Doug Fieger, lead singer of the power pop band The Knack, passed way on Valentines Day.
The Knack are internationally renowned for their hits “My Sharona“ and “Good Girls Don't“ from their 1979 record Get the Knack.
After battling cancer for several years, Fieger died at his home in Woodland Hills, California. He was 57 years old
Read the L.A Times story
Showing posts with label RIP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RIP. Show all posts
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
R.I.P Art Clokey
Animator Art Clokey, whose bendable creation Gumby became a pop culture phenomenon through decades of toys, revivals and satires, died Friday. He was 88.
Read the Globe and Mail story
Clokey, who suffered from repeated bladder infections, died in his sleep at his home in Los Osos, CA.
Gumby grew out of a student project Clokey produced at the University of Southern California in the early 1950s called "Gumbasia."
That led to his making shorts featuring Gumby and his horse friend Pokey for the "Howdy Doody Show" and several series through the years.
Read the Globe and Mail story
Sunday, December 27, 2009
RIP Brittany Murphy
For many of those coming of age in the mid to late 1990's, Brittany Murphy and her roles in Clueless and 8 Mile were a reflection of the many of those who were looking for direction in life.
Rest in piece, Ms Murphy...
Rest in piece, Ms Murphy...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
R.I.P Bea Arthur
Beatrice Arthur, the award winning actress best known for her roles as television's Maude and the sardonic Dorothy on The Golden Girls, has died of cancer.
Arthur died on the morning of April 25 at her home in Los Angeles with her family by her side.
In 1978 Arthur began playing Maude Findlay, an outspoken liberal living in the affluent community of Tuckahoe, New York. The revolutionary show, which won Arthur an Emmy, was a spin-off from All in the Family, on which Arthur had appeared a couple of times in the same role, playing Edith Bunker's cousin, a feminist, and antithesis to the bigoted, conservative Archie Bunker.
In 1978 She then went on to play Dorothy Zbornak in the hit sitcom The Golden Girls, co starring Estelle Getty, Betty White and Rue McClanahan as four older women sharing a home in Miami Florida
She is survived by her sons Matthew and Daniel and grandchildren Kyra and Violet, he said.
She was 86.
Read the Post-Gazette story
Arthur died on the morning of April 25 at her home in Los Angeles with her family by her side.
In 1978 Arthur began playing Maude Findlay, an outspoken liberal living in the affluent community of Tuckahoe, New York. The revolutionary show, which won Arthur an Emmy, was a spin-off from All in the Family, on which Arthur had appeared a couple of times in the same role, playing Edith Bunker's cousin, a feminist, and antithesis to the bigoted, conservative Archie Bunker.
In 1978 She then went on to play Dorothy Zbornak in the hit sitcom The Golden Girls, co starring Estelle Getty, Betty White and Rue McClanahan as four older women sharing a home in Miami Florida
She is survived by her sons Matthew and Daniel and grandchildren Kyra and Violet, he said.
She was 86.
Read the Post-Gazette story
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
R.I.P Natasha Richardson
Tony Award-winning Actress Natasha Richardson died on March 18 after suffering a head injury when she fell on a beginner's trail during a private ski lesson at the luxury Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec. She was hospitalized Tuesday in Montreal and later flown to a hospital in New York City.
A member of the Redgrave acting family, she was the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and producer Tony Richardson.
Survived by her husband Liam Neeson and their sons Micheál and Daniel, Natasha Richardson was 45 years old.
A member of the Redgrave acting family, she was the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and producer Tony Richardson.
Survived by her husband Liam Neeson and their sons Micheál and Daniel, Natasha Richardson was 45 years old.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
R.I.P Ricardo Montalban
Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor whose regal bearing and sonorous voice led to roles as a science-fiction villain, the host on the mysterious “Fantasy Island” and pitchman for the “soft Corinthian leather” of the Chrysler Cordoba, has died.
Although a charismatic actor who was a star of stage and screen, the Montalban was probably best known as the White suite-wearing Mr. Roarke on the popular television series Fantasy Island (1978-1984)50's,
Montalban died at his home in Los Angeles. He was 88.
Read the bloomberg.com article.
Although a charismatic actor who was a star of stage and screen, the Montalban was probably best known as the White suite-wearing Mr. Roarke on the popular television series Fantasy Island (1978-1984)50's,
Montalban died at his home in Los Angeles. He was 88.
Read the bloomberg.com article.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
R.I.P Betty Page
Famous 1950s pin up star Betty Page has died in Los Angeles, aged 85.
Read the New York Times article.
The iconic model known for her provocative poses was credited for helping to pave the way for the sexual revolution of the 1960s.
She was admitted to hospital last month suffering from pnuemonia, and last week suffered a heart attack and never regained consciousness.
Read the New York Times article.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
R.I.P Mitch Mitchell
Mitch Mitchell, the drummer of the Jimi Hendrix Experience passed away on November 12.
A jazz-influenced snare drum madman, Mitchell was responsible for the unforgettable beats on Experience tracks "Crosstown Traffic", "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" and "Fire".
Mitchell was found dead in his room at the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon, apparently of natural causes. He was 61.
Without a doubt, one of my favourite drummers. God damn!
A jazz-influenced snare drum madman, Mitchell was responsible for the unforgettable beats on Experience tracks "Crosstown Traffic", "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" and "Fire".
Mitchell was found dead in his room at the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon, apparently of natural causes. He was 61.
Without a doubt, one of my favourite drummers. God damn!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
R.I.P Frankie Venom
The lead vocalist of legendary Canadian punk band Teenage Head has died. Frank Venom, (nee Kerr) had recently battled throat cancer. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kerr was the lead singer of the Hamilton-based band which formed at Westdale High School back in 1975.
Considered the Eastern-Canadian ambassadors of the original punk movement, Teenage Head were Kerr, guitarist Gord Lewis, bassist Steve Mahon and drummer Nick Stipanitz.
The death coincides with an announcement that same morning that Teenage Head would receive a special lifetime achievement award during the 2008 Hamilton Music Awards taking place Nov. 13-16.
Frankie Venom was 51.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
R.I.P Alton Ellis
The Godfather of Rocksteady Alton Ellis died on October 10.
The Jamaican legend was instrumental in the rocksteady movement, a slower version of ska music. Ellis first recording the Mad Mad riddim in 1967, which became a much used beat to a plethora of rocksteady records, as well as being sampled by hip hop artist such as KRS-One and Tupac Shakur.
Ellis scored big with hits "Girl I've Got a Date", "Cry Tough" and "Get Ready - Rock Steady", which was the first song to refer to the name of the newer genre. His Mr. Soul of Jamaica album is regarded as one of the definitive rocksteady albums.
Ellis succumbed to lymphatic cancer at Hammersmith Hospital in West London. He was 70.
On a personal note, during the mid-90s, my older brother Roderick played guitar for one of Alton's twenty children, Noel Ellis, on a Canadian tour.
Riddim!
The Jamaican legend was instrumental in the rocksteady movement, a slower version of ska music. Ellis first recording the Mad Mad riddim in 1967, which became a much used beat to a plethora of rocksteady records, as well as being sampled by hip hop artist such as KRS-One and Tupac Shakur.
Ellis scored big with hits "Girl I've Got a Date", "Cry Tough" and "Get Ready - Rock Steady", which was the first song to refer to the name of the newer genre. His Mr. Soul of Jamaica album is regarded as one of the definitive rocksteady albums.
Ellis succumbed to lymphatic cancer at Hammersmith Hospital in West London. He was 70.
On a personal note, during the mid-90s, my older brother Roderick played guitar for one of Alton's twenty children, Noel Ellis, on a Canadian tour.
Riddim!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Paul Newman R.I.P
Paul Newman, one of the best actors to ever grace the big screen, died of cancer on September 26 at his home in Westport, Connecticut.
Not only did Newman star in legendary films like Cat on a Hot Tin Toof, The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Vertict and Color of Money, he also was an accomplished race car driver and a food product mogul.
Known for his intense method acting and gripping blue eyes, Newman was the actor's actor - matinee idol looks with an anti-establishment attitude.
In 2007, Newman commented on his longevity:
"You can't be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning: 'Holy Christ, whaddya know - I'm still around!' It's absolutely amazing that I survived all the booze and smoking and the cars and the career."
Newman is survived by his wife actress Joanne Woodward, whom he married in 1958, and his five children. He was 83.
Read about Newman's career at cnn.com.
Not only did Newman star in legendary films like Cat on a Hot Tin Toof, The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Vertict and Color of Money, he also was an accomplished race car driver and a food product mogul.
Known for his intense method acting and gripping blue eyes, Newman was the actor's actor - matinee idol looks with an anti-establishment attitude.
In 2007, Newman commented on his longevity:
"You can't be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning: 'Holy Christ, whaddya know - I'm still around!' It's absolutely amazing that I survived all the booze and smoking and the cars and the career."
Newman is survived by his wife actress Joanne Woodward, whom he married in 1958, and his five children. He was 83.
Read about Newman's career at cnn.com.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
RIP Jeff Healey
Canadian Blues guitarist Jeff Healey has died on Sunday, March 2, after succumbing to a long battle with cancer.
The 41 year-old has battled cancer as early as age one, when a rare form of retinal cancer known as Retinoblastoma claimed his eyesight. He recently underwent numerous surgeries to remove tumors from his leg and lungs.
A prodigious teenager, Healey garnered much attention from his unique guitar technique, which had him playing his guitar on his lap. Known for his rock and blues style and performing with such greats as BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Healey however, preferred playing jazz with his band Jazz Wizards, with whom he also played trumpet and drums.
Healey's love of jazz also led him to host radio shows on the CBC and local Toronto station JAZZ.FM91, where he spun rare jazz tracks from his personal collection of over 30,000 vinyl records.
Read the Canadian Press Obituary.
The 41 year-old has battled cancer as early as age one, when a rare form of retinal cancer known as Retinoblastoma claimed his eyesight. He recently underwent numerous surgeries to remove tumors from his leg and lungs.
A prodigious teenager, Healey garnered much attention from his unique guitar technique, which had him playing his guitar on his lap. Known for his rock and blues style and performing with such greats as BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Healey however, preferred playing jazz with his band Jazz Wizards, with whom he also played trumpet and drums.
Healey's love of jazz also led him to host radio shows on the CBC and local Toronto station JAZZ.FM91, where he spun rare jazz tracks from his personal collection of over 30,000 vinyl records.
Read the Canadian Press Obituary.
Friday, February 29, 2008
RIP - Mike Smith of Dave Clark Five
Mike Smith, the lead singer of British band the Dave Clark Five, died on Thursday, February 28 of pneumonia resulting from complications of a 2003 spinal cord injury that had left him paralyzed from the waist down
His death came just two weeks before the Dave Clark Five -- one of the leading bands of the 1960s British invasion -- was due to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Dave Clark Five, whose hits included "Glad All Over" and "Bits and Pieces," were one of the first British bands to find major success in the United States after the Beatles.
Smith was 64.
Read the Los Angeles Times story.
His death came just two weeks before the Dave Clark Five -- one of the leading bands of the 1960s British invasion -- was due to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Dave Clark Five, whose hits included "Glad All Over" and "Bits and Pieces," were one of the first British bands to find major success in the United States after the Beatles.
Smith was 64.
Read the Los Angeles Times story.
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