Chuck Schuldiner

Chuck Schuldiner
Schuldiner circa 1992
Schuldiner circa 1992
Background information
Birth nameCharles Michael Schuldiner
Also known as
  • The Godfather of death metal
  • Evil Chuck (early career)
Born(1967-05-13)May 13, 1967
Long Island, New York, U.S.
DiedDecember 13, 2001(2001-12-13) (aged 34)
Altamonte Springs, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • bass
Years active1983–2001
Formerly of
Websiteemptywords.org

Charles Michael Schuldiner (May 13, 1967 – December 13, 2001) was an American musician. He founded the pioneering Florida death metal band Death in 1983, in which he was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter and only continuous member until his death in 2001. His obituary in the January 5, 2002, issue of Kerrang! described him as "one of the most significant figures in the history of metal."[1] Schuldiner was ranked No. 10 in Joel McIver's book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists in 2009 and No. 20 in March 2004 Guitar World's "The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists".[2] In 1987, Schuldiner founded the publishing company Mutilation Music, affiliated with performance rights organization BMI. Schuldiner died in 2001 of a brain tumor.[3]

Schuldiner is often referred to as "The Godfather of death metal",[4][5][6] though he was not fond of the title,[7] remarking that "I don't think I should take the credits for this death metal stuff. I'm just a guy from a band, and I think Death is a metal band."[5]

  1. ^ "Sympathies". Emptywords.org. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  2. ^ "GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011.
  3. ^ Gotrich, Lars (December 12, 2011). "Heavy Metal Articles: Death Is Never Finished: Remembering Death Metal Pioneer Chuck Schuldiner". NPR. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  4. ^ allmusic ((( Death > Biography )))
  5. ^ a b "Chuck Schuldiner – The pain of a genius". Metal Rules. August 22, 1999. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  6. ^ "The Best Of NAMM 2008: Jimmy Page, Satriani Models Among The Highlights". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  7. ^ "GENE HOGLAN Says CHUCK SCHULDINER Was 'Always Uncomfortable' With Being Called 'Godfather Of Death Metal'". Blabbermouth.net. April 12, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2023.