Thursday, February 3, 2011

Edouard Glissant

Poet, writer and literary critic -- via the Washington Post.

Stefanie Kowal aka Stefanie Cragg aka Diana Stefanie Staffin

TV producer, executive and consultant -- via the Hollywood Reporter.

Herbert H. Thomas Jr.

Waiter -- via the Lincoln, NE Journal Star. A very well written remembrance by Jeff Korbelik. A seemingly humble occupation, but as Thomas himself stated: "It's not difficult to be a waiter, but it's extremely difficult to be a good waiter."

Charles E. Sellier Jr.

Film and television producer -- via KIVI-TV. A very successful person, known best for his creation of the "Grizzly Adams" franchise. He was also the guiding intelligence behind "In Search of Historic Jesus," "Beyond and Back," "The Lincoln Conspiracy," and "End Times: How Close Are We?"

Maria Schneider aka Marie Christine Gelin

Actress -- via Reuters. She will be best remembered for her role in the then-controversial "Last Tango in Paris" with Marlon Brando. In fact, her career was derailed by her misapprehension as a sex symbol, not as a serious actress, which she was. Later, mental problems and addiction marred her life -- problems she overcame. " . . .Tango . . .", "The Passenger" and "La Derobade" are three films that show her capabilities.

Aimee Leonard

Singer -- via the Sudbury Star.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Brian Simpson

Academic lawyer -- via the Guardian. He wrote "Cannibalism and the Common Law."

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."

Hisaye Yamamoto

Writer -- via the Los Angeles Japanese Daily News.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Dennis Albanese

Actor -- via voy.com.

Tony Di Pardo

Trumpeter, bandleader, and iconic Kansas City Chiefs fan -- via the Kansas City Star.

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.
 

Louis Hartman

Comedy writer, radio personality, and Zen monk -- via the San Francisco Chronicle.

Megan McNeil

Singer -- via Surrey Now.

Betty Smith

Saxophonist and singer -- via the Independent.

Shirley Carroll O'Connor

Publicist who got her start with the circus -- via the Hollywood Reporter.

Margaret Price

Soprano -- via Gramophone.

Tony "Ham" Guerrero

Trumpeter and singer -- via the San Antonio Express.

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 --





Diana Norman aka Ariana Franklin

Journalist, freelance writer and novelist -- via the BBC.

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.