Root Boy Slim
| Root Boy Slim | |
|---|---|
Root Boy Slim relaxing in his Takoma Park, Maryland home in 1980
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Foster MacKenzie III |
| Also known as | The Duke of Puke |
| Born |
July 9, 1944 Asheville, North Carolina United States |
| Origin | Takoma Park, Maryland, United States |
| Died | June 8, 1993 (aged 48) Orlando, Florida United States |
| Genres | Alternative rock, Southern rock, blues rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1978–1993 |
| Labels | Warner Bros. Records, IRS Records, Congressional Records, King Snake Records, Ichiban Records, Naked Language Records |
| Associated acts | Ron Holloway |
Root Boy Slim (July 9, 1944 – June 8, 1993) was the stage name assumed by American musician, Foster MacKenzie III. Born in Asheville, North Carolina, he was raised in suburban Maryland, a few minutes from D.C. after his family relocated there. An exceptionally bright child, with parents able to afford a series of costly prep schools, upon graduation, MacKenzie attended Yale University on a scholarship, but returned to Maryland upon receiving his Bachelor's degree. Once back in Maryland, he formed his own alternative rock band, including some young but talented musicians including tenor saxophonist, Ron Holloway, and an ensemble titled Crying Out Loud. Mackenzie's act was from that time billed as Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change Band, and found a dedicated fan base, although it remained confined to the Washington, D.C. area.
MacKenzie died in his sleep in his home in Orlando, Florida at the age of 48, and is buried in Fletcher, North Carolina. He was inducted into the Washington Area Music Association Hall of Fame in 2004.
MacKenzie was an intelligent yet incorrigible youth, who was asked to leave several private D.C.-area prep schools, including the Sidwell Friends School. He finally found his niche at Saint James School in Hagerstown, Maryland, a boarding school, where along with his studies, he played varsity football. He was accepted and attended Yale University on a scholarship, majoring in African American studies, and graduated in 1967. He was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, where his fraternity brothers included future President George W. Bush. MacKenzie was a year older than Bush.
...
Wikipedia