Illustrator -- via theredpillroom.blogspot.com. A supreme painter of sleazy cover art for exploitation and romance pulp novels (and hey, even some Jean-Paul Sarte -- see above), he also did many of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew covers as well!
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, April 13, 2015
Gunter Grass
Nobel-winning writer, and poet, playwright, essayist, sculptor, and activist -- via the New York Times. He has a jacked-up legacy. A person who condemned his countrymen for their involvement with Nazism, he revealed 60 years on that he himself was a member of the SS during World War II. This severely compromised the integrity of his calls for an honest facing up to the past.
His writing is still meaningful and inspiring. An early wielder of magic realism, Grass taught us how to weld together fantasy, realism, and cultural observation in effective and profound ways. Although he will be best remembered for "The Tin Drum," two other books of his had a far greater effect on me personally -- "The Flounder" and "On Writing and Politics." I forgive him.
His writing is still meaningful and inspiring. An early wielder of magic realism, Grass taught us how to weld together fantasy, realism, and cultural observation in effective and profound ways. Although he will be best remembered for "The Tin Drum," two other books of his had a far greater effect on me personally -- "The Flounder" and "On Writing and Politics." I forgive him.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Richard L. Bare
Director, producer, and screenwriter -- via Variety. A well-traveled but little-hailed comic creator, he started off with a string of 63 comedy shorts for Warners featuring Joe McDoakes (George O'Hanlon) a beleaguered Everyman. (O'Hanlon is best remembered as the voice of George Jetson.) He moved on to television, where he helmed episodes of such series as "77 Sunset Strip," "Maverick" (he is rumored to have "discovered" James Garner), "The Twilight Zone" (most notably the classic episode "To Serve Man"), and "Petticoat Junction."
His biggest achievement was guiding "Green Acres" to success. One of the most bizarre sitcoms made, its air of deadpan surreality was unique -- no doubt in part of Bare's direction.
His biggest achievement was guiding "Green Acres" to success. One of the most bizarre sitcoms made, its air of deadpan surreality was unique -- no doubt in part of Bare's direction.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Judith Malina
Director, actor, and writer; co-fonder of the Living Theater -- via the New York Times. A theatrical revolutionary who with Julian Beck created controversy, scandal, discussion, and advanced the boundaries of performance in America. Prodcutions such as "The Connection," The Brig," and "Paradise Now" changed everything.
Leonard J. "Sam" Linde
Former drummer for the Charlatans -- via legacy.com. He was replaced by Dan Hicks.
Lon Simmons
Sports broadcaster known for his calls of 49ers and Giants games -- via sfate.com. He calledJim Marshall's wrong-way fumble recovery and safety; he was there for the earthquake game in the '89 Series.
William P. "Billy" O'Connor
Original drummer for Blondie -- via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He bailed before their first album -- he did not like New York in the mid-'70s. Clem Burke replaced him. (Billy was a smart guy -- it was terrifying.)
Tut Taylor
Dobro player -- via the Tennessean. AKA Robert Taylor, Sr. He was a key player on John Hartford's "Aereo-plain" in 1971; won a grammy for his participation in "The Great Dobro Sessions."
Vivian Nathan
Actress and acting teacher -- via Riverside Memorial. AKA Vivian Firko. An original member of the Actor's Studio, she worked on Broadway from 1948 to 1977; on TV from 1953 to 1989; and in 19 films such as "Teacher's Pet," "The Outsider," and "Klute."
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Geoffrey Lewis
Actor -- via Variety. A versatile character actor who "was in everything," (219 IMDb credits!) Lewis was adept at everything from slapstick to thrillers. Later, he founded the excellent storytelling/music ensemble "Celestial Navigations" with Geoff Levin. Notable films: "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot," "The Great Waldo Pepper," "Smile," "Every Which Way But Loose," and "Bronco Billy."
Milton DeLugg
Musician, composer, and arranger -- via legacy.com. He did so much. After starting off as a talented accordionist (he wrote "The Georgette Waltz" for Laurel & Hardy's "Flying Deuces" in 1939), DeLugg worked much in radio -- he was the conductor for Abe Burrows' short-lived 15-minute weekly radio show. He became the musical director of the forerunner to the "Tonight" show, "Broadway Open House." He wrote "Orange Colored Sky," he produced Buddy Holly's "Rave On!" He wrote "Roller Coaster," the outro theme for "What's My Line?", and much of the classic peppery pseudo-Herb Alpert themes for Chuck Barris and his game shows. He served for decades as the musical director for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Oh, and he wrote the theme for "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," "Hooray for Santa Claus!"
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