Former Green Jelly guitarist and producer CJ Buscaglia (aka Jesus Quisp) passed away Friday, January 16, 2015, in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. He was 51.

Originally named Green Jello, Green Jelly started out in Buffalo with the intent of being “the world’s worst band.” After relocating to Hollywood, they convinced Zoo Records to advance them $50,000 to record the world’s first video-only album. The resulting product was 1992’s Cereal Killer. The “album” would become a multi-platinum phenomenon on the strength of the hugely successful MTV staple song “Three Little Pigs.” (watch the video for the song here below). The band’s success would prompt the Kraft Foods Corporation to sue the band over trademark infringement by their use of the Jello brand name. The name of the band was changed in print to Green Jelly, but band members insisted that it was still pronounced exactly as before. On the bright side, Joey Ramone would later name Green Jello as the worst band to ever open for The Ramones, thus validating their “worst band in the world” mission. The height of Green Jello’s success was short lived and Buscaglia, who had produced Cereal Killer, moved on to other projects.

He would go on to engineer recordings for a number of artists, including The Goo Goo Dolls and Love & Rockets. In recent years, he had relocated his family back to his native Buffalo. He continued to work as a solo artist releasing several great solo recordings along the way.

A lifelong asthmatic, Buscaglia suffered cardiac arrest during an asthma attack the day after Christmas 2014 and had been on life support and unresponsive since. The family chose to honor his wishes and remove the ventilator tube on January 16, 2015. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. CJ leaves behind 3 young children. He was an immense talent and a great friend who will be missed immensely by all whose lives he touched.

On a very personal note: CJ was my friend, coworker, and then employee for the last 23 years. He was one of the funniest, craziest, and without a doubt insanely talented people that I have ever known. He was also prone to being a headstrong pain in the ass (as great artists often are) at times, but I loved him like a brother. My heart is broken for the love of his life Tracey and their 3 beautiful children. Like so many others in our industry, CJ had no life insurance and leaves behind medical bills and burial expenses. If any of you out there can join me in contributing to his memorial fund, you may do so here:

CJ Buscaglia Memorial and Family Trust Fund
http://www.gofundme.com/jv60qk

Rest in Peace my brother. You were a one of kind character who can never be replaced.

Christopher J. Buscaglia
June 1, 1963 – January 16, 2015

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