Rock Musician. A native of Southern California, he was the lead singer for the musical group, "Sublime." Formed in Long Beach, California, in 1988, as a garage band, the group also included drummer Bud Gaugh and bassist Eric Wilson. Known for their styles of punk, funk, rap, dub, ska, and hard rock music, the group originally played parties and other venues. Born into a musical family (his mother was a singer and his father a guitar player), Nowell began an interest in music at a young age. Influenced by reggae musician Bob Marley, Nowell began playing the guitar and by the age of 13, he had joined his first band, 'Hogan's Heroes,' named after the television series which starred Bob Crane and Werner Klemperer. In 1988, Nowell formed 'Sublime' with two friends and began to play around the local area. In 1992, the group released an independent album, "40 Oz. To Freedom," and in 1994 another, "Robbin' The Hood." Their first track 'Date Rape,' released in 1995, became a big hit when the Los Angeles, California, based KROQ radio station played it on the air. The group were soon signed to a contract on the MCA Record Label. The group's hard work seemed to be starting to pay off. Nowell got married, but the happiness was short-lived. In 1996, Nowell became heavily addicted to drugs and his friends and family worried. The group's contract on the MCA Record Label was finished, shortly after the troubles started. On May 25, 1996, Bradley Nowell died at the age of 28, in his San Francisco, California hotel room from a heroin overdose. His body was cremated, and the ashes were spread over his favorite surfing spot in Surfside, California. A headstone was out in place in Westminster Memorial Park in Nowell's memory. In July 1996 despite Nowell's death, the group's last project, their self-titled album was issued, and the singles, 'Santeria,' 'What I Got,' and 'Wrong Way,' became MTV and radio favourites. The group eventually disbanded the same year. Other recordings by 'Sublime,' include, 'Caress Me Down,' 'Doin' Time,' 'Burritos,' 'Pawn Shop,' 'Paddle Out,' 'The Ballad Of Johnny Butt,' and 'April 29, 1992.' The band also had compilation albums released including, "Second Hand Smoke" (1997), "Stand By Your Van" (1998), "Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends" (1998), "Greatest Hits" (1999), and "Gold" (2005).