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Blind Melon

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Blind Melon

Blind Melon

This band got their namesake from legendary bluesman Blind Lemon Jefferson (not to be confused with Blind Willie Johnson), Blind Melon came together when the members of the band began jamming in L.A. in 1989. All the band-members were migrants and misfits to L.A. Lead singer Shannon Hoon was from Indiana, guitarist Chris Thorn was from Pennsylvanian, while guitarist Rogers Stevens, bassist Brad Smith & drummer Glen Graham all hailed from Mississippi. The band would sign with Capitol Records in 1991. Hoon would get his taste of fame early thanks in due part to his Indiana roots & his sister who's old friend who happened to be another Indiana native: Axl Rose. That's right, Shannon Hoon would sing back-up on Guns 'n' Roses' "Don't Cry". 1992 would see the release of their self-titled debut album & give us one of the greatest songs/videos of all time with "No Rain". Shannon Hoon battled with substance abuse and after a stint in rehab, the band headed to New Orleans (maybe not the best place for someone new to sobriety) to record 1995's Soup. Unfortunately, Hoon would pass away on the 21st of November in 1995. Hoon was easily one of the best vocalists from the 90's. His singing (and songwriting [having written all of "Change"]) was oh-so-special. The 90's left us short on a lot of rock stars who deserved a happier ending and a longer life. To think what could've been is hard to imagine.... He had so much to give. I mean, man, this is a band who only released two albums together. The band's attempt at a 3rd album would be collected as the hodge-podge ['96's] Nico, named after Shannon's daughter. The band continues to tour today without Hoon. There was a special moment 2013 and a one time earlier where Nico (Shannon's daughter) joined the band to sing "Change". But let's be real: When any great band (like Blind Melon with Hoon) loses a legend (Nirvana with Cobain, Zeppelin with Bonham, etc.) it is best for the band probably to call it quits. I mean how much did The Who really do without Moon? How much CAN Blind Lemon do without Hoon? I personally don't buy what they are selling, either way, I still love...
Blind Melon 

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