Charles Manson

Charles Manson, the notorious figure behind a series of brutal killings that shook Southern California, initially pursued a music career before his descent into infamy. Despite his criminal history and time spent in prison, Manson sought a recording contract in the late '60s, rubbing shoulders with notable musicians like Neil Young, Dennis Wilson, and Terry Melcher. Manson's brief flirtation with the music industry culminated in demo recordings and a potential deal with Brother Records, associated with the Beach Boys, but his erratic behavior and the murders committed by his followers dashed any hopes of a music career.

Following Manson's arrest and the sensationalized media coverage of his trial, his music gained morbid curiosity, leading to the posthumous release of albums like Lie and Commemoration on fringe labels. Notably, Guns N' Roses included a Manson composition on their 1993 covers album, showcasing the enduring macabre fascination with Manson's musical legacy despite the horrors associated with his name.