James Gurley
Musician and psychedelic rocker
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About James Gurley
This American musician was best known as the main guitarist of the Big Brother and the Holding Company, a psychedelic rock band that was popular in the late 1960s.
Background
A son of Detroit-based stunt car driver, the musician is said to have enjoyed life on the fast lane. As an adventurous teenager, he explored flying through rings of fire. In his spare time, he taught himself how to play the guitar using the Lightnin Hopkins discs as a learning manual.
Career
In 1965, Gurley joined San Andrew and Peter Albin to form Big Brother & the Holding Company; the lead singer Janis Joplin joined later. The group enjoyed brief success after the release of their album “Cheap Thrills”. The beginning of the end of the group came after Janis Joplin decided to leave the band in 1968. The group eventually broke up in 1972 but they came back together in 1987 without Joplin.
Personal Life
His marriage to Nancy Gurly ended in 1969, when Nancy died of a heroin overdose. Gurley was charged for her death because he injected her with the drugs. He was placed on probation after a very prolonged court proceeding.
All in all, he fathered two children from his two marriages.
Death
This Detroit-born musician died in 2009, just two days away from his 70th birthday. The cause of death was a heart attack.
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F.A.Q. about James Gurley
When is his birthday?
James Gurley's birthday is on December 22, 1939.
In how many days is his birthday?
James' birthday is in 80 days
How old was James when he died?
He was 69 years old.
When did he die?
He died in December 20, 2009.
How old would he be today?
James Gurley would be 83 years old if he was alive today.
Where was James from?
He was born in Detroit, Michigan, U.S..