Interesting, overlooked, and significant obituaries from around the world, as they happen, emphasizing the positive achievements of those who have died. Member, Society of Professional Obituary Writers.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Margaret John
Actress in film and television -- via Wales Online. She will be best remembered in the role of the acerbic Doris in the sitcom "Gavin and Stacey."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thomas R. Hargrove
Agricultural explorer and consultant, writer, editor, songwriter -- via the Chronicle. His many adventures included discovering an underwater city, and being kidnapped by Colombian rebels.
Alex Konadu aka One Man Thousand
Musician -- via Osibisaba. The reigning king of Ghaninan guitar highlife.
Video Alex Konadu - Medan Wo - Alex, Konadu, Medan, Wo, akan - Dailymotion Share Your Videos
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Video Alex Konadu - Medan Wo - Alex, Konadu, Medan, Wo, akan - Dailymotion Share Your Videos
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.
Milton Babbitt
Composer -- via the New York Times. Although he may be dismissed by posterity as a serialist, his atonal work is rewarding for those who can stick it out. He was a bold and committed experimenter, equipped with a playful sense of humor. Blessed with profound mathematical gifts, he was among the first composers to write for electronic, synthesized and manipulated recorded music.
UPDATE: Robert Hilferty's documentary on Babbitt was stopped due to Hilferty's untimely death in 2009. Good news! Composer Laura Karpman was commissioned by Hilferty's companion Fabio Toblini to finish the film, and it's done. It can be seen here, and below --
UPDATE: Robert Hilferty's documentary on Babbitt was stopped due to Hilferty's untimely death in 2009. Good news! Composer Laura Karpman was commissioned by Hilferty's companion Fabio Toblini to finish the film, and it's done. It can be seen here, and below --
John Barry aka John Barry Prendergast
Film composer -- via the BBC. A five-time Oscar winner -- not only one of the most popular film composers, but one of the most significant. He will be forever identified with his multiple James Bond movies scores, but his range was much broader, and his artistry was infinitely more subtle and affecting. 50 years -- 110 titles -- a mighty contribution. Also, a tribute and remembrance from the Guardian --
Saturday, January 29, 2011
David Frye aka David Shapiro
Comedy impressionist -- via the New York Times. He specialized in political impressions, especially that of Richard Nixon. This meant that his humor was topical -- his fame, though widespread, was brief, and faded with the reputations of those he imitated. His talent, though, was real.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Charlie Callas
Comedian and actor -- via chortle.co.uk. He was old-school -- a high-energy, rubber-faced, slapsticky, Vegas-y kind of talent who would do anything for a laugh, tasteless or not. He often opened for Frank Sinatra, was noted for his many impressions, and appeared in many Mel Brooks films. His signature bit: odd verbal effects and facial contortions. A look into the world of standup before the modern era: back in the days of crushed-velvet tuxedos, chain smoking, martinis, deep tans, golf in the desert and rampant political incorrectness.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Lucas Mebrouk Dolega
Photojournalist -- via the New York Times. He was killed in the course of covering the recent riots in Tunisia.
L. Terrell "Terry" Gardner
Toronto humanist, family man, mathematician, peace activist, cyclist, bicycle mechanic -- via http://bicyclemechanic.blogspot.com.
Gladys Horton
Co-founder and lead singer of the Marvelettes -- via the L.A. Times. Their biggest hit: "Please Mr. Postman," also scored with "BEechwood 4-5789" and "Don't Mess with Bill."
Paco Maestre
Actor -- via Typically Spanish. He appeared in such films as Almodovar's "Bad Education" and del Toro's "The Devil's Backbone."
Jim Williamson
Nashville sound engineer -- via countrystandardtime.com. He worked with a who's-who of country greats, including Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Lynne Anderson, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Jones . . . and Bob Dylan.
Samuel Ruiz
Bishop who worked for the poor, the indigenous, and for peace. He fought corruption and violence. Via the New York Times.
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