Died On This Date (December 5, 1993) Doug Hopkins / Gin Blossoms
themusicsover Doug Hopkins
April 11, 1961 – December 5, 1993
Doug Hopkins was a guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the popular ’90s rock band, the Gin Blossoms. Formed in Arizona in 1987, the band began to build a nice following in and around the Phoenix area thanks to there tight pop sound and intelligent lyrics. Before long, they were one of the area’s most popular draws, leading to a deal with major label, A&M Records in 1990. R0ughly two years later, the band released their debut album, New Miserable Experience. Two of the LP’s biggest hits, “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You” were penned by Hopkins. Those songs helped make the album a multi-platinum hit even though it took over a year to find its mass audience. Sadly however, Hopkins’ inner demons lead to him being fired from the band while the album was still in production so he never enjoyed its success. He also reluctantly signed his share of the publishing over to the band. Hopkins, who was struggling with alcoholism, tried to move on but nothing clicked with the other musicians he worked with. He did write another hit song, this time released by Phoenix area rock band, the Pistoleros. As the Gin Blossoms’ career began to take off, Hopkins apparently suffered more and more internally. He tried to clean up, but in the end, he bought a gun and shot himself to death on December 5, 1993. He was 32 years old.
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