Steve Wright was a bassist and songwriter who spent many years playing in the Greg Kihn Band, the band he co-founded with Kihn in 1975. As Kihn’s writing partner, Wright co-wrote the band’s biggest hits, including “The Break Up Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)” and “Jeopardy,” as well as other lesser known gems. “Jeopardy,” a #2 hit for the band, had the dubious honor of being parodied by Weird Al Yankovic who’s version, “I Lost on Jeopardy” became a massive hit as well thanks to heavy video play on a young MTV. The band went on to have several successful albums throughout the ’80s which afforded them to graduate from clubs to arenas around the world. Steve Wright died of a heart attack on January 16, 2017.
Kurt Cobain and his band Nirvana were unleashed in 1989 and many say they, along with Pearl Jam, almost single-handedly changed what the world then knew as rock music. They created a dirty, flannel and jean-wearing beautiful mess that combined equal parts punk, metal, alternative rock, disillusionment and apathy. It would become know as “grunge” and dealt a fatal blow to “hair metal,” the likes of which hadn’t been seen since the last days of disco. Cobain formed Nirvana with Krist Novoselic in 1987. They were signed to Sub Pop Records who released their debut, Bleach in 1989. Their drummer at the time was Chad Channing but he was soon replaced by Dave Grohl whose pounding assault was exactly what the band needed to take their message beyond the dimly lit clubs of Seattle. Two years later, the band released their amazing Nevermind album which included the radio and video hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” a song so revered that it even earned a parody from Weird Al Yankovic. While all this was going on, Cobain met and fell in love with Courtney Love of the band, Hole. They were wed on February 24, 1992 and had their first and only child later that year. Cobain appeared to be in a very happy place even though many Nirvana fans resented his relationship with Love, some comparing her to Yoko Ono and her perceived role in breaking up the Beatles. Needless to say, Cobain continued to struggle with his own internal demons (both mental and physical) in spite of, or perhaps because of all the “positive” changes in his life. His drug problems are already well documented, so need to go into them here. On March 1, 1994 while on tour in Munich, Love woke up one morning to find Cobain had overdosed on champagne and Rohypnol. Love later declared that this was Cobain’sfirst attempt at suicide. After apparent struggles (he claimed he was fine) back home in Seattle, Cobain agreed to go to rehab in Los Angeles. He checked in on March 30th, but just one day later, he hopped the fence and took a plane back home to Seattle. Over the next couple of days there were various Cobain sightings in Seattle clubs, but his family had no idea where he was. Love reached out to a private detective to help find him. On April 8th, Cobain was found dead. The police ruled his death a suicide by shotgun wound. The date of death was declared to be April 5, 1994.
Nicolette Larson
July 17, 1952 – December 16, 1997
Nicolette Larson was a country and pop singer who is perhaps best remembered for her 1978 hit single, “Lotta Love,” a cover of the Neil Young song. Larson’s angelic voice lead to numerous vocal sessions over the years. She can be heard singing back-up on records by the likes of Commander Cody, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young and the Doobie Brothers. In 1978, Larson released her debut album, Nicolette, which prompted Rolling Stone magazine to cite her as the best female vocalist of 1978. Larson’s last hit single was a country one, 1985’s duet with Steve Wariner, on “That’s How You Know When Love is Right.” Later vocal credits include records by Dolly Parton, Weird Al Yankovic, and Jimmy Buffett. Nicolette Larson was 45 when she died on December 16, 1997 from complications of cerebral edema.
Allan Sherman
November 30, 1924 – November 20, 1973
Allan Sherman was a popular humorist, television producer and parody singer-songwriter who had a massive top 40 hit with his 1963 novelty single, “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh,” a song about a child’s rough time at summer camp. It was sung to the tune of “Dance of the Hours” by Amilcare Ponchielli. That was followed by another humorous hit, “The Twelve Gifts of Christmas.” Such songs were a direct influence on likes of Weird Al Yankovic. Sherman’s career actually began in television. From 1952 to 1967, he was the producer of I’ve Got a Secret, which was based on an idea of his. He began putting out novelty records in the early ’60s. His specialty was taking old folk songs and changing the lyrics to poke fun at his Jewish heritage. One such hit of his was “Sarah Jackman” sung to the tune of “Frere Jacques.” Sherman’s popularity was short lived though, likely due to the fickle tastes of music fans. Some have even specualted that the changing mood in America after the assasanation of John F. Kennedy lead to his decline in popularity. Sherman tended to eat and drink heavily, leading to health problems as he grew older. He suffered from diabetes and lung disease and died of emphysema at the age of 48.