Died On This Date (December 24, 2012) Ray Collins / Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention

Ray Collins
November 19, 1936 – December 24, 2012

ray-collinsAs a founding member of the Mothers of Invention, Ray Collins played a key role in the history of Frank Zappa.  Having grown up outside of Los Angeles, Collins launched his music career by singing in various doo wop groups in the L.A. area during the late ’50s.  In 1964, Collins formed the Soul Giants, an R&B cover band with Jimmy Carl Black, Ray Hunt, Roy Estrada, and Dave Coronado.  Shortly thereafter, Collins replaced Hunt with Zappa on lead guitar and the band’s name was changed to the Mothers of Invention.  Quickly making a name for themselves within the California underground rock scene, the band, now more-or-less being driven by Zappa, was signed to Verve Records.  Their first album, 1966’s Freak Out!, is widely considered one of rock’s first concept albums.  It proudly sits in the Grammy Hall of Fame and is #246 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Collins sang lead on Freak Out! as well as Absolutely Free and Cruising With Ruben & the Jets.  In 1968, Collins quit the band over creative differences with Zappa and reportedly left the music business entirely.  In later years, he worked as a cab driver in Los Angeles and dish washer in Hawaii.  On December 24, 2012, Ray Collins died following a cardiac arrest he suffered a few days prior.  He was 76.

Thanks to Bruce Kilgour of Slipped Disc Entertainment for the assist.

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Freak Out! - The Mothers of Invention

Died On This Date (November 1, 2008) Jimmy Carl Black / Frank Zappa & the Mothers Of Invention

Jimmy Carl Black (Born James Inkanish, Jr.)
February 1, 1938 – November 1, 2008

Jimmy Carl Black is best remembered as the drummer and occasional singer of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention.  He played with Zappa from 1964 to 1969 and appeared in his 1971 classic cult film, 200 Motels.  Throughout the balance of Black’s career, he played with numerous bands including Captain Beefheart’s and numerous combos that included Zappa alumni.  He continued to perform up until the year of his death.  On November 1, 2008, Jimmy Carl Black died of lung cancer at the age of 70.

Thanks to Craig Rosen of Number1Albums for the assist.

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When Do We Get Paid? - Jimmy Carl Black

Died On This Date (September 23, 2007) Gary Primich / Legendary Blues Harmonica Player

Gary Primich
April 20, 1958 – September 23, 2007

Gary Primich was an Austin-based blues harmonica wiz who stood out in a city full of some of the best musicians in the country.  He moved to Austin during the ’80s and formed the Mannish Boys with Jimmy Carl Black, a former drummer for Frank Zappa.  Primich recorded eight solo albums over his career, one of which, Mr. Freeze, was called one of the twenty best blues albums of the 1990s by Chicago paper, New City.  Gary Primich died at the age of 49 on September 23, 2007.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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Mr. Freeze - Gary Primich