Died On This Date (July 12, 2013) Cory Monteith / Singer; Played Finn Hudson on “Glee”

Cory Monteith
May 11, 1982 – July 13, 2013

cory-monteithCory Monteith was a Canadian actor-come-singer who is best remembered for portraying popular high school quarterback/glee club stand-out, Finn Hudson, in Fox Television’s widely popular program, Glee.  Balancing the fine line between big-man-on-campus as the leading jock and social outcast as a member of the school’s glee club, Monteith brought compassion and idealism to a role that attempted to break down teenage stereotypes while examining social caste systems.  The show’s break-out first season of 2009 almost single-handedly  changed the focus of school vocal groups around the world by featuring choral treatments of and dynamic dance routines to some of pop music’s biggest hits.  The cast’s first hit, the pilot’s rousing version of Journey‘s “Don’t Stop Believin,” became an internet sensation and brought the song back to the top of the charts for the first time since it’s 1981 release while selling over a million copies.  Monteith provided co-lead vocals with cast mate and real life girlfriend, Lea Michele.  Other stand-out tracks that featured Monteith on lead or co-lead included Rick Springfield‘s “Jessie’s Girl,” the Doors‘ “Hello, I Love You,” and Queen‘s “Somebody To Love.”  On July 13, 2013, 31-year-old Cory Monteith, was found dead in a Vancouver, Canada hotel room.  According to official reports released on July 16th, , he died from an accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com
Click to find at amazon.com



Died On This Date (June 1, 2008) Alton Kelley / Famed Psychedelic Rock Poster Artist

Alton Kelley
June 17, 1940 – June 1, 2008

Alton Kelley, was a  graphic artist who created some of the most iconic images in rock history.  Along with partner, Stanley Mouse, Kelly created the “skull and roses” logo for the Grateful Dead.  He was also designed or co-designed album covers or posters for such acts as Steve Miller Band, Journey, Jimi Hendrix, Big Brother & The Holding Company, and Quicksilver Messenger Service.   He helped launch concert poster as a legitimate art form.  Alton Kelley died after a long struggle with osteoporosis at the age of 67.

kelley

Died On This Date (January 28, 2010) Geoff Workman / Respected Rock Producer

Geoff Workman
DOB Unknown – January 28, 2010

Geoff Workman was a record producer and engineer who was partly responsible for some of rock’s greatest albums during the ’70s and ’80s.  He began his career working with King Crimson in 1970.  Over the course of his career he either engineered or produced some of rock’s most celebrated releases.  That list includes Motley Crue’s Shout at the Devil, Journey’s Infinity and Departure, the Cars’ self-titled debut and Candy-O, Queen’s Jazz, Foreigner’s Head Games, and Twisted Sister’s Stay Hungry.  His credits also include recordings by, to name a few, Toto, Jason & the Scorchers, Sammy Hagar, Dwight Twilley, and Tommy Tutone.  Geoff Workman passed away peacefully in his home on January 28, 2010.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Died On This Date (November 30, 2000) Scott Smith / Loverboy

Scott Smith
February 13, 1955 – November 30, 2000

scottsmith

Scott Smith is best remembered as the original bassist for the Canadian rock band, Loverboy who had a string of hits during the ’80s.  Learning to play the guitar as a child, Smith switched over to bass just as he was hitting his teen years.  While in college in 1980, he was asked to join Loverboy.  The band’s debut self titled album was a hit, selling over 2 million copies in the U.S. alone and helping the band land tours with such superstar acts as Journey, ZZ Top, and Cheap Trick.  The band released a series of hit singles that included “Working For The Weekend,” “Turn Me Loose,” and “The Kid Is Hot Tonight.”  The band would become synonymous with ’80s arena rock.  The band broke up in the late ’80s, but reunited in 1991.  On November 30, 2000, Scott Smith lost his life at sea after being swept overboard by an unexpected wave while sailing with friends off the coast of San Francisco.  He was 45 years old.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Loverboy - Loverboy