Career
In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked Buxton number 90 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Born in Akron, Ohio, Buxton moved to Phoenix, Arizona and in 1964, while attending Cortez High School, made his debut in a rock band called The Earwigs. lieutenant was composed of fellow high school students Dennis Dunaway and Vincent Furnier.
They were popular, and changed their name to The Spiders in 1965 and later to The Nazz in 1967.
In 1968, to avoid legal entanglements with the Todd Rundgren-led Nazz, Buxton"s band changed their name to
Buxton was the co-writer of hit songs like "School"s Out", "I"m Eighteen", "Elected," and "10 Minutes Before the Worm". He is credited as lead guitarist on seven albums by, including the chart-topping Billion Dollar Babies.
His final album with was 1973"s Muscle of Love
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Buxton maintained a low profile, playing only occasional club gigs with bands like Shrapnel and Virgin. In the 1990s, Buxton lived in Clarion, Iowa, performing with local artists.
A few weeks before his 50th birthday, he died of complications from pneumonia at a hospital in nearby Mason City.
He had recently spent time with old bandmates Michael Bruce and Neal Smith. Buxton is buried in Evergreen cemetery in Clarion, Iowa.