Kelly Groucutt, 1945–2009

Born in Coseley, Staffordshire, England on September 8th, 1945, Groucutt began his career as vocalist Rikki Storm of Rikki Storm and the Falcons, at 15. He picked up guitar and bass along the way, and joined ELO when bandleader Jeff Lynne expanded the lineup in 1974. Groucutt left in 1983, unhappy with his status in the band. In 1982, he released a solo album [Kelly, RCA], and went on to perform in ELO reincarnations OrKestra, ELO Part 2 and, most recently, The Orchestra. Groucutt is survived by his second wife, four children, and two grandchildren.