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.
Monday, June 30, 2014
OBIT READER: Our weekly roundup of stories on death, dying, mourning, and more
VA employee Paula DeWenter |
TOP STORIES
A CNN investigation reveals that the Phoenix Veterans Administration hospital changed or deleted death records
As Jennifer Schuessler reports in the New York Times, our friends at Morbid Anatomy just opened a museum in Brooklyn
Joy Neighbors just opened an interesting new blog, A Grave Interest, that details many other funeral and death-care museums
DEATH
Via Rabbi Elliott N. Dorff in the Jewish Journal, the importance of preparing advance end-of-death directives and living wills. (Why are many advance directives changed or ignored? " . . . because afrter the patient dies, the patient will not sue the doctor, but any one of the family members might.")
How about a prebituary? Terry Wright of the Hunterdon County Democrat says it might clue our friends and family in about the hidden corners of your life
MOURNING
How about a prebituary? Terry Wright of the Hunterdon County Democrat says it might clue our friends and family in about the hidden corners of your life
MOURNING
An interview with Kate Sweeney, author of the new book on the history of U.S. mourning, "American Afterlife," from Greta Johnsen of WCQS
Jeffrey Hatcher's new play, "Three Viewings," is set in a funeral home. The review from Carol Montana of the Middletown Times-Register
MISC
From KAWC, an interview with mortician Arick Dombrowski
In England, Quaker Social Action fights excessive funeral costs for the impoverished, per Nayler.
Kate Petersen in The Millions writes about her dad, who mails her a lot of newspaper clippings -- of obituaries
Undertaker stole charity donations to balance books, writes Stephanie Linning of the Daily Mail
Nelson Mandela's personal assistant outlines the farcical doings at his funeral -- per Aislinn Laing in the Telegraph
Robert Gardner
Anthropologist and filmmaker; recorder of cultural practices around the globe -- via the New York Times.
Anne G. Sterling aka Anne G. Bergman aka Chana Sterlin aka 'The Polish Ava Gardner'
Actress -- via Dignity Memorial. Starting off in Yiddish theater and film, she went on to play gypsy girls in many Universal horror films of the Golden Age.
Nancy Garden
Novelist and LGBT activist -- via Publishers Weekly. Her 1982 book, "Annie on My Mind," was a pioneering effort to tell a non-tragic story about a lesbian relationship.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Gina Collens aka Geraldine Elaine Silverman
Actress, playwright, and director -- via the Hollywood Reporter. Originated the role of Flora in "The Rose Tattoo"!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Bobby Womack aka The Preacher
Soul music legend -- via the New York Times. Started off as a gospel singer with his brothers (he was the son of a preacher); he was a a strong guitarist as well. Sang backup for Sam Cooke, played guitar for Aretha. The first big hit he wrote, "Looking for a Love," was an adaptation of the the gospel song "Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray". He then wrote the classic "It's All Over Now," a cover of which was the Rolling Stones' first big hit. He wrote "Breezin'" and "Trust Me" and "That's the Way I Feel About Cha"; he worked on "There's a Riot Goin' On," and recorded the iconic "Across 110th Street." In later life, guested on many recordings. His greatest achievement may be the 1981 album "The Poet."
One of the links between gospel and soul, his influence spread across all genres. His contribution to American music is pervasive and incalculable.
One of the links between gospel and soul, his influence spread across all genres. His contribution to American music is pervasive and incalculable.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Teddy Rakel
Pianist and entertainer --via cincinnati.com.
http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/videonetwork31618071501971/1878632335001/Teddy-Rakel-at-the-piano
http://communitypress.cincinnati.com/videonetwork31618071501971/1878632335001/Teddy-Rakel-at-the-piano
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Bob Abrahamian
Soul music collector, historian, and radio host -- via the Chicago Sun-Times. His invaluable work can be found here; unfortunately, he did not think his work was significant enough and he committed suicide at the age of 35.
Julius Rudel
Conductor and music director; leading light of the late, lamented New York City Opera -- via the New York Times. One of the most significant figures in American opera in the 20th century, this marvelous leader delivered a diverse array of innovative and affordable opera for the East Coast. He nurtured talents such as Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, and most importantly, Beverly Sills.
I had the extreme privilege of enjoying his direction of "The Magic Flute" years ago; after a delightful performance, I got to meet and thank him. An unassuming, gracious, and approachable maestro!
I had the extreme privilege of enjoying his direction of "The Magic Flute" years ago; after a delightful performance, I got to meet and thank him. An unassuming, gracious, and approachable maestro!
John McClure
Music producer and recording engineer -- via the New York Times. Until reading this obituary, I did not realize that this gentleman was responsible for the classical recordings that really turned me on to the genre. These include: the Bruno Walter Beethoven and Brahms, Stravinsky conducting Stravinsky, and all the Bernstein renderings of Mahler and much more. Even some Firesign Theatre! The clarity, balance, and depth of these albums set my soul on fire, and still do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)