One of the all-time great country crooners -- via the New York Times. Like his contemporaries -- Cash, Jennings, Haggard -- he was plagued by demons, and fought a battle with booze and drugs to a day-to-day draw in his last decade. His ability to inhabit his songs, to express the emotions and convey country's stories, was unparalleled. 14 #1 hits. 14.
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.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Richard Brooker
Stuntman and actor -- via dreadcentral.com. The first to wear the hockey mask as the iconic killer Jason in "Friday the 13th Part III."
Andy Johns
Sound engineer -- via the Guardian. A genius who put together many classic albums, inlcuding Zeppelin's fourth, and "Exile on Main Street." Nice.
Piero de Palma
Tenor; one of the great comprimarios -- a master of supporting roles. He had about 200 at his command, and appears on more than 150 recordings. Via Opera Click.
Harry Johnson aka Harry J
Reggae musician and producer -- via Billboard. He is credited with producing the first reggae single, the Beltones' 1968 "No More Heartaches." He went on to help craft some of the genre's best work, including the first four Wailers albums, "Liquidator," the successful cover of "Young, Gifted and Black," and projects with the Heptones, the Melodians, Burning Spear, and many more.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Basil Coleman
Stage, opera, and TV director; actor and teacher -- via the Guardian. He helmed the first productions of Britten's "Billy Budd," Gloriana," and "The Turn of the Screw."
Allan Arbus
Actor and photographer -- via the New York Times. He started as a fashion photographer, working in tandem with his then-wife, Diane. He later quit that profession and started acting, essaying a number of good roles, particularly that of Dr. Freedman on the TV series "M.A.S.H."
Brian Ackland-Snow
Film production designer; Oscar-winner for "A Room with a View" -- via the Times of London.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Richie Havens
Folk singer and guitarist -- via the New York Times. Although he will be remembered in shorthand as "the guy who opened Woodstock," Havens was an important bridge musically, starting off in doo-wop and moving into folk and protest music, who became an icon of world music and heartfelt, impassioned covers and originals.
Carmine Infantino
Comics artist, editor, and publisher -- via the New York Times. Greatly improved the characterizations of such superheroes as The Flash, Batman, and Adam Strange co-created Deadman.
Sara Montiel aka Maria Antonia Alejandra Abad Fernández
Singer and actress -- via the Hollywood Reporter. Huge in Europe, her three American films were "Vercruz," "Serenade," and "Run of the Arrow."
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