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.
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.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
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.
Jim Nelson aka James M. Falkinburg
Brilliant sound editor, post-production master, and co-creator of Industrial Light & Magic -- via the Hollywood Reporter. One of those unsung heroes of the film industry that I would have loved to have interviewed.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Grayce Kaneda Uyehara
Activist who fought for reparations for Japanese Americans interned during World War II -- via the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Eli Wallach
One of the great American actors of the 20th century -- via the New York Times. Brilliant both on stage and on screen, Wallach won Tonys, Emmys, and an honorary Oscar. He was an original member of the Actors Studio, studying alongside, Brando, Clift, Berghof, and Lumet. He originated the role of Mangicavallo in "The Rose Tattoo." He did "Camino Real," "Rhinoceros," and "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour." He did tons of live TV in the early days.
And the films. Best known as a villain, he will always be remembered for films such as: "The Magnificent Seven," "The Misfits," "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," "Cinderella Liberty," "Movie Movie," "Winter Kills," and "Godfather III."
And the films. Best known as a villain, he will always be remembered for films such as: "The Magnificent Seven," "The Misfits," "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," "Cinderella Liberty," "Movie Movie," "Winter Kills," and "Godfather III."
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
OBIT READER: Our weekly roundup of stories on death & dying
Miriam Burbank, posed in death as she loved to be in life. [Photo by Percy McRay, via Reuters] |
When will the dead outnumber the living on Facebook? As early as 2065. Via Mashable, Sylvan Lane gives us a thorough, comprehensive, and user-friendly guide to what happens to you digitally after your death.
DEATH
In Psychology Today, Sheila Kohler wonders about our denial of death
From Parenthood magazine, a list of books that my help children come to terms with death
In Hong Kong, fear of death decreases and taboos fall as discussion and information increase, according to Jasmine Siu in The Standard
Demystifying death: USA Today's Dan Reimold talks to Erika Hayasaki, author of the new book "Death Class: A True Story about Life"
From Foreign Policy magazine, Anna Nemtsova meditates on the death of two fellow journalists in the war zone of Ukraine
Mortician Jennifer Mairo Akporehe makes a mission statement
In Australia, a terminally ill man campaigns for the right for people to choose how and when they die -- from Michael Short of The Age
The Canadian Medical Association hears from both sides on the right-to-die issue, via the CBC
Andy Campbell, HuffPo Crime Editor, discusses how police departments can get reporters out of their faces during deadly shootings. The short answer: information and transparency.
Mike D., the A-Unicornist, gives an eloquent atheist perspective on the consciousness of impending death
In Oregon, hospices attempt to negotiate a relationship with that state's Death with Dignity laws -- from Christen McCurdy of the Lund Report
FUNERAL HOMES
Chris Radomile and T. Addams get brutally honest about "5 Horrifying Truths about Funeral Homes (from an Undertaker)" in Cracked
In Venezuela, too many bodies, not enough coffins --via Girish Gupta of Reuters
From Crystal Chow in Sensa Nostra, a mortician's confession
Can you become a Certified Funeral Celebrant? From the Isanti County News
Undertaker Ken McKenzie has a new, "morbidly humorous" new book out concerning his profession -- interview by Ashley Fowler of the Long Beach Signal Tribune
In South Africa, an undertaker is charged with mutilation after sawing off a corpse's legs to make it fit into its casket -- via IOL News.
Philadelphia-area funeral director finds community opposition to the construction of a crematorium, despite a vastly increased demand for the procedure in recent years -- by Ben Finley of the Philadelphia Inquirer
In West Virginia, the indigent will continue to be buried, despite the state running out of funds to pay for it -- story by Greg Jordan of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Tim Wynkoop of Lehigh Valley Live reports on a funeral home's commission of a chopper-driven hearse
From the Daily Mail: Sarah Dean and Louise Cheer report on a funeral home director forced to keep a corpse in her car overnight with the air conditioning on
MOURNING
Fredrica Duke plans her own funeral in HuffPo -- it's a doozy
Larry Mayer's moving memorial to his father in the Jewish Daily Forward
Funerary and mourning traditions in Kuwait from Expat and the City
In Swaziland, a movement to reduce the traditional three-year mourning period for widows; by Sandile Nkambule in the Swazi Observer
In Brain Pickings, Maria Popova reviews Meghan O'Rourke's memoir of grieving her mother's death, "The Long Goodbye"
MISC
In the midst of life: The Wooster Group's Liz LeCompte runs into death on her way back to a party
"Saving lives in death" -- Annie Sciacca of the Petaluma Argus-Courier reports on postmortem organ donation
From the Times of India: Youth beaten to death by mob for posting obituary posters on marriage hall
Terry Richards
Great stunt man; best remembered as the Cairo Swordsman whom Indiana Jones shoots rather than fiights in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" -- via the BBC. His "show reel" is TWO HOURS LONG.
Pauline Wagner
Actress; doubled for Fay Wray in the climactic scene of the original "King Kong" -- via the Hollywood Reporter. In first clip, Pauline is seen in far shots on ledge of Empie State Building as Kong fights the planes.
Pauline (Polly) Wagner McCourtney's 100th Birthday Party Part 1 of 2 from Ron M on Vimeo.
Pauline (Polly) Wagner McCourtney's 100th Birthday Party Part 1 of 2 from Ron M on Vimeo.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Arthur Oldham
Composer and choirmaster -- via the Guardian. The first of the "great flying choirmasters," he founded the Edinburgh Festival Chorus . . . then the Chorus of the Orchestre de Paris . . . then the Concertgebouw Orchestra Chous; and worked with many other choirs as well.
Nick Nostro aka Nick Howard
Director and screenwriter -- via westernboothill.blogspot.com. Directed such entries as "Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators" and "Superargo versus Diabolikus."
Mabon 'Teenie' Hodges
Guitarist, singer, prodcuer, and songwriter; composer of the great "Take Me to the River" and "Love and Happiness," among others -- via the Memphis Commercial Appeal. As a member in Hi Records' in-house Hi Rhythm band, played on recordings with Otis Clay, Al Green, Syl Johnson, and Ann Peebles! A soul and R & B master.
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