.  Cain left the group in 1971 but returned for a reunion in the mid 80s.  He later sued the group and their label for back royalties.   Cain’s lifeless body was found in his home.  Cause of death is not known.  He was 63.

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Delfonics

Died On This Date (February 26, 2008) Buddy Miles / Played Drums For Jimi Hendrix

Buddy Miles
September 5, 1947 – Februay 26, 2008
buddy-miles

Buddy Miles was 60 years old when, on February 26, 2008, he died from congestive heart failure. Miles was the great drummer behind Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys. Prior to that he spent his teens playing in such bands as the Ink Spots, the Delfonics and with Wilson Pickett. In the mid-’80s, Miles was introduced to a whole new generation as the voice of The California Raisins in the popular ad campaign. It is his voice that was heard singing “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” His drums could be heard throughout his career behind the likes of Carlos Santana, Cheech & Chong and even Phish.  He also released several mind-blowing albums of his own throughout the years.  Mitch Mitchell, drummer for Jimi Hendrix Experience was found dead in a hotel room on November 12, 2008.

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