Mia Zapata joined the 27 club on July 07, 1993. The cause of death is recorded as: Murdered
Mia Katherine Zapata was a talented American musician, best known as the lead singer of the Seattle punk band The Gits. Born on August 25, 1965, in Louisville, Kentucky, Zapata developed an early affinity for music and was influenced by punk rock, as well as jazz, blues, and R&B singers such as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Jimmy Reed, Ray Charles, Hank Williams, and Sam Cooke. In 1986, at the age of 21, Zapata enrolled at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she formed The Gits with three friends.
The Gits quickly gained a following within the local punk scene and made a name for themselves with their energetic live performances and provocative lyrics. In 1989, they relocated to Seattle, Washington, where they became a staple of the city's burgeoning grunge music scene. Zapata was well-connected within her community and was described by many as a magnetic personality who drew people together. The Gits released their debut album "Frenching the Bully" in 1992, which included hits such as "Another Shot of Whiskey," "Second Skin," and "Here's to Your Fuck." The band was known for their raw energy and powerful performances, as well as Zapata's distinctive and captivating voice.
Tragically, Mia Zapata's life was cut short on July 7, 1993, when she was murdered while on her way home from a music venue at the age of 27. The crime went unsolved for over a decade until Jesus Mezquia was arrested in 2003 and later convicted and sentenced to 36 years in prison. Despite this unfortunate end to her life, Zapata's legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. Her music has been described as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and her memory lives on through the many people she touched during her life and through her music.
The Gits continued to make music after Zapata's death, finding success with their second album "Enter: The Conquering Chicken," which included singles such as "Seaweed" and "Precious Blood." Her father, describing her as living in two different worlds, recalls Mia as someone who commanded respect and interest immediately, regardless of status. Zapata's influence can still be felt within the punk and grunge music scenes, and she is remembered as an extraordinarily vibrant woman who connected deeply with those around her.