Root Boy Slim
Root Boy Slim | |
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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, U.S. |
| Origin | Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | June 8, 1993 (aged 48) Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Alternative rock, Southern rock, blues rock, punk blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1978–1993 |
| Labels |
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Foster MacKenzie III (July 9, 1944 – June 8, 1993), known professionally as Root Boy Slim, was an American musician and songwriter.
He was born in Asheville, North Carolina but raised in Washington, D.C.'s Maryland suburbs. He was an exceptionally bright child with parents who were able to afford a series of costly prep schools, and he attended Yale University. He returned to Maryland upon receiving his bachelor's degree and was diagnosed with schizophrenia following an LSD-induced psychotic episode. In the 1970s, he formed his own alternative rock band (including musicians such as tenor saxophonist Ron Holloway) and an ensemble titled Crying Out Loud. Mackenzie's group was ultimately billed as Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change Band and The Rootettes. The band cultivated a dedicated fan base, largely confined to the Washington metropolitan area.
MacKenzie died in his sleep in his home in Orlando, Florida at age 48 and is buried in Fletcher, North Carolina. He was inducted into the Washington Area Music Association Hall of Fame in 2004.