Friday, February 3, 2012

Ben Gazzara aka Biagio Anthony Gazzara

Actor -- via the New York Times. Quite simply, one of the best American actors of the second half of the 20th century. He never won a shelfload of awards, but he had integrity, a quiet intensity and an incredibly broad yet subtle palette of emotional expression. He left an indelible impression. On stage, he was the first Brick in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"; and originated the role of Johnny Pope in "A Hatful of Rain." On film, he was amazing in the at least the following "Anatomy of a Murder," "Husbands," "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie," "Opening Night," "Saint Jack," "They All Laughed," the TV series "Run for Your Life," and the TV miniseries "QBVII." OK, he was in "Road House" -- a guy's gotta eat.




Camilla Williams

Soprano -- via the New York Times. The first African American woman to win a contract with a major U.S. opera company!

Patricia Neway

Soprano at home in opera and musical theater -- via the New York Times. She originated the role of Magda Sorel in Menotti's vastly underrated opera "The Consul"; she won the Tony for originating the role of Mother Superior in "The Sound of Music."

Dick Kniss

Bassist and songwriter -- via the New York Times.

Andrew MacNaughtan

Photographer -- via Spinner.

Clare Fischer

Composer, arranger, conductor and pianist -- via the New York Times.


Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Don Cornelius

Producer and host of the groundbreaking music TV show "Soul Train" -- via USA Today. As always, we wish you love, peace and soul, sir.


Eiko Ishioka

Art director and costume designer -- via the New York Times.

Paavo Berglund

Conductor -- via the New York Times.

Theo Angelopoulos

Filmmaker -- via the New York Times.

Ruthilde Boesch

Soprano -- via the Boston Globe.

Andy Musser

Sports broadcaster -- via the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012