Yahoo News Scott Kempner Dies: Co-Founder Of The Dictators And The Del-Lords Was 69
Scott Kempner, a co-founder of The Dictators and The Del-Lords, died today of complications of early onset dementia at a nursing home in Connecticut. He was 69.
Kempner joined with Andy Shernoff and Ross “The Boss” Friedman to form The Dictators in 1972. The band’s debut album arrived in 1974, The Dictators Go Girl Crazy, considered one of the seminal bridges for punk. The band recorded three albums before splitting up for regular appearances, but have reunited sporadically. Their 1977 sophomore album, Manifest Destiny, edged onto the Billboard 200 at No. 193.
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After the initial breakup, Kempner, bassist Manny Caiati, and guitarist Eric Ambel formed The Del-Lords, taking their name from a director of Three Stooges shorts. The group released seven albums throughout their career, including 2013’s Elvis Club.
Kempner also was a sideman in several bands, among them The Brandos, The Helen Wheels Band, Little Kings (with Dion DiMucci) and The Paradise Brothers (with Neil Giraldo).
Kempner released three solo albums, Tenement Angels, Saving Grace and Live From Blueberry Hill).
No information on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available.
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