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 (including Sidwell Friends School), 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.
Read more about Root Boy Slim: Background, Sex Change Band, Death, Discography, Sex Change Band Members, Band Members (post Sex Change Band)
Famous quotes containing the words root, boy and/or slim:
“Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower—but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.”
—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)
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—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)
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eyes languid at the end of lovemaking,
may the face of the slim girl
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What’s the use
of Vi.s».n»u, iva, Skanda,
and all those other gods?”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)