Jane Dornacker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Carroll Dornacker
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| Born | October 1, 1947 Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
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| Died | October 22, 1986 (aged 39) Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Helicopter crash |
| Occupation | Musician, comedian, traffic reporter |
Jane Carroll Dornacker (October 1, 1947 – October 22, 1986) was a talented American rock musician, comedian, and traffic reporter. She became well-known for her work with the San Francisco rock band The Tubes. She also led her own band, Leila and the Snakes.
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Jane Dornacker's Life and Career
Jane Dornacker was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. From a young age, she loved to perform. She even wrote a play when she was in elementary school. At just eight years old, she sang all the parts in an opera she created herself.
In her high school years, Jane was a featured performer in many plays in Albuquerque. She played Sophie in Roberta and appeared in The Bad Seed. She also played Christina in The Silver Cord.
In 1965, Jane moved to San Francisco. She tried to become the Homecoming Queen at San Francisco State University. She rode a bicycle inside a cage as part of her campaign. She won the election but decided not to take the position. She said she "didn't want the responsibility." She did not finish her college degree.
Jane married Bob Knickerbocker, whom she met at university. Their daughter, Naomi, was born in 1969.
Music Career
Jane Dornacker was the lead singer, keyboardist, and songwriter for the San Francisco rock group Leila and the Snakes. The band was known for its unique style. Jane described the group as more like musical theater than just rock music. They had fun dance routines and songs.
Jane caught the attention of Bill Spooner from The Tubes. He asked her to join their live shows. She toured with The Tubes for almost two years. She was a backing singer and dancer for the band. Jane also helped write the song "Don't Touch Me There" for The Tubes. This song appeared on their album Young and Rich in 1976. She also wrote "Cathy's Clone" for their album Now.
Jane also sang on "Christopher Columbus" in 1978. This was a song by R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders. She also formed other groups like Jane Door and the Door Knockers.
Acting Roles
Jane continued to act throughout her career. She appeared in plays by Sam Shepard, including the jazz opera Inacoma in 1977. She also created and performed in her own works. One of these was Jane Door and the Five or Four Children.
Jane also appeared in the film The Right Stuff. In the movie, she played Nurse Murch.
Stand-Up Comedy and Radio
Jane's music and acting often had funny parts. She started a career as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco. She became a well-known comedian in the early 1980s. She once said that visual comedy was the funniest to her.
In 1979, she co-hosted a TV show called Video West with Wes "Scoop" Nisker. This show was on channel 26 (KTSF).
Jane's work as a traffic reporter began in the early 1980s. She first worked for KFRC, a popular radio station. She was known for speaking very quickly. While giving traffic updates, she would sometimes tell her daughter Naomi to get ready for school.
Later, she moved to New York City. There, she became a popular traffic reporter, known for her unique voice.
Her Final Report
On October 22, 1986, Jane Dornacker was giving a traffic report for WNBC radio in New York City. She was in a helicopter above the city. At 4:44 p.m., the helicopter suddenly fell into the Hudson River.
Jane was taken to the hospital but sadly passed away. The pilot, Bill Pate, was badly hurt but survived.
After the accident, investigators found a problem with a part in the helicopter. This problem caused the main rotor blades to stop working.
Jane's 16-year-old daughter, Naomi, had lost her father just three months before.
A memorial concert was held for Jane in San Francisco on November 22, 1986. Many famous performers took part, including Jerry Garcia and The Tubes.
A memorial for Jane Dornacker is located in Wayne, New Jersey. This was where she lived when she passed away.
