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.
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.
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."
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