GOAL: Predict which notable* figures will die on/between January 1 and December 31, 2011, Eastern Time.
Produce a maximum of 50 names, to be PM'ed to me (NOT posted here) before the ball drops in Times Square (NYC) at midnight on New Years (i.e., 12AM ET Saturday, January 1, 2011). The BB's default timestamp will determine entry time.
*It's assumed that all notable figures will have an entry, or be mentioned in an entry, at Wikipedia or another legit source which you may have to prove.
Rules:
The rules are the same as 2010 since time creeped by too quickly and we never got around to amending them. Next year perhaps!
1) PLEASE alphabetize your list of 50 names by LAST name (regardless of profession), either in the form of FIRSTNAME LASTNAME -or- LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME, in *1* column of names.
2) If it's not obvious who the person is for most people, after the name please add why they're notable. For example: "Douglas Fraser, trade unionist" (Sorry, he's already dead). In addition, you may or may not choose to include the person's current age; for example: "Douglas Fraser, trade unionist (91)"
3) If you submit your list days before Midnight, January 1st, 2011, and someone on your list dies before 2011, you should substitute the person with another and resubmit your list (by the deadline). If you do not resubmit your list, and the person died in 2010, the person will obviously NOT count for 2011.
4) a) Thou Shalt Not Kill (anyone on your list); b) criminals subject to the Death Penalty or anyone kidnapped or held hostage in 2010 won't count -- unless they die of natural causes; c) "Dead" means permanently dead, not later revived, nor put in animated suspension, or any induced or natural coma starting before 2011 begins; d) do not edit Wikipedia with false death information.
Everyone's lists will be updated unofficially throughout the year, but a year-end audit will be performed to determine the final winner sometime shortly after December 31, 2011. YOU are responsible for your own audit at years' end.
Prize: Bragging Rights for 12 months ...and also a cool Godfather poster (if I have any left - I still have to check)
Ali, Muhammad Andrews, Patty Bacall, Lauren Barzun, Jacques Berra, Yogi Borgnine, Ernest Carter, Jimmy Carter, Elliott Castro, Fidel Clark, Dick deHavilland, Olivia Diller, Phyllis Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Michael Downs, Hugh Ebert, Roger Fontaine, Joan Ford, Betty Franklin, Aretha Gabor, Zsa Zsa Graham, Billy Heesters, Johannes Hefner, Hugh Hope, Dolores Kent, Barbara Killebrew, Harmon Klugman, Jack Koch, Ed Koop, C. Everrett LaLanne, Jack LaMotta, Jake Lewis, Jerry Lom, Herbert Mandela, Nelson Martin, Tony Morgan, Harry Musial, Stan Niemeyer, Oscar Reagan, Nancy Rooney, Mickey Shamir, Yitzhak Sharon, Ariel Shriver, Sargent Taylor, Elizabeth Vigoda, Abe Wallace, Mike Wallach, Eli Watson, Russell Wok, Herman Zimbalist, Jr, Efram
JG (6)
Muhammad Ali, boxer (68) Mother Angelica, EWTN (88) Bob Barker, game show host (87) Lauren Bacall, actress (86) Chuck Berry, songwriter (84) Ernest Borgnine, actor (93) Wilford Brimley, actor (76) George H.W. Bush, 41st Prez (86) Jimmy Carter, former president (86) Fidel Castro, Cuban president (84) Dick Clark, TV/radio personality (81) David Crosby, Musician (69) Phyllis Diller, comedienne (93) Kirk Douglas, actor (94) Kitty Dukakis, Michael's wife (74) Roger Ebert, film critic (68) Queen Elizabeth II (85) Betty Ford, Gerald's wife (92) Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress/socialite (93) Leif Garrett, Singer (49) Billy Graham, evangelist (92) Stephen Hawking, physicist (69) Hugh Hefner, Playboy (84) Dolores Hope, Bob's wife (101) Etta James, Singer (72) Jack Kevorkian, Dr Death (83) B.B. King, guitarist (85) Larry King, CNN (77) Ed Koch, former NYC mayor (86) C. Everett Koop, former Surgeon General (94) Jack LaLanne, fitness guru (96) Frank Lautenberg, NJ Senator (86) Jerry Lewis, actor (84) Norman Lloyd, actor/producer/director (96) Lindsay Lohan, "actress" (24) Courtney Love, Hole (46) Charles Manson, murderer (76) Tony Martin, crooner/actor (98) I.M. Pei, architect (93) Nancy Reagan, former first lady (89) Andy Rooney, 60 Minutes (92) Mickey Rooney, actor (90) Ariel Sharon, fmr Israeli PM (83) Don Shula, NFL (81) Elizabeth Taylor, actress (78) Margaret Thatcher, former UK Prime Minister (85) Abe Vigoda, actor (89) Eli Wallach, actor (95) Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes (92) Judge Wapner, TV judge (91)
TIS (7)
1. Ali, Mohammud 2. Berry, Chuck 3. Borgnine, Ernest 4. Brown, Chris (Rapper) 5. Bush, George H. 6. Busey, Gary (actor) 7. Carter, Jimmy 8. Clark Dick 9. Crosby, David 10. Cyrus, Miley 11. Davis, Ann B. 12. Day, Doris 13. Douglas, Kirk 14. Michael Douglas 15. Downey, Robert Jr. (actor) 16. Eastwood, Clint 17. Falk, Peter 18. Fontaine, Joan (actress) 19. Ford, Betty 20. Franklin, Aretha 21. Graham, Billy 22. Griffith, Andy 23. Hefner, Hugh 24. Hope, Delores 25. Madoff, Bernoff (Financial jailbird) 26. Klugman, Jack 27. LaLane, Jack (Fitness) 28. Lansbury, Angela 29. Lee, Christopher 30. Lewis, Jerry (actor/comedian) 31. Love, Courtney 32. McCarthy, Kevin (actor) 33. Morgan, Harry (actor) 34. O'Toole, Peter 35. Phoenix, Joaquin (actor) 36. Polanski, Roman 37. Redgrave, Vanessa 38. Richard, Keith 39. Rooney, Mickey 40. Sharon, Ariel (politics) 41. Sapleton, Jean (actress) 42. Simpson, O.J. 43. Taylor, Liz 44. Temple, Shirley 45. Van Dyke, Dick 46. Vigoda, Abe 47. Wallach, Eli 48. Williams, Andy (Singer) 49. Winehouse, Amy 50. Wopner, Joe (Judge)
MIGNON (10)
Ali, Mohammud Andrews, Patty Arness, James Bacall, Lauren Barker, Bob Borgnine, Ernest Busey, Gary Cary, Diana Serra Castro, Fidel Clark, Dick Conaway, Jeff Cory, Irwin Day, Doris DeHavilland, Olivia Diller, Phillis Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Michael Fontaine, Joan Ford, Betty Franklin, Aretha Gabor, Zsa-Zsa Gordon, Bruce Graham, Billy Griffith, Andy Hope, Delores King, BB Lalanne, Jack Lamotta, Jake Lewis, Jerry Lohan, Lindsay Mandela, Nelson Martin, Tony Morgan, Harry Muhammad, Ruby Niemeyer, Oscar O'Hara, Maureen Pardo, Don Rainer, Louise Reagan, Nancy Richards, Keith Rooney, Andy Rooney, Mickey Shea,George Beverly Shriver, Sargent Stewart, Mary Vigoda, Abe Wallace, Mike Wallach, Eli White, Betty Winehouse, Amy
1. Ali Muhammed 2. Ballesteros Seve 3. Berry Chuck 4. Bin Laden Osama 5. Bowden Bobby 6. Buffett Warren 7. Chavez Hugo 8. Clinton Bill 9. Douglas Kirk 10. Douglas Michael 11. Duvall Robert 12. Ebert Roger 13. Fabray Nannette 14. Fellini Federico 15. Franklin Aretha 16. Gabor Zsa Zsa 17. Glazier Malcolm 18. Goodman, John 19. Graham , Billy 20. Greenspan, Alan 21. Imus Don 22. Jobs Steve 23. Jong Kim Il 24. Laurent Yves St. 25. La Motta Jake 26. Lewis Jerry 27. Madden John 28. McCain John 29. O' Haviland Olivia 30. Pardo Don 31. Penn Sean 32. Ratsinger (Pope Benedict) 33. Rooney Mickey 34. Shriver Sargent 35. Thatcher Margaret 36. Turner Ted 37. Wallace Mike 38. Wallach Eli
LOVECRAFT (2)
Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (King of Saudi Arabia) Bob Barker Pope Benedict XVI Osama Bin Laden Jimmy Carter Fidel Castro Fats Domino Kirk Douglas Michael Douglas Aretha Franklin Rev Billy Graham Otto Van Habsburg (Heir to the Austrian throne) Gene Hackman Shige Hirooka (Oldest Living Person) Kim Jong-Il BB King Larry King Jake Lamotta Jerry Lewis Lindsay Lohan Imelda Marcos (Philippine first lady, Billionaire) Don Rickles Charlie Sheen Derek Walcott (poet)
I know you probably already got it covered, but willour lists remained posted on the first page of this thread??? It would be a pain in the ass to have to scan thru lots of pages to see who's got who on whom's (is that grammatically correct?) list.
Glancing over the lists, there are many I didn't think of, a couple I thought were already dead; some seem to have been around forever (God bless them ;and some names of younger people are a surprise, BUT you really never know.
Tough titties, TIS... your list consists of 49 possibles now.
Darn, now I can't get all 50 right. You see I did so well in 2010 that deleting this one person would really make the difference.
I scanned my list again and I "think" it is now correct. I must admit, and not to be a pot stirrer mind you, I thought a couple names on others lists were already dead, but I was wrong.
Oscar-nominated British actor Pete Postlethwaite has died at the age of 64, a spokesman has announced.
Journalist and friend Andrew Richardson said Postlethwaite, who was made an OBE in 2004, died peacefully in hospital in Shropshire after a lengthy illness.
In 1994, he was nominated for an Oscar for In The Name of the Father. He received a best supporting actor nod for his role as Giuseppe Conlon, who was falsely convicted of the IRA's Guildford pub bombings....
I remember reading somewhere that Steven Spielberg considered Postlethwaite the best actor he had ever worked with, which was a pretty big surprise and a very awesome compliment for an actor who was extremely underrated.
Speaking of Franciso, any of you Death Watchers have Anne Francis? When I was a young lad she caught my eye in "Forbidden Planet" swimming in the pool. She starred opposite Leslie Neilsen.
OUR TOP STORY TONIGHT .... GENERALISIMO FRANCISCO FRANCO IS STILL DEAD.
Originally Posted By: MaryCas
Speaking of Franciso, any of you Death Watchers have Anne Francis? When I was a young lad she caught my eye in "Forbidden Planet" swimming in the pool. She starred opposite Leslie Neilsen.
Hard to forget.... she was a major hottie (nobody had picked her).
I didn't see anyone had her on the list, but Anne Francis has passed away from pancreatic cancer. I remember her mostly for Honey West. You guys remember that?
Looking at "Kevin McCarthy" crossed out on my list reminds me of a student who did poorly on a test and the teacher hangs it up for all to see. I tell you, I am damaged for life.
Anyone have Major Dick Winters? 92 years old. He is the real-life person who was the central character and commander of Easy Company in "Band of Brothers". I recently read his book, "Beyond Band of Brothers". A very interesting account of his life in the military. Not your average person.
David Nelson, the last surviving member of his family, died at age 74 after losing a battle with colon cancer. His parents, Ozzie and Harriett, and his brother David, all starred in a popular tv series in the 1950s.
David Nelson, the last surviving member of his family, died at age 74 after losing a battle with colon cancer. His parents, Ozzie and Harriett, and his brother David, all starred in a popular tv series in the 1950s.
R.I.P. David
weird...so they named both sons david, that has to be confusing
Anyone have Major Dick Winters? 92 years old. He is the real-life person who was the central character and commander of Easy Company in "Band of Brothers". I recently read his book, "Beyond Band of Brothers". A very interesting account of his life in the military. Not your average person.
Dick Winters lived less than 15 minutes from me, and I got to meet him socially several times. A close friend of mine, who had been a Pentagon official, would have him over the house with some brass for summer parties. I didn't know him well, but he seemed like a very pleasant gentleman.
I was sorry to just discover that actress Jill Haworth died on January 3. She should have had a much better career than she did.
Besides her role in the film Exodus, probably the best-known things she's remembered for are appearing opposite David McCallum in an episode of The Outer Limits titled "The Sixth Finger" and creating the role of Sally Bowles on Broadway in the original 1966 production of Cabaret. As the story goes, she stayed with the show over two years to spite a well-known critic who had given her a bad review!
Then, of course, there was that (in)famous "feminine deodorant spray" TV commercial she did many years ago. It might have been the first of its kind. Feminique (?) I think it was??
Anyway, I was quite saddened to read that the died in her sleep in her Manhattan apartment. R.I.P.
No, you're thinking of Jill St. John. And, to the best of my knowledge, she is still married to Robert Wagner. Jill Haworth was British.
Signor V.
Thanks SV,
Of course I was thinking of Jill St. John. I have no idea how I got to two mixed up, since I am not as familiar with Hayworth. Anyway, still too bad of her passing.
LONDON – British actress Susannah York, one of the leading stars of British and Hollywood films in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has died in London at the age of 72.
York died of cancer Saturday at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Her son, the actor Orlando Wells, said York was an incredibly brave woman who did not complain about her illness and a "truly wonderful mother." He said she went into the hospital on Jan. 6 after experiencing shoulder pain.
York had a long, distinguished career on film, television and on stage, but she is best remembered for her early roles, when she had an immediate impact that started with her 1963 role as Albert Finney's love interest in the memorable period piece romp "Tom Jones."
York had a long, distinguished career on film, television and on stage, but she is best remembered for her early roles, when she had an immediate impact that started with her 1963 role as Albert Finney's love interest in the memorable period piece romp "Tom Jones."
"Tom Jones" was the first adult movie with sexual overtones that I ever saw. Part of a double bill with "Irma LaDouce" (Shirley MacLaine playing a Parisian prostitute) it was quite an eye-opening experience to this then 13 year old boy. (I had lied to my mother and told her I was going to see "King Kong vs. Godzilla" with my friends).
To say that York left a profound effect on me is a gross understatement.
York had a long, distinguished career on film, television and on stage, but she is best remembered for her early roles, when she had an immediate impact that started with her 1963 role as Albert Finney's love interest in the memorable period piece romp "Tom Jones."
"Tom Jones" was the first adult movie with sexual overtones that I ever saw. Part of a double bill with "Irma LaDouce" (Shirley MacLaine playing a Parisian prostitute) it was quite an eye-opening experience to this then 13 year old boy. (I had lied to my mother and told her I was going to see "King Kong vs. Godzilla" with my friends).
To say that York left a profound effect on me is a gross understatement.
Can't imagine why that would have been the case...
Oh no!! I can't say I am surprised because I know he's suffered from Alzheimer's for quite a while now. I remember Maria lovingly remembering her father who had no idea who she was now. What a horrible horrible way to go. RIP
I LOVED his show back in the '70s. You weren't cool if you couldn't talk about his "Saturday Night Rock Concerts" on Monday morning in high school. Plus, he helped put Bobby Darin (one of my all-time favorite performers) on the map.
Holy cow!!! I just read that Jack LaLanne finally died. I remember my mom watching his excersize show when I was a kid. Sometimes it seemed like he'd live forever!!
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Co-founder of Marvellettes helped usher in girl group era Susan Whitall / The Detroit News
Gladys Horton, who helped launch the girl group era of the '60s with her sassy, girlish lead vocal on the Marvelettes' "Please, Mr. Postman," the first Motown song to reach No. 1 on the pop charts, died Wednesday in Los Angeles. The singer, 66, had been recovering from a stroke in a Los Angeles nursing home when she died, according to her son, Vaughn Thornton.
"She fought until the end, her son told me," said fellow Marvelette Katherine Anderson Schaffner. She had alerted friends and fans several weeks ago that Horton was ill.
"When I let everybody know on my Facebook page that she was ill, she was already in hospice," Schaffner said. "Even though you try to prepare, and know the inevitable is about to happen, I don't think you're ever prepared for (someone's) death."
Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., who was wowed by the 15-year-old Horton and her group, said in a statement, "I am so saddened to hear of the passing of another Motown great, one of our first, Gladys Horton, who with the Marvelettes, recorded our first #1 hit, 'Please Mr. Postman,' and many others. Gladys was a very, very special lady, and I loved the way she sang with her raspy, soulful voice."
They were just teenagers when Horton, Schaffner and several friends from Inkster High School's choir formed a group so they could enter a talent contest.
Schaffner remembers that Horton was determined to get into the mix when she heard the prize was an audition at Motown. They called their group the "Casinyets" (i.e. "can't sing yet"), and no, they didn't win the contest.
But a sympathetic counselor secured a meeting at Motown for the group. They wowed Gordy and his staff. ....
I read this story last night. I can't say I'd remember Whithall's name but I sure remember the Marvellettes. They, along with many female groups from Detroit at the time, sure had that "Motown" sound that I fondly remember.
I remember very well, Mr. Postman and probably just as famous, Beachwood 45789. Sorry to hear of her passing.
He used to appear on the "Tonight Show" (with Johnny Carson) a lot until he once pushed Carson (after a bad performance) which got him banned from the show.
Agreed, his Nixon impersonation definitely made him. But he also did an excellent William F. Buckley, LBJ, Henry Fonda, George Jessel and countless others.
I remember the time, many years ago, when impressionists reigned supreme. There were loads of variety shows on television, and they provided lots of exposure for talented mimics. David Frye was pretty much at the top of the heap. But there was also Will Jordan (who looked and sounded more like Ed Sullivan than Sullivan himself), John Byner, Frank Gorshin, George Kirby, Marilyn Michaels, Sheila MacRae and an up-and-coming Rich Little (who, IMO, was quite overrated back then). After a while, there was Fred Travalena as well. Charlie Callas did voices. too.
Then, fairly suddenly, the bottom seemed to fall out. Impressionists weren't popular anymore - at least not on television. Everybody seemed to fade into obscurity (or Las Vegas), Rich Little got banned by Johnny Carson from the Tonight Show, and voice mimicry seemed to be a lost art.
David Frye's career seemed to go up in a puff of smoke after Tricky Dick resigned. How many people on the boards remember his hilarious Nixon album I Am the President? Classic. Especially the segment where Nixon smokes weed for the first time under the watchful eye of FBI Agent Jones (played by Chuck McCann) and starts to hallucinate. ("Jones! I think I'm having a bum voyage!")
Will Jordan told me that David Frye was plagued by alcoholism for years after his TV appearances dried up, and that that was what really destroyed his career. A real pity. I don't know if he ever got sober, but I saw in the newspaper that Frye died in Las Vegas. I heard years ago that he would make occasional live appearances there, but I hadn't heard his name mentioned professionally in quite a long time.
But I'll always remember him as one of the absolute very best mimics of the late '60s/early '70s. RIP
I'm not sure if I remember Frye. He is the one famous for the Nixon, "I'm not a crook" line? For some reason I thought that was Rich Little that started the fun with Nixon.
TIS
BTW, totally off topic for this thread but remember John Byner's imitation of Ed Sullivan? And Frank Gorshin's hilarious Kirk Douglas?? His facial expressions were classic.
I'm not sure if I remember Frye. He is the one famous for the Nixon, "I'm not a crook" line? For some reason I thought that was Rich Little that started the fun with Nixon...
Rich Little did a decent 'Nixon' imitation.
But yes, it was David Frye who absolutely mastered the man. I remember watching it, even physically he had the facial expression, shoulder hunch, and double-armed VICTORY stance.
Ironically, he made his Nixon SO infamous that that is all I really remember him for.
Rich Little did just about everyone well, including a fabulous Johnny Carson who no other impressionist could evey do quite so expertly.
Gary Moore wasn't that old. I actually preferred Thin Lizzy with just Eric Bell on guitar but Moore was quite talented at what he did. It could be that substance abuse issues caught up with him Gary Moore found dead
Rock legend Gary Moore was found dead Sunday in a hotel room in Spain, where he had been vacationing. The Thin Lizzy guitarist was 58.
The rocker was found laying unconscious in the lavish Kempinski hotel on Spain's Costa del Sol by his girlfriend and later pronounced dead, according to several reports.
Considered one of the greatest blues-based rock guitarists of the '70s, an era that also boasted the likes of Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, Moore joined Thin Lizzy in the mid-1970s and later enjoyed a successful solo career.
Within just this past week we lost two very notable names from show biz: Actress Betty Garrett (On the Town, All in the Family) and legendary jazz pianist George Shearing. Both were 91. Surprised nobody mentioned this.
LOS ANGELES — Len Lesser, the veteran character actor best known for his scene-stealing role as Uncle Leo on "Seinfeld," died Wednesday. He was 88.
Lesser's family said in a statement that he died in Burbank, Calif., from cancer-related pneumonia.
"Heaven got a great comedian and actor today," his daughter, Michele, said in the statement. "The outpouring of sympathy we've already received has been amazing and is so greatly appreciated. Thank you to all the people who helped make my father's last journey special and surrounded with love."
Lesser's lengthy list of television credits included parts on "Get Smart," "That Girl," "The Munsters," "The Monkees," "The Rockford Files," "thirtysomething," "ER," and "Everybody Loves Raymond," which featured Lesser in a recurring role as the arm-shaking Garvin. His film credits included "Outlaw Josey Wales," "Kelly's Heroes," "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "Death Hunt." He most recently appeared on the TV drama "Castle."
I remember Betty Garrett from Laverne and Shirley.
Me too.
But the FIRST time I saw Betty was as a semi-regular on 'All In The Family'.
They were not on the show for very long - less than a season - but Garret & Vincent Gardenia made their mark as the Bunker's neighbors Frank & Irene Lorenzo.
I do enjoy the much younger Betty Garret as the street smart taxi driver pursuing Frank Sinatra in 'On The Town'.
I did not know him but I know people who did. That's mighty young to leave. You just never know.
Dwayne McDuffie, Comic-Book Writer, Dies at 49 By MARGALIT FOX Dwayne McDuffie, a comic-book writer known for diversifying the pantheon of superheroes, creating popular black characters in print and on television, died in Burbank, Calif., on Monday, the day after his 49th birthday.
Mr. McDuffie, a resident of Sherman Oaks, Calif., died of complications from heart surgery, said Matt Wayne, a longtime friend.
Mr. McDuffie was best known as a founder of Milestone Media, described by The Plain Dealer of Cleveland in 2000 as “the industry’s most successful minority-owned-and-operated comic company.”
An independent company whose work is distributed by DC Comics, Milestone produces comics with ethnically diverse casts. Among its major characters (all of whom Mr. McDuffie helped create, in collaboration with illustrators and other writers) are Static, Icon and Hardware, all of whom are African-American; Xombi, who is Asian-American; and the Blood Syndicate, a crime-fighting group of men and women that includes blacks, Asians and Latinos.
Dwayne Glenn McDuffie was born in Detroit on Feb. 20, 1962. Growing up, he later said, he encountered few comic-book characters who looked like him; he encountered fewer still who were simultaneously black, heroic and even remotely authentic. Dwayne McDuffie Obit
Duke Snider, the centerfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers from the late '40s to the early '60s (when the team had moved out to L.A.) died today at age 84.
Snider was my favorite ballplayer of all-time (by virtue of him playing for my favorite hometown team). He hit with power and he had a quiet elegance about him.
He was a third of the three greatest centerfielders in NYC at the same time (the two others were Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays). Snider's stats for the years that the three played together in NYC were every bit as good as those for Mickey and Willie.
Some years ago Don Cardi surprised me with a gift of an autographed photo of Snider. It's been hanging on my wall since, and now has an even greater significance to me.
Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last American surviving soldier of World War One, died yesterday. He was 110 years old. (He was born February 1, 1901 and lied about his age when he enlisted).
Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last American surviving soldier of World War One, died yesterday. He was 110 years old. (He was born February 1, 1901 and lied about his age when he enlisted).
(CBS/AP) Jane Russell passed away at her home in California Monday, surrounded by her children, reports KCOY-TV. The legendary Hollywood sex symbol of the 40s and 50s - described by some as the sassy brunette counterpart to Marilyn Monroe's ditsy blonde bombshell - was 89 years old.
Russell leaves behind three children, six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Thanks Lilo, the article refreshed my memory. I remember her mostly from "Gentlemen Prefer Blonds" with Marylin Monroe and also Pale Face with Bob Hope. I think she was in several Hope movies.
Btw, I know she was a "pinup" girl of her time. I would imagine that back then, pin-up/cover girls were likely more shall I say, natural than today?? She was known for her bustline if I am not mistaken and I remember later (maybe in her 40's) she did some bra commercials (Playtex maybe). Anyone else remember?
Btw, I know she was a "pinup" girl of her time. I would imagine that back then, pin-up/cover girls were likely more shall I say, natural than today?? She was known for her bustline if I am not mistaken and I remember later (maybe in her 40's) she did some bra commercials (Playtex maybe). Anyone else remember?
Russell wasn't all that busty but she is remembered for that area because of Howard Hughes. Hughes, one of the richest men in the world, and a man of great engineering ability, designed a bra especially for Russell (she was then appearing in a movie that Hughes was producing).
Many years later (in the '70s?) Russell did commercials for a bra.
Btw, I know she was a "pinup" girl of her time. I would imagine that back then, pin-up/cover girls were likely more shall I say, natural than today?? She was known for her bustline if I am not mistaken and I remember later (maybe in her 40's) she did some bra commercials (Playtex maybe). Anyone else remember?
Russell wasn't all that busty but she is remembered for that area because of Howard Hughes. Hughes, one of the richest men in the world, and a man of great engineering ability, designed a bra especially for Russell (she was then appearing in a movie that Hughes was producing).
Many years later (in the '70s?) Russell did commercials for a bra.
I didn't know that!! I guess back then they "padded/lifted" to appear bustier instead of surgery. The women during that time too were not expected to be skinny rails. In fact they were heavy in many cases, at least compared to the pinups/models in more recent times.
I remember the bra commercial fairly well. Of course, she wasn't shown actually modeling the undergarment, but I do remember her talking about "full-figured" girls like herself, and presumably, the women out there in TVLand that the product was intended for. Probably Playtex, but I can't remember exactly.
I'll bet that commercial can probably be found on YouTube, or somewhere on the Internet, especially now that Jane Russell has passed. If not now, then I'm sure someone will post it before too long.
Btw, I know she was a "pinup" girl of her time. I would imagine that back then, pin-up/cover girls were likely more shall I say, natural than today?? She was known for her bustline if I am not mistaken and I remember later (maybe in her 40's) she did some bra commercials (Playtex maybe). Anyone else remember?
Russell wasn't all that busty but she is remembered for that area because of Howard Hughes. Hughes, one of the richest men in the world, and a man of great engineering ability, designed a bra especially for Russell (she was then appearing in a movie that Hughes was producing).
Many years later (in the '70s?) Russell did commercials for a bra.
I didn't know that!! I guess back then they "padded/lifted" to appear bustier instead of surgery. The women during that time too were not expected to be skinny rails. In fact they were heavy in many cases, at least compared to the pinups/models in more recent times.
TIS
If this is not all that busty to you then te salut, Don SC.
TIS I think for a lot of different reasons rather unrealistic and unhealthy images started to become too predominant sometime between the late sixties and early nineties. Of course a lot of those images are aimed at women. The images aimed at men still tend to be a bit more realistic..in some ways, not all.
I remember the bra commercial fairly well. Of course, she wasn't shown actually modeling the undergarment, but I do remember her talking about "full-figured" girls like herself, and presumably, the women out there in TVLand that the product was intended for. Probably Playtex, but I can't remember exactly....
I remember the commercial, too...it was on a mannequin and it was Playtex and somebody (Russel, I suppose) used a wandstick to gently outline the 'Cross Your Heart' bra. (Lifts and separates...
Betty Grable also did Playtex commercials. I think she even did them for girdles (before they were reinvented as 'Spanx').
As for the Howard Hughes design...story goes that he wanted something for her to wear in 'The Outlaw' that would prevent her from bouncing all over the place.
As for the Howard Hughes design...story goes that he wanted something for her to wear in 'The Outlaw' that would prevent her from bouncing all over the place.
Not true at all. Hughes designed the bra to show off Russell's cleavage better.
As Casey Stengel used to say, "You could look it up".
... Hughes designed the bra to show off Russell's cleavage better...
Ok, I'll go along w/ that.
TCM will probably be rerunning her interviews w/ Robert Osborne over the next week or so. I believe she did one solo and then another with Robert Mitchum at her side. We'll see if she had anything to say about the matter.
Washington (CNN) -- David Broder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post political columnist, died Wednesday from complications relating to diabetes, the newspaper said.
He was 81.
Broder, known as the "dean of the Washington press corps," won the Pulitzer in 1973 for his coverage of the Watergate scandal. He covered every national political convention since 1956, according to the Post.
"David spent his professional life with political leaders at all levels of society, from precinct captains to presidents, on Capitol Hill, and in State Houses and City Halls in all fifty states," Broder's family said in a statement posted on the Post's website....
Michael Gough had quite a long career; many years before the Batman films, he appeared in a number of British horror films from the 1950s through the 1970s. Off the top of my head:
Horror of Dracula (UK: Dracula) Horrors of the Black Museum Konga Phantom of the Opera (1962) Dr. Terror's House of Horrors The Skull Berserk Trog The Legend of Hell House
I'm sure there were many others, but these just popped into my head. The Batman films gave his career quite a shot in the arm when many actors would have already retired.
I was like 8 or 9 years old when that show was originally on, and he was like a hundred then!...
Of coure I'm no expert having not seen ANY of the Batman movies, but...
Could some of us be confusing Michael Gough with the 'Alfred' from the original Batman tv series, Alan Napier (1903–1988) ???
Napier would've been around 65 then...and from my recollection he DID appear quite a bit older. But then again when you're 10 years old everybody over age 40 would probably look ancient!!!
Could some of us be confusing Michael Gough with the 'Alfred' from the original Batman tv series, Alan Napier (1903–1988) ???
Sure sounds like it. Here is a photo of Alan Napier.
I remember in the mid-1980s there were two talk shows that had Batman (TV show) "reunions" and Napier was on one of them. This was probably within a year or so of his death, and I remember that even though he was in a wheelchair by then, he was still quite lucid and talkative. In fact, they had a hard time keeping him quiet! I just wish I could remember the name of the show or who hosted it. Probably the IMDb could supply the answer, but the ol' ComputerSaurus doesn't want to deal with those complicated pages.
Pinetop Perkins, one of the last old-school bluesmen who played with Muddy Waters and became the oldest Grammy winner this year, died at his home of cardiac arrest. He was 97. Perkins was having chest pains when he went to take a nap and paramedics could not revive him, said Hugh Southard, Perkins' agent for the last 15 years. The piano man played with an aggressive style and sang with a distinctive gravelly voice. B.B. King said in a statement that he was saddened by the loss of his friend.
"He was one of the last great Mississippi Bluesmen," King said. "He had such a distinctive voice, and he sure could play the piano. He will be missed not only by me, but by lovers of music all over the world."
Perkins accompanied Sonny Boy Williamson on the popular King Biscuit Time radio show broadcast on KFFA in Helena, Arkansas, in the 1940s. He toured with Ike Turner in the 1950s and joined Waters' band in 1969.
"He is the blues, he is the epitome of it," Southard said. "He lived it, breathed it."
Perkins won a Grammy in February for best traditional blues album for Joined at the Hip: Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith. That win made Perkins the oldest Grammy winner, edging out late comedian George Burns, who was 95 when he won in the spoken category for Gracie: A Love Story in 1990.
Perkins also won a 2007 Grammy for best traditional blues album for his collaboration on the Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas. He also received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2005.
Even at his age, he was a regular fixture at Austin blues clubs, playing regular gigs up to last month. He had more than 20 performances booked this year, Southard said. After they won the Grammy this year, Smith and Perkins discussed recording another CD. Perkins was born in Belzoni, Mississippi, in 1913 and was believed to be the oldest of the old-time Delta blues musicians still performing.
In an 80-year career, he played at juke joints, nightclubs and festivals. He didn't start recording in his own name until he was in his 70s and released more than 15 solo records since 1992. That drive to keep playing the blues is what kept him alive, Southard said. Smith said Perkins once told him he was happiest when he was playing music.
Gosh, remember when you couldn't find one single movie magazine without Liz on the cover???? She was really beautiful and a good actress as well. She came close to death at least a couple times in her life. Sad news.
Pinetop Perkins, one of the last old-school bluesmen who played with Muddy Waters and became the oldest Grammy winner this year, died at his home of cardiac arrest. He was 97.
A true loss to the music world. As the article said, there are very, very few of the real old-time bluesmen left. I'm glad he lived long enough to receive that Grammy.
For those who are interested in the history of blues, particularly Delta blues, I suggest reading "The Land Where the Blues Began" by Alan Lomax. It's a difficult book to get through, IMO, because Lomax's turgid and at-times pompous writing style often gets in the way of the fascinating stories told (to Lomax) by the musicians themselves. But, difficult though it may be, the book is ultimately quite rewarding and thought-provoking. (Pinetop Perkins was, unfortunately, omitted from this book.)
Pinetop Perkins, one of the last old-school bluesmen who played with Muddy Waters and became the oldest Grammy winner this year, died at his home of cardiac arrest. He was 97.
A true loss to the music world. As the article said, there are very, very few of the real old-time bluesmen left. I'm glad he lived long enough to receive that Grammy.
For those who are interested in the history of blues, particularly Delta blues, I suggest reading "The Land Where the Blues Began" by Alan Lomax. It's a difficult book to get through, IMO, because Lomax's turgid and at-times pompous writing style often gets in the way of the fascinating stories told (to Lomax) by the musicians themselves. But, difficult though it may be, the book is ultimately quite rewarding and thought-provoking. (Pinetop Perkins was, unfortunately, omitted from this book.)
RIP
Signor V.
I never read that book Signor V, because I can't stand Lomax. Maybe I will try it again. Everyone's got to go. It is humbling to think that at one time people like Pinetop, BB or the like were the new brash youngsters coming up.
I never read that book Signor V, because I can't stand Lomax.
I totally understand.
There was an "interesting" (if one could call it that) news item today regarding the still-living Zsa Zsa Gabor:
Upon hearing of the death of Elizabeth Tayor, 94 year old Zsa Zsa became hysterical. Recalling the recent passing of actress Jane Russell, Zsa Zsa started screaming, "Celebrities die in threes! I'm next!" She was hospitalized, and, as far as I know, she's still there as I write this.
Bo Schembechler was a details man, and he knew what he was doing when he put two freshmen in a dorm room together in the summer of 1986. Vada Murray did not meet NCAA academic standards to play his first year. Warde Manuel was a stellar high school student. Bo figured Manuel could help Murray learn proper study habits.
It was a smart plan, but it hit a snag.
"That first semester," Manuel recalled Thursday, Murray "kicked my ass."
Murray, a former Michigan safety, died Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer. He was 43. He was not a smoker. He left behind his wife, Sarah, and three children, Deric, Kendall and Harper -- ages 12, 8 and 6.
It is the worst kind of unfair. But this is not about how Murray died. It's about how he lived. It's about a man who arrived at the University of Michigan in 1986 and was told he didn't belong -- and who proved, for the next 25 years, that he did. From starting safety to Ann Arbor police officer, Murray epitomized the values Schembechler tried to teach...
It seems to have gone unnoticed that actor Kenneth Mars died nearly two months ago (February 12) of pancreatic cancer at age 75. He was unforgettable in the original version of The Producers (1968, as Franz Liebkind) and in Young Frankenstein (1974, as Inspector Kemp).
Sidney Lumet, the director behind American movie classics such as 12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon and The Verdict, died Saturday. He was 86.
Lumet died from lymphoma at his home in New York City his stepdaughter, Leslie Gimbel, tells The New York Times.
The film director, famous for creating art impassioned by social justice and satire, told The Times in 2007 that he made movies not as an attempt to change the world, but for his own love of the field.
"I do it because I like it," he said. "And it's a wonderful way to spend your life."
But his films, which painted portraits of real issues such as corruption and justice, did just that. His movies received 46 Academy Award nominations throughout his career. Although he never personally won the honor for Best Director – which was remedied in 2005 with an honorary award from the Academy – six of his films won Oscars during the peak of his career, between 1974 and 1976. Lumet himself was nominated for Best Director for The Verdict, Network, 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon.
Lumet, despite having a very Hollywood career, was a New Yorker at heart, and the city he loved was the backdrop for many of his greats, including Serpico (1973) and The Pawnbroker (1964).
"Locations are characters in my movies," he said. "The city is capable of portraying the mood a scene requires."
New York seemed to be his most constant love affair. His first three marriages – to actress Rita Gam (1949-1954), socialite Gloria Vanderbilt (1956-1963) and the daughter of Lena Horne, Gail Jones (1963-1978) – ended in divorce. In 1980 he married Mary Gimbel.
He is survived by Gimbel, his two daughters from his marriage with Jones (Amy and Jenny Lumet), his stepdaughter Leslie Gimbel, his stepson Bailey Gimbel, nine grandchildren and a great grandson.
I just heard on the news that singer Phoebe Snow died today in New Jersey from complications of a massive brain hemmorhage she suffered a year ago. Varying reports gave her age as either 58 or 60.
I remember her from years ago; "Poetry Man" was probably her best-known song.
Very sad. I hadn't heard of her in a long time until today's news, though I read she had planned to record a new album before the stroke incapacitated her.
Hazel Dickens passed away. I first heard her do "Coal Tattoo" on a cassette tape of protest songs. She also did some of the music for the movie "Matewan". She appeared in "Matewan" and "Harlan County". Dickens was also involved in the musical arm of the Civil Rights movement, touring the South with the Southern Folk Cultural Revival Project. She was probably best known for her feminist/worker songs but saw herself as a humanist. She was a good guitarist as well as singer. She had a unique voice.
Hazel Dickens, a clarion-voiced advocate for coal miners and working people and a pioneer among women in bluegrass music, died on Friday in Washington. She was 75.
The cause was complications of pneumonia, said Ken Irwin, her longtime friend and the founder of Rounder Records, her label for more than four decades.
Ms. Dickens’s initial impact came as a member of Hazel and Alice, a vocal and instrumental duo with Alice Gerrard, a classically trained singer with a passion for the American vernacular music on which Ms. Dickens was raised. Featuring Ms. Dickens on upright bass and Ms. Gerrard on acoustic guitar, Hazel and Alice toured widely on the folk and bluegrass circuits during the 1960s and ’70s, captivating audiences with their bold, forceful harmonies and their empathetic approach to songs of struggle and heartbreak.
They recorded four albums during this period, the first of which, “Who’s That Knocking,” for Folkways in 1965, is considered one of the earliest bluegrass records made by women. All-female string bands like the Coon Creek Girls had been popular before the emergence of bluegrass in the 1940s and ’50s, and female country singers like Rose Maddox and Jean Shepard occasionally released bluegrass-themed projects. But Hazel and Alice were expressly a bluegrass act, using the same tenor- and lead-vocal arrangements as many of their male counterparts.
Ms. Dickens reflected on her early days on the bluegrass circuit with Ms. Gerrard in a 1999 interview for the American roots music magazine No Depression. “I’m not sure if they looked at us as a novelty, or if they took us seriously,” she said of the male acts with whom they shared bills. But, she added, “There were a lot of them, especially down through the years, that gave us respect.”
The influence of the staunchly traditional duo extended beyond bluegrass to commercial country music. Hazel and Alice’s arrangement of the Carter Family’s “Hello Stranger” became the blueprint for Emmylou Harris’s version of the song, and their adaption of “The Sweetest Gift (A Mother’s Smile)” inspired Naomi Judd, then a single mother in rural Kentucky, to start singing with her daughter Wynonna.
Long revered by feminists, Ms. Dickens’s music, and especially her songwriting, assumed an even more political cast almost as soon as she began pursuing a solo career in the wake of the duo’s breakup in 1976. Several of her songs, including “Coal Tattoo” and the rousing organizer’s anthem “They'll Never Keep Us Down,” served as the musical voice of conscience for Barbara Kopple’s Oscar-winning 1976 documentary, “Harlan County, U.S.A.”
Whether she performed solo or with a country-style band, Ms. Dickens’s atavistic mountain inflection and delivery were inimitable, and never so much as when she sang a cappella on “Black Lung,” a harrowing dirge she wrote for her oldest brother, who died of that disease. In 1987 she sang another a cappella ballad, “Hills of Galilee,” during a funeral scene in “Matewan,” John Sayles’s movie about coal mining in Appalachia....
Yvette Vickers Dies Mysterious Death By Stephen M. Silverman
Tuesday May 03, 2011 09:25 AM EDT
She caused guys at the drive-in movies of the '50s and the readers of Playboy to swoon, counted Cary Grant and the actor Jim Hutton (father of Timothy Hutton) among her lovers, and even appeared – briefly – opposite Paul Newman in the Oscar-winning Hud. But when it came to Hollywood endings, pinup model and actress Yvette Vickers reached a heartbreaking fadeout.
As her uncollected mail gathered cobwebs outside, inside Vickers's dilapidated Los Angeles home last Wednesday, police, acting on a concerned neighbor's tip, discovered the mummified remains of the onetime 36"-24"-36" cult star of the space-alien B-movies Attack of the 50 Foot Woman and Attack of the Giant Leeches.
Vickers was 82, had long been a recluse – and could have been dead for as long as a year, reports the Los Angeles Times.
An autopsy has been ordered, though foul play is not suspected. If anything, her sad demise almost seems like something out of a movie in which Vickers once played a cameo, as a giggling girl in Billy Wilder's acid-etched 1950 portrait of a glamorous movie life gone sour, Sunset Boulevard.
"She kept to herself, had friends and seemed like a very independent spirit," her neighbor in Benedict Canyon, actress Susan Savage, told the Times. "To the end she still got cards and letter[s] from all over the world requesting photos and still wanting to be her friend."
Still, the Times also quotes Boyd Magers, editor and publisher of the movie publication Western Clippings, as saying the once "bright, intelligent" actress grew "paranoid" in her later years and was convinced she was being stalked.
"We've all been crying about this," said Savage. "Nobody should be left alone like that." Brief Career at Paramount Vickers's earliest professional work was in commercials for White Rain shampoo. According to Variety, it was Billy Wilder who discovered the actress, though her studio career was short-lived and completely finished after a major role in Paramount's 1957 crime drama Short Cut to Hell, a directorial effort by actor James Cagney that flopped at the box office.
Turning to B movies and TV Westerns, Vickers also appeared on Broadway, acted right up until 1990's horror flick Evil Sprits (starring Virginia Mayo, Karen Black and Laugh-In's Arte Johnson) and even recorded a couple of jazz albums – one, a tribute to her parents.
Both the Times and Variety report her birth name as Yvette Vedder, born in Kansas City, Mo., to jazz-musician parents Charles and Iola Vedder. Entering UCLA at the precocious age of 16, she studied journalism but left school to seek an acting career. Her Playboy appearance, shot by "King of the Nudies" filmmaker Russ Meyer, was in July 1959, the same year she starred in Attack of the Giant Leeches, in which she was, well, attacked by giant leeches.
"I did want to play other kinds of parts and to go on into bigger pictures," Vickers is quoted as saying in author Tom Weaver's 2006 Science Fiction Stars and Horror Heroes, "but these things just eluded me."
Her relationship with Hutton was said to have lasted 15 years, and she and Grant reputedly remained friends after their affair. Married and divorced twice ("at least," says the Times), Vickers leaves no survivors.
What a tragic story. I never met her, but a good friend of mine did. He met her a few years back at (I believe) a Chiller Theatre convention in New Jersey. He said she was a lovely person, and had become a very "grandmotherly" (his word) type, looking nothing like she did in her pin-up days. He had fond memories of their meeting. I hadn't heard anything about her recently, and wondered what became of her. Very sad to read about her passing in this way. RIP
I couldn't name his movies, but I would know his face anywhere. I probably mostly remember him from Our Gang. Starting acting so young, it seems he's been around forever. Did he ever have a tv show at any time???
I think Jackie Cooper had a series in the 1950's called People's Choice. I believe it was a sitcom. Can't recall who else was in it.
Originally Posted By: SC
My favorite role of his was as Wallace Beery's young son in "The Champ"...
He again played opposite Beery in the 1934 version of Treasure Island as Jim Hawkins.
He also played Perry White in the Superman movies with Christopher Reeve. And I seem to remember him making many guest starring appearances in series television in the '70s and '80s.
Seve Ballesteros, one of the best pro golfers died yesterday at age 54 from complications from cancer. He had won the British Open three times and the Masters twice!
It's a particularly sad day for me because I really enjoyed watching him play... he was very personable and a master at his game.
Dolores Fuller, who starred opposite legendary cult director Ed Wood in the horrendously bad cross-dressing "classic" Glen Or Glenda? has died at age 88. She later became a songwriter, and wrote several tunes for Elvis Presley movies. She was portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker in the film Ed Wood starring Johnny Depp.
Bill Gallo, the beloved cartoonist from New York's "Daily News" died last night at age 88. His death was due to complications from pneumonia.
Gallo drew mostly sports cartoons and any New Yorker would quickly recognize his characters, the most famous of them being Yuchie and Basement Bertha (for many years associated with the Mets when they were a proverbial last place team). My favorite drawing of his was for the front page when Frank Sinatra died.
R.I.P. Bill, and thanks for the great art over the years.
Gallo was an absolute icon here in New York. The last two old newsmen left are now Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. Ironically, Breslin just returned to the Daily News this past Sunday for a special weekly column. I guess he couldn't stand retirement.
Like them or not (I have a love/hate thing with both Hamill and Breslin), these guys were the epitome of the grizzled, hard drinking reporters of yesteryear.
Bill Gallo was one of the greatest newspaper cartoonists ever. And I think his career might hold some sort of record as one of the longest for a major newspaper.
Anyone alive in this town who remembers the many years when the New York Mets held sole possession of last place in the National League, and were known as the "cellar dwellers," will fondly remember Gallo's cartoon creation, Basement Bertha.
A respected, legendary name in New York City, and it really will be hard to think of the NY Daily News - or New York City, for that matter - without him.
Rod Beard, Eric Lacy and Tom Markowski, Detroit News staff writers Former Michigan star basketball player and Detroit native Robert "Tractor" Traylor was found dead in his apartment in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday. According to his professional team, Vaqueros de Bayamon, Traylor suffered a massive heart attack. He was 34. Traylor was a high school All-American at Detroit Murray-Wright before going on to play U-M from 1995-98. After his college career, in the 1998 NBA draft, he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks and traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for the rights to Dirk Nowitzki. After leaving U-M, Traylor was at the center of the Ed Martin scandal that rocked the University of Michigan and led to severe NCAA sanctions and vacated wins during his college career. Traylor played seven seasons in the NBA, including two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, with whom he played his final season in 2005. He averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds over his career. News of Traylor's death shocked Steve Fishman, Traylor's lawyer, when contacted by The Detroit News. "He was a gentle giant," Fishman said. "And he would do anything to help younger players. If you knew his background and the challenges he faced, you couldn't help but be impressed with what he accomplished." Willie Mitchell and Traylor were teammates at Michigan for one season (1994-95), but their relation ship went further back. Mitchell played at Detroit Pershing, was Mr. Basketball in '94, and played Traylor's team, Murray-Wright, in the Class A state final that season. Murray-Wright won its only state title that season, defeating Pershing, the two-time defending champion, 86-64. Traylor was a junior that year, and Mr. Basketball his senior year. "I've known Robert since he was 14," Mitchell said. "He was a freak of nature. He was a bundle of joy to be around. Anytime he stepped into a room, he filled it with laughter. I just heard of his death. I knew he was playing in the Puerto Rican League and he was playing well. I hadn't talked to him in six months or so."
Cornell Dupree was one of the greatest soul guitarists. He was primarily known as a session guitarist and band member for Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and King Curtis. His one man band approach to guitar was an influence on people like Jimi Hendrix and Curtis Mayfield. He passed away on May 8.
Quote:
The average listener may not have known Mr. Dupree’s name (“Not many people read the back of albums,” he acknowledged in a 1997 interview in The Dallas Observer), but millions knew his playing. His licks are an indispensable part of a number of Ms. Franklin’s biggest hits, Brook Benton’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” and many other records.
By his own estimate, he played on about 2,500 sessions.
Harmon Killebrew, the home run hitting hero of the Minnesota Twins, died today at age 74.
Killebrew was a POWER hitter that was peerless; besides hitting LOTS of them, he'd hit the ball a mile! (I may be mistaken but I think Killebrew hit more home runs in the '60s than anyone else).
Harmon was suffering from cancer and announced it to the public at the end of last year. He made a public announcement a few days ago that he was giving up the treatment, realizing that the end was near.
Harmon never got the credit he deserved by the media because he didn't play for the Yankees.
I'm not so sure it was the Yankees .... I think it was NYC instead. Playing in a "small market" hurt him, but he was also a low-key guy, and that doesn't make for big time attention.
Harmon never got the credit he deserved by the media because he didn't play for the Yankees.
I'm not so sure it was the Yankees .... I think it was NYC instead. Playing in a "small market" hurt him, but he was also a low-key guy, and that doesn't make for big time attention.
Still, his homer to at-bat ratio is phenomenal!!!
he probably would have dealt with the media the same way maris did when he was in ny.
he probably would have dealt with the media the same way maris did when he was in ny.
BAM, I don't know if you ever saw the movie "61*" (by Billy Crystal), but that really touched how Maris was treated by the New York press and fans. Maris got a raw deal.
SC is right about Maris, he did get screwed not only by the media but also by the commissioner of baseball who insisted on the asterisk because in his opinion Maris was "unworthy" to break Ruth's record.
he probably would have dealt with the media the same way maris did when he was in ny.
BAM, I don't know if you ever saw the movie "61*" (by Billy Crystal), but that really touched how Maris was treated by the New York press and fans. Maris got a raw deal.
a great movie, and yea the ny media/fans just dealt him with so much pressure. i just wonder how those who play in ny, chicago, and la can handle it.
Poor Zsa Zsa. She's been in and out of the hospital a lot recently. I thought I heard she had a leg amputated OR they were possibly gonna amputate. Don't know how it turned out because I haven't really followed the story.
A while back, after a celebrity;s death (I'll be darn if I can remember which one), I read a story that she was all panicky because she thought she was gonna be next. She has had her health problems that's for sure and this doesn't look good.
Poor Zsa Zsa. She's been in and out of the hospital a lot recently. I thought I heard she had a leg amputated OR they were possibly gonna amputate. Don't know how it turned out because I haven't really followed the story.
A while back, after a celebrity;s death (I'll be darn if I can remember which one), I read a story that she was all panicky because she thought she was gonna be next. She has had her health problems that's for sure and this doesn't look good.
You might be right Bam. I just thought it was someone who passed before Liz. I just don't remember but I do remember that it was reported that she became very upset and paranoid, fearing she was next.
It was after Elizabeth Taylor's death. Jane Russell had died a couple of weeks earlier, and when Zsa Zsa heard the news about Liz (according to her publicist or husband, I can't remember which), she became hysterical and said, "Celebrities always die in threes - I'm next!" Anyway, they carted her off to the hospital (again) and probably sedated her for a few days before she was released.
But the old gal certainly has not had it easy: Last year her leg was amputated above the knee, and she recently refused to let the doctors amputate the other one. They said she probably would not live out the year without the surgery, but she was adamant about keeping her remaining leg.
I used to think the "real" Zsa Zsa had been replaced long ago by one of those alien pod-people from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but now, given the recent turn of events, I'm not so sure.
In other celebrity news, actor Jeff Conaway is in very bad shape. He's in a coma and unresponsive in a California hospital following an apparent overdose of pain killers. The former star (Taxi, Grease, Babylon 5) has battled substance abuse problems for years. Reports are that the prognosis doesn't look good.
Actor Jeff Conaway, who sprang into the popular conciousness as one of the singing and dancing stars of "Grease" before struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, has died. He was 60.
Gil Scott-Heron, the poet and recording artist whose syncopated spoken style and mordant critiques of politics, racism and mass media in pieces like "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" made him a notable voice of black protest culture in the 1970s and an important early influence on hip-hop, died on Friday at a hospital in Manhattan. He was 62 and had been a longtime resident of Harlem.
His death was announced in a Twitter message on Friday night by his British publisher, Jamie Byng, and confirmed early Saturday by an American representative of his record label, XL. The cause was not immediately known, although The Associated Press reported that he was admitted to St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center after becoming ill upon his return from a trip to Europe.
Mr. Scott-Heron often bristled at the suggestion that his work had prefigured rap. "I don't know if I can take the blame for it," he said in an interview last year with the music Web site The Daily Swarm. He preferred to call himself a "bluesologist," drawing on the traditions of blues, jazz and Harlem renaissance poetics.
Yet, along with the work of the Last Poets, a group of black nationalist performance poets who emerged alongside him in the late 1960s and early '70s, Mr. Scott-Heron established much of the attitude and stylistic vocabulary that would characterize the socially conscious work of early rap groups like Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions and has remained part of the DNA of hip-hop by being sampled by stars like Kanye West.
"You can go into Ginsberg and the Beat poets and Dylan, but Gil Scott-Heron is the manifestation of the modern word," Chuck D, the leader of Public Enemy, told The New Yorker in 2010. "He and the Last Poets set the stage for everyone else."
Mr. Scott-Heron's career began with a literary rather than a musical bent. He was born in Chicago on April 1, 1949, and was reared in Tennessee and New York, and his precocious work as a writer won him a scholarship to the Fieldston School in the Bronx. Following in the footsteps of Langston Hughes, he went to the historically black Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and he wrote his first novel at 19, a murder mystery called "The Vulture." Shortly thereafter, he published a book of verse, "Small Talk at 125th and Lenox," and a second novel, "The ni**er Factory."
Mr. Scott-Heron turned to music to reach a wider audience, working at first with a college friend, Brian Jackson. Their first album, "Small Talk at 125th and Lenox," was released in 1970 on Flying Dutchman, a small label, and included a live recitation of "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" accompanied by conga and bongo drums. A second version of that piece, recorded with a full band including the jazz bassist Ron Carter, was released on Mr. Scott-Heron's second album, "Pieces of a Man," in 1971.
"The Revolution" established Mr. Scott-Heron as a rising star of the black cultural left, and its cool, biting ridicule of a nation anesthetized by mass media has resonated with the socially disaffected of various stripes — campus activists, media theorists, coffeehouse poets — for four decades. Using a barrage of pop-culture references, Mr. Scott-Heron derided society's dominating forces as well as the gullibly dominated:
The revolution will not be brought to you by the Schaefer Award Theater and will not star Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen or Bullwinkle and Julia.
The revolution will not give your mouth sex appeal.
The revolution will not get rid of the nubs.
The revolution will not make you look five pounds thinner, because the revolution will not be televised, brother.
Other pieces, like "New York Is Killing Me," "Home Is Where the Hatred Is," "Angel Dust" and "We Almost Lost Detroit" dealt bluntly with poverty, drug addiction, racism and the lurking catastrophes in industrialized civilization.
During the 1970s, Mr. Scott-Heron was seen as a prodigy with significant potential, although he never achieved wide popularity. He recorded 13 albums between 1970 and 1982, and was one of the first acts that the music executive Clive Davis signed after starting Arista Records in 1974. In 1979, Mr. Scott-Heron performed at the antinuclear MUSE benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden, and in 1985 he appeared on the anti-apartheid album "Sun City," which also featured Bono, Keith Richards, Miles Davis and Steven Van Zandt.
By the mid-1980s, Mr. Scott-Heron had begun to fade, and in later years he struggled publicly with addiction. Since 2001, he had been convicted twice for cocaine possession, and he served a sentence at Rikers Island in New York for parole violation. The writer of the New Yorker profile in 2010 reported witnessing Mr. Scott-Heron smoking crack, and referred to him living in a cavelike apartment in Harlem and being so dismayed by his physical appearance that he avoided mirrors.
Information on survivors was not immediately available.
Despite Mr. Scott-Heron's public problems, he remained an admired cult figure who made occasional concert appearances and was sought after as a collaborator. Last year, XL released "I'm New Here," his first album of new material in 16 years, which was produced by Richard Russell, a producer of electronic dance music who had written a letter to Mr. Scott-Heron and met him at Rikers Island in 2006.
Reviews for the album inevitably referred to Mr. Scott-Heron as the "godfather of rap," but he made it clear he had different tastes.
"It's something that's aimed at the kids," he once said. "I have kids, so I listen to it. But I would not say it's aimed at me. I listen to the jazz station."
I really liked his work, Signor V. 62 is too young to go but we don't really get a choice about that. Other people that were in that sort of proto-rap, spoken word genre that I liked were The Last Poets, The Watts Prophets, Wanda Robinson, and Eugene McDaniels.
James Arness, the actor best known for playing Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke" died at age 88.
The giant Arness (6'6") played in two of my favorite sci-fi movies in the '50s. He was the alien in "The Thing" and he portrayed an FBI agent in "Them" (a thriller about giant ants).
James Arness, the actor best known for playing Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke" died at age 88.
The giant Dillon (6'6") played in two of my favorite sci-fi movies in the '50s. He was the alien in "The Thing" and he portrayed an FBI agent in "Them" (a thriller about giant ants).
R.I.P. Marshal Dillon
Oh no! Not Marshall Dillon! Sorry to hear that. My family watched Gunsmoke every week. I knew he was tall but didn't know 6'6". Gee, I have tv on. I wonder why I haven't heard it.
Btw, didn't he brother Peter Graves pass as well?????
Btw, didn't he brother Peter Graves pass as well?????
Yeah, Graves died last year. If you had your tv on but couldn't see it, you would not be able to tell if it was Graves or Arness who was talking (they sounded virtually identical).
Btw, didn't he brother Peter Graves pass as well?????
Yeah, Graves died last year. If you had your tv on but couldn't see it, you would not be able to tell if it was Graves or Arness who was talking (they sounded virtually identical).
I would have to hear Matt Dillon say "have you ever been in a Turkish prison?" or “You ever seen a grown man naked?” to know if that is true.
If you had your tv on but couldn't see it, you would not be able to tell if it was Graves or Arness who was talking (they sounded virtually identical).
I would have to hear Matt Dillon say "have you ever been in a Turkish prison?" or “You ever seen a grown man naked?” to know if that is true.
RIP James Arness. I liked both brothers, although I always thought Gunsmoke was overrated. And what was the deal with Kitty? Was she Matt's girlfriend? Was she a hooker? Both?
I liked both brothers, although I always thought Gunsmoke was overrated.
Both of them had good tv series. Graves first starred in "Fury" (a show about a boy and his horse ... Graves was the boy's father), and later he was in "Mission Impossible".
Legend has it that John Wayne refused the "Gunsmoke" role (supposedly he was afraid that tv, then in its infancy, wouldn't be around too long) and suggested Arness for the role.
Miss Kitty was just a Saloon girl but I get your drift DT. They probably wouldn't call it sexual tension back then but there were a few episodes in which we thought (and hoped) Marshall Dillon and Miss Kitty would hook-up (by yesterday's standards that would be kiss).
I never was big on westerns either, but as a kid we watched that all the time and I liked it.
I forgot about Fury. I loved Fury. I wasn't a regular watcher of Mission Impossible, although did watch it sometimes.
SC is correct; the voices of Arness and Peter Graves (the family name was Aurness) were quite similar.
Back in 1952, Arness co-starred with John Wayne in one of the most infamous "Red Scare" movies of the day: Big Jim McLain. (Guess who played Big Jim? ) They were rooting out Communist spies in Hawaii - nice work if you can get it! A couple of years later, when Gunsmoke was going to be turned into a TV series (it was originally a radio show starring William Conrad, later TV's Cannon.), the producers wanted Wayne for the role of Marshall Matt Dillon. He declined, but recommended his friend Arness. Ol' Duke even appeared on-camera before the first episode, telling the viewers to watch the show. ("Or else," no doubt.)
wow...i am shocked to tell the truth. now i need to watch ' you don't know jack' and 'them' this weekend.i wonder if ill watch moulin rouge as well (the 1952 version)
now i need to watch ' you don't know jack' and 'them' this weekend.
BAM, be prepared. If you've never seen, "Them", the first 30+ minutes are among the BEST you will EVER see in ANY sci-fi movie. The buildup of suspense is absolutely wonderful. Once you get to actually see "them" it becomes a standard 1950s sci-fi flick.
now i need to watch ' you don't know jack' and 'them' this weekend.
BAM, be prepared. If you've never seen, "Them", the first 30+ minutes are among the BEST you will EVER see in ANY sci-fi movie. The buildup of suspense is absolutely wonderful. Once you get to actually see "them" it becomes a standard 1950s sci-fi flick.
BTW - You had Arness on your list.
thanks for the info SC, and yea i had arness and jack on my list. and, if i am right i should be tied for the lead at 4.
They probably wouldn't call it sexual tension back then but there were a few episodes in which we thought (and hoped) Marshall Dillon and Miss Kitty would hook-up (by yesterday's standards that would be kiss).
Matt got his first kiss from Kitty (on the cheek no less) in season 16! I'd call that sexual frustration, Tis, not tension!
I love the early black and white episodes of "Gunsmoke." Dennis Weaver was fantastic as Chester, and Burt Reynolds was wonderful as Quint, but as soon as Festus came on board the show became a parody of itself. In the latter episodes Arness hardly played a role at all. He usually showed up for the last five minutes or so. But I loved the character of Matt Dillon. He was an all-timer.
Carl Gardner, the spunky tenor who was the lead singer of the original Coasters, whose mixture of rhythm-and-blues, doo-wop and sitcom humor created 1950s hits like “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown” and “Searchin,’ ” died on Sunday in Port. St. Lucie, Fla. He was 83.
The cause was congestive heart failure, his wife, Veta, said. She said he also had Alzheimer’s disease.
The Coasters, one of the early black groups of the rock ’n’ roll era, specialized in witty story songs about characters who often exemplified the problems of teenagers. Formed at the suggestion of the songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who wrote much of the group’s material, they made their debut recording, “Down in Mexico,” in 1956. A bluesy number with a Latin tinge, it featured Mr. Gardner’s clear-voiced, plaintive and faintly licentious narration of an episode involving a seductive dancer in a south-of-the-border honky-tonk.
The song was an echo of a previous Leiber and Stoller hit, another semi-humorous, semi-sexy bar tale, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” which Mr. Gardner had recorded with his previous group, the Robins. The Coasters’ first big hits, “Searchin’ ” and “Young Blood,” released in 1957, had the same yearning sexuality.
As the Coasters went on, however, their work took a turn for the light and youthful. In songs like “Yakety Yak,” a parental warning to a teenager to behave — “Don’t talk back!” — and do chores; “Charlie Brown,” a portrait of a class clown (“Who calls the English teacher Daddy-o?”); “Poison Ivy,” about the kind of girl who will make a young man itchy with desire (“You’re going to need an ocean/Of calamine lotion”), the Coasters spoke to teenagers in winking, clean-cut little melodramas — playlets, as Mr. Leiber called them... Obit
She worked in TV, film, commercials, animated cartoons and theater for over forty years.
Her claim to TV immortality came in 1970, when she played the part of a young newlywed in a commercial for Alka-Seltzer. Sitting in bed, she enthused rapturously over her first home-cooked meal, while her husband suffered the after-effects of her cooking. She talked about "marshmallowed meatballs," then a huge dumpling that "really sticks to your ribs!" Her husband muttered, "That's right about where it's stuck!" as he goes for the Alka-Seltzer. After he returns from the bathroom, she gets an idea for her next meal: "Poached oysters!" she exclaims, prompting her poor spouse to make a quick U-turn back to the bathroom.
A classic TV commercial. The husband was played by a young Terry Kiser, who later went on to play the title corpse in Weekend At Bernie's (and the sequel).
She died of heart failure in NYC at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital on June 25.
Jimmy Roselli, another crooner from Hoboken, NJ, died yesterday at age 85. He followed in Frank Sinatra's footsteps but never achieved the lofty heights that Frank did.
IMO he was one of the best saloon singers I ever heard.
I can't say I am real familiar with Roselli, but when I was visiting Michigan last, I saw one of his cd's in my dad's collection of music. I really don't know though any of his songs.
That doesn't surprise me, TIS. Roselli was a favorite of Italians all over the country in the '60s. He really had very few "hits" of his own but was best known for his versions of the standards.
When I used to help my father out (with his jukeboxes) I was always getting Jimmy Roselli records for the bars.
I remember Jimmy Roselli, but I hadn't heard his name in more years than I can remember.
What I do remember is that way back in 1968, he had a hit with a song called "Buona Sera," a pleasant tune that was the theme from the movie Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell. The enjoyable little comedy starred Gina Lollobrigida. The song got a lot of air play.
Although I couldn't tell you the plot, I do remember when that movie was out SV. Didn't Louie Prima sing the Buona Sera song originally(if it's the song I'm thinking of)?
He was a bit before my time but I heard folks talk about him.
BALTIMORE - As one of football's great tight ends, the Baltimore Colts' John Mackey used to bull his way past the goal line, dragging tacklers on his back. As the first president of the National Football League Players Association, he carried his brethren into the modern era of free agency and big-money contracts.
Mackey, whose off-the-field exploits were as important as his accomplishments on it, died Wednesday of frontal temporal dementia, a disease he had battled for 10 years, at Keswick Multi-Care Center in Baltimore. He was 69.
Bull-necked and indomitable, Mackey forged a reputation with the Colts as an explosive receiver able to turn a short look-in pass into an 80-yard touchdown. The club's No. 2 draft pick in 1963, he redefined the role of the lumbering blocking end.
He revolutionized that position, said Don Shula, the Colts' coach from 1963 to 1969.
"Previous to John, tight ends were big strong guys like (Mike) Ditka and (Ron) Kramer who would block and catch short passes over the middle," Shula said. "Mackey gave us a tight end who weighed 230, ran a 4.6 and could catch the bomb. It was a weapon other teams didn't have."
The 19th player chosen in the 1963 NFL draft, Mackey impressed his Colts teammates even before he signed a contract.
"The first time I saw John was when he walked through the locker room, after practice, to meet Shula," said Ordell Braase, defensive end. "John was wearing a suit, and right behind him were his lawyer, physician and a couple of others in suits, too.
"I thought, 'What's going on here?' Back then, most players negotiated their own deals, but Mackey had a task force with him. I said, 'By God, this guy is not going to get taken.'
"He was focused on what he wanted, and I admired him for that."
Here are three more well-known American actors that died recently:
Sada Thompson - award-winning stage and television actress died from lung disease on May 4 at the age of 83. Among her many memorable roles, she was the matriarch in the 1976 TV series "Family," and played Mary Todd Lincoln in the early '70s miniseries "Sandburg's Lincoln" opposite Hal Holbrook.
Marian Mercer - Tony award-winning stage and TV actress known for her comedic roles on "The Dean Martin Show," "Making A Living," and many other guest-starring roles, died April 27 at the age of 75 from Alzheimer's Disease. She won her Tony award for her role in the 1969 Broadway musical "Promises, Promises."
Don Diamond - character actor known for cartoon voice overs, and who also appeared in the TV series "The Adventures of Kit Carson," and was probably most remembered as the Indian "Crazy Cat" in the 1960's TV series "F Troop." He died from heart failure at the age of 90 on June 19.
For the record, way back in the day - forty years ago - I thought Marian Mercer was gorgeous as well as being quite talented. The older one gets, the quicker time passes.
Actor William Campbell died of natural causes April 28 at age 87. Fans of Star Trek will remember him for two memorable roles in the original series: Trelane in "The Squire of Gothos," and Klingon Captain Koloth in "The Trouble With Tribbles." He reprised the latter role many years later in an episode of Star Trek - Deep Space Nine. He also starred in Francis Ford Coppola's first directorial effort, the 1963 horror film Dementia 13. (Hmmm... wonder what happened to 1-12?)
His first wife, later known as Judith Exner, gained notoriety for being a mistress of John F. Kennedy. (They divorced in 1958, three years before Kennedy became president.)
"She's still alive! They hit her with five shots and she's still alive!"
Poor Zsa Zsa. She's one tough cookie "dahling". I know she has appeared in many movies, but my memory of her mostly is when she did the talk show circuits talking about her many marriages and men in general. And as it turned out she married a prince (self proclaimed I believe). LMAO
I don't imagine anyone will have him on their list, but Rob Grill, lead singer of 60's group, The Grass Roots, has passed away at 67. You might remember a couple of their songs, Midnight Confessions, Temptation Eyes and my favorite (their first), "Let's Live For Today."
I would not have remembered his name but do remember the group well. I saw them, along with a few other 60's groups, at the Civic Auditorium in G.R. back in the day.
G. D. Spradlin, best known to us as Senator Geary ("Godfather Part II") has died of natural causes at age 90. He passed away Sunday at his home in California.
G. D. Spradlin, best known to us as Senator Geary ("Godfather Part II") has died of natural causes at age 90. He passed away Sunday at his home in California.
You know I saw the story headline but honestly I didn't recognize it as a GF related name. RIP Senator Geary.
Senator Pat Geary: Mr. Cici, was there always a buffer involved? Willi Cici: A what? Senator Pat Geary: A buffer. Someone in between you and your possible superiors who passed on to you the actual order to kill someone. Willi Cici: Oh yeah, a buffer. The family had a lot of buffers!
G.D. Spradlin. Once again he was proof "there are no small roles, just small actors." He didn't hav much screen time in either GF II or Apocalypse Now, but he was a pivotak character, especially in II nonetheless. According to Wikipedia he had a law degree before he became an actor.
Has anyone made a list of all the actors from the Godfather films have died?
G.D. Spradlin. Once again he was proof "there are no small roles, just small actors." He didn't hav much screen time in either GF II or Apocalypse Now, but he was a pivotak character, especially in II nonetheless. According to Wikipedia he had a law degree before he became an actor.
Has anyone made a list of all the actors from the Godfather films have died?
TIS, he (Aldredge) was in a movie called, "Taking Chance". It stars Kevin Bacon as a soldier escorting a dead soldier on his last journey (home for burial).
I cannot recommend the movie enough! Aldredge had a nice part in it.
TIS, he (Aldredge) was in a movie called, "Taking Chance". It stars Kevin Bacon as a soldier escorting a dead soldier on his last journey (home for burial).
I cannot recommend the movie enough! Aldredge had a nice part in it.
SC,
I DID see Taking Chance and I too liked the movie. Very lowkey yet very moving. I can't recall the part Aldredge played. I'm sure I didn't recognize him when I saw the movie.
Joe Arroyo, a Colombian songwriter, singer and bandleader whose pan-Caribbean salsa hybrids and historically conscious lyrics made him one of his country’s most respected musicians, died on Tuesday in Baranquilla, his adopted home city in Colombia. He was 55.
The cause was hypertension and fluid in the lungs, his manager, Luis Ojeda, said.
His death drew tributes from Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia; the Colombian pop singer Shakira, who appeared in concert with Mr. Arroyo; and the Colombian rocker Juanes, who often performed the Arroyo hit “La Noche” in concert.
And it was mourned throughout Colombia. Fans thronged his funeral at a cathedral in Baranquilla on Wednesday in an outpouring of grief, and Cartagena, the Caribbean coastal city where Mr. Arroyo was born, declared two days of official mourning, with flags flown at half staff and Mr. Arroyo’s music played in the historic city center. The Latin Recording Academy said it would award Mr. Arroyo a posthumous Prize of Musical Excellence in November.
Mr. Arroyo claimed his own genre in Caribbean music: Joesón. His songs drew their danceable rhythms from traditions within Colombia, including cumbia and porro, and from all around the Caribbean, with elements of Dominican merengue, Jamaican reggae, Martinican zouk, Trinidadian soca, Cuban son montuno and more.
He had a high, fervent tenor voice, and the songs and arrangements he wrote were driven by supercharged horns and percussion. Although there were many love songs and party songs among his dozens of Latin American hits, Mr. Arroyo’s signature song was “Rebelión,” about a 17th-century slave uprising in Cartagena...
By Claire Noland, Los Angeles Times August 4, 2011
Bubba Smith, a former All-Pro football player turned actor and commercial pitchman who delighted TV viewers by wrenching off the tops of "easy-opening cans" of beer, was found dead Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. He was 66.
The cause of death has not been determined, the L.A. County coroner's office said.
A caretaker found Smith at his Baldwin Hills home, police said.
A 6-foot-7, 280-pound defensive end, Smith was the No. 1 NFL draft pick from Michigan State University when he joined the Baltimore Colts in 1967.
He played five seasons for the Colts, which included their upset loss to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III and a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. He spent two seasons with the Oakland Raiders and two more with the Houston Oilers before a knee injury ended his career in 1976.
After football, Smith was recruited to the ranks of former professional athletes who appeared as themselves in commercials for Miller Lite beer. He and fellow NFL veteran Dick Butkus were cast as inept golfers and polo players in the TV spots. Smith was also featured solo in one commercial extolling the virtues of the beer, beaming into the camera, "I also love the easy-opening cans," while ripping off the top of the can.
Despite a lucrative contract and widespread popularity, Smith walked away from the job.
"I went back to Michigan State for the homecoming parade last year," Smith told then-Times columnist Scott Ostler in 1986. "I was the grand marshal and I was riding in the back seat of this car. The people were yelling, but they weren't saying, 'Go, State, go!' One side of the street was yelling, 'Tastes great!' and the other side was yelling 'Less filling!'
"Then we go to the stadium. The older folks are yelling 'Kill, Bubba, kill!' But the students are yelling 'Tastes great! Less filling!' Everyone in the stands is drunk. It was like I was contributing to alcohol, and I don't drink. It made me realize I was doing something I didn't want to do."
So he turned to acting in movies and TV, notably playing Moses Hightower in six "Police Academy" movies. He also appeared in a number of TV series, including "Half-Nelson," "Blue Thunder" and "Good Times."
Charles Aaron Smith was born Feb. 28, 1945, in Orange, Texas, and grew up in Beaumont, where his mother was a teacher and his father was his high school football coach.
At Michigan State, Smith became an All-America defensive end for the Spartans, who went 19-1-1 his last two seasons. He also earned a bachelor's degree in sociology.
His brother Tody, a star at USC and in the NFL, later became Bubba's agent. He died at 50 in 1999.
Information on survivors was not immediately available.
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Sorry to read about this. I hadn't heard anything about him in a while. To me, 66 is still what I would call too young.
My 20-year old cat is named for Bubba Smith. I think I'll have to break the news to him very gently.
R.I.P. Bubba Smith. If this board ever goes to a point system (so that no one can win by picking a bunch of 99 year olds) I think we need an excepion for former NFL players, especially linemen and linebackers. Very few make it past 70.
R.I.P. Bubba Smith. If this board ever goes to a point system (so that no one can win by picking a bunch of 99 year olds) I think we need an excepion for former NFL players, especially linemen and linebackers. Very few make it past 70.
you could say the same thing about wrestling (very few make it past 60).
I heard her speak when I was at U-D Jesuit Academy. I briefly met her much later in life. There are some people that are just full of faith and joy. She was one of them.
Eleanor Josaitis was a modest woman with immodest goals. As the co-founder of Focus: HOPE, the mission was nothing less than ending racism and poverty — idealistic and impossible, perhaps, but goals from which she never wavered. Slight in physical stature and soft-spoken, she might have been easily overlooked or underestimated. But over decades as the co-founder and leader of Focus: HOPE, that never happened: Her aura of goodness and focus on action were so authentic and striking that she was easily recognizable to people as a hero.
That's why, in the aftermath of her death Tuesday morning, she is so often compared to Mother Teresa without a trace of irony. Josaitis touched lives, deliberately and with care, where she was. She touched the hundreds of thousands of people who received food, or job training, or other tangible evidence of hope in the world through Focus: HOPE. She had a way of conveying a combination of warmth and responsibility — your responsibility to help make the world a better place, too. Like so many, I knew Josaitis through her organization, and her purposeful efforts to keep people conscious of its work. If the Rev. William Cunningham was the orator whose charismatic presence created a following, she was every bit his equal in terms of passion, commitment and her quieter but steely brand of leadership...
Nick Ashford, of "Ashford and Simpson" also just passed away. (What's going on with songwriters now?) Nick Ashford
NEW YORK -- Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said.
Ashford, who along with wife Valerie Simpson wrote some of Motown's biggest hits, died in a New York City hospital, said publicist Liz Rosenberg, who was Ashford's longtime friend. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment, she told The Associated Press.
Though they had some of their greatest success at Motown with classics like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" by Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Ashford & Simpson also created anthems for others, like "I'm Every Woman" by Khan (and later remade by Whitney Houston). Ashford & Simpson also had success writing for themselves: Perhaps the best-known song they sang was the 1980s hit "Solid As A Rock."...
Below is a list of some great song Jerry Leiber co wrote.. One of the great songwriters of the 20th Century.. RIP
"There Goes My Baby" (with Ben E. King (as Benjamin Nelson), Lover Patterson, and George Treadwell) "Hound Dog" "Kansas City" "Smokey Joe's Cafe" "Yakety Yak" "Poison Ivy" "Charlie Brown" "Ruby Baby" "Stand By Me" (with Ben E. King) "Jailhouse Rock" "Love Potion No. 9" "Searchin'" "Young Blood" (with Doc Pomus) "Is That All There Is?" "I'm a Woman" "Lucky Lips" "On Broadway" (with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil) "Spanish Harlem" (Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector)
David "Honeyboy" Edwards, the last of the original Delta bluesmen, was found dead today in his apartment.
From the Associated Press:
******************************************
Bluesman David "Honey Boy"' Edwards Dead at 96 By CARYN ROUSSEAU, 08.29.11, 08:31 PM EDT
CHICAGO -- Grammy-winning Blues musician David "Honey Boy" Edwards, believed to be the oldest surviving Delta bluesman and whose roots stretched back to blues legend Robert Johnson, died early Monday in his Chicago home, his manager said. He was 96.
Edwards had a weak heart and his health seriously declined in May, when the guitarist had to cancel concerts scheduled through November, said his longtime manager, Michael Frank of Earwig Music Company.
Born in 1915 in Shaw, Miss., Edwards learned the guitar growing up and started playing professionally at age 17 in Memphis.
He came to Chicago in the 1940s and played on Maxwell Street, small clubs and street corners. By the 1950s Edwards had played with almost every bluesman of note - including Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Charlie Patton and Muddy Waters. Among Edwards' hit songs were "Long Tall Woman Blues," "Gamblin' Man" and "Just Like Jesse James."
Edwards played his last shows in April at the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Miss., Frank said.
"Blues ain't never going anywhere," Edwards told The Associated Press in 2008. "It can get slow, but it ain't going nowhere. You play a lowdown dirty shame slow and lonesome, my mama dead, my papa across the sea I ain't dead but I'm just supposed to be blues. You can take that same blues, make it uptempo, a shuffle blues, that's what rock 'n' roll did with it. So blues ain't going nowhere. Ain't goin' nowhere."
Edwards won a 2008 Grammy for traditional blues album and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2010. His death represents the loss of the last direct link to the first generation of Mississippi blues musicians, Frank said.
"That piece of the history from that generation, people have to read about it from now on," Frank said. "They won't be able to experience the way the early guys played it, except from somebody who's learned it off of a record."
Edwards was known for being an oral historian of the music genre and would tell biographical stories between songs at his shows, Frank said. He was recorded for the Library of Congress in Clarksdale, Miss., in 1942.
"He had photographic memory of every fine detail of his entire life," Frank said. "All the way up until he died. He had so much history that so many other musicians didn't have and he was able to tell it."
Edwards gathered those stories in the 1997 book "The World Don't Owe Me Nothing: The Life and Times of Delta Bluesman Honeyboy Edwards." He wrote in the book that his father bought a guitar for $8 from a sharecropper and Edwards learned to play in 1929.
"I watched my daddy play that guitar, and whenever I could I would pick it up and strum on it," Edwards wrote.
Edwards was known for his far-ranging travels and played internationally. In his 90s, he was still playing about 70 shows a year. Edwards would visit with the audience after every show, taking pictures, signing autographs and talking with fans, Frank said.
Edwards earned his nickname "Honey Boy" from his sister, who told his mother to "look at honey boy" when Edwards stumbled as he learned to walk as a toddler. He is survived by his daughter Betty Washington and stepdaughter Dolly McGinister.
"He had his own unique style," Frank said. "But it was a 75-year-old style and it was a synthesis of the people before him and in his time."
I always thought Robertson to be a handsome leading man. I remember him most in PT109 & Charly. Oh, and believe it or not I do remember him in Gidget as the "Big Kahuna". Decent actor. RIP
Don't forget his Spiderman performance. He also did a TV miniseries in the 70s I believe where he played the CIA Director poised against a Richard Nixon type President.
Oh yea Spiderman. I only recently saw that (last couple years) on tv. I'm trying to think of the mini series you speak of. It sounds familiar but I can't think of it.
Teddy Kennedy's daughter, Kara, died at 51 yesterday. And in a strange coincidence, Walter Mondale's daughter, Eleanor, also 51, died this morning. Not a good day to be the 51 year old daughter of a politician, I guess.
Yea, I just heard today too. I can't say I knew much about Kara, except she was Ted's daughter. I guess she had lung cancer? And Mondale's daughter I can't say I remember at all. But yes, it is a strange coincidence. Too bad.
Oh really? I did read a brief headline that it was a heart attack. Geez, survive cancer only to die shortly after of an unexpected heart attack. Wow and both ladies so young.
(Reuters) - The Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, who was once described by Martin Luther King Jr. as "the most courageous civil rights fighter in the South," died in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday at age 89.
Shuttlesworth, who had been in declining health, passed away at the Princeton Baptist Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Dodd told Reuters.
A major leader in the civil rights movement, Shuttlesworth was beaten, bombed and injured by fire hoses for his public stances against segregation in Birmingham in the 1950s and 1960s.
Though he and King worked closely together and both helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Shuttlesworth often bristled against his more contemplative counterpart.
"He was sometimes slow in doing things. Too slow for me," Shuttlesworth said in an interview at age 85. "He'd meditate on things a lot and agonize over them. I think if things need doing, be about them."
Shuttlesworth, who served as pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church and several other churches in Birmingham, began hammering away at that city's hard shell of segregation in the early 1950s.
He formed the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights in May 1956 and urged its members to take a stand against segregated buses. He refused to relent even after his home was bombed on Christmas Day in 1956. He and his family escaped unharmed.
"When he came out covered in rubble, we knew he was anointed to lead the movement," the late Rev. Abraham Woods, a fellow activist, said in a 2007 interview.
Warned by a Klansman police officer to vacate the city, Shuttlesworth said he shot back: "I wasn't saved to run."
The minister later was beaten by a mob with baseball bats, chains and brass knuckles as he tried to enroll his children in an all-white school and hospitalized after being sprayed by fire hoses during a demonstration against segregation.
Shuttlesworth once told Reuters he had expected to die by age 40 for his civil rights efforts. He had vowed "to kill segregation or be killed by it."
For his own safety, he left Alabama in 1961 to lead a church in Cincinnati, Ohio. But he still marshaled forces for change in the South, including helping organize the historic march for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
The march ended in a bloody police attack, sparking civil rights protests.
During a commemoration of "Bloody Sunday" in March 2007, then-presidential candidate Barack Obama pushed Shuttlesworth in his wheelchair across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where the attack occurred.
Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac and iTunes, has died in California. Jobs was 56.
The homepage of Apple's website contained a full-page image of Jobs with the text, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."
Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in 1976 and, with his childhood friend Steve Wozniak, marketed what was considered the world's first personal computer, the Apple II.
I "think" it was Mayor Bloomberg who said yesterday the Jobs "would go down in history as the Edison of today. Kind of true no?
I knew nothing much about him personally, but yesterday they played a portion of a speech he gave at a graduation ceremony and he seemed so "normal" and down to earth. He left a wife and four children.
No question he is ranked with Edison and the other great inventors. The term "genius" was overused, but in Jobs' case there is no question he was a true genius. R.I.P.
So sad about both passings listed here. Jobs went from Apple to Pixar and back to Apple. Amazing man.
The struggles of men like Shuttleworth are too easily forgotten today. It wasn't that long ago that the violence he experienced was an all-too-common experience.
Derrick Bell, Law Professor and Rights Advocate, Dies at 80 By FRED A. BERNSTEIN Derrick Bell, a legal scholar who saw persistent racism in America and sought to expose it through books, articles and provocative career moves he gave up a Harvard Law School professorship to protest the school's hiring practices, died on Wednesday in Manhattan. He was 80 and lived on the Upper West Side.
The cause was carcinoid cancer, his wife, Janet Dewart Bell, said.
Mr. Bell was the first tenured black professor at Harvard Law School and later the first black dean of a law school that was not historically black. But he was perhaps better known for resigning from prestigious jobs than for accepting them.
While he was working at the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department in his 20s, his superiors told him to give up his membership in the N.A.A.C.P., believing it posed a conflict of interest. Instead he quit the department, ignoring the advice of friends to try to change it from within.
Thirty years later, when he left Harvard Law School, he rejected similar advice. At the time, he said, his first wife, Jewel Hairston Bell, had asked him, "Why does it always have to be you?" The question trailed him afterward, he wrote in a 2002 memoir, Ethical Ambition,” as did another posed by unsympathetic colleagues: "Who do you think you are?"
Professor Bell, soft-spoken and erudite, was not confrontational by nature, he wrote. But he attacked both conservative and liberal beliefs.
Yes I am following the news. Though not yet confirmed by the U.S., it sounds like they got him. I heard one report that the rebels pulled him out of a pipe (?) where he was hiding?
Btw, what exactly is the correct spelling of his name? LOL I seem to wing it cause I've seen a few different spellings.
It's absolutely terrific he's dead but i wish they kept him alive so he could suffer in a tiny jail cell for a year or so eating bugs and drinking toilet water before being hung in public ala Saddam.
After a billion dollars and thousands of killings we have managed to rub out a tired, weak, 70 year old dictator. Go us! Anyhow what the hell. Next up: Ahmadinejad and Kim Jong Fuckface. Giddyup.
On a side note: Carlos Santana must finally be glad his evil twin has finally died.
This is ridiculous. It was a NATO operation, not Obama's. If anything, the Lybian rebels and European allies should get credit.
Still, you must credit Obama with being able to put a hurt on somebody he is out to get. That's more than you can say about Bush, who only put a hurt on the American public.
Still, you must credit Obama with being able to put a hurt on somebody he is out to get. That's more than you can say about Bush, who only put a hurt on the American public.
You know it must drive Bush and Cheney CRAZY that Obama got Bin Laden and they didn't.
There are some graphic photos and videos circling the internet of Gadaffi shortly before his death (and badly injured) and also of his dead body. None of the photos or videos have been authenticated, but the dude in the pics and videos looks A LOT like Gadaffi. Here's the link so you can judge for yourself:
[quote=SC] To be fair, they got Saddam Hussein on Bush's watch.
Let me repost what I found on Facebook:
Quote:
Dubya & Saddam: One trillion $ and thousands U.S. Dead.
Obama & Gaddafi: One billion* $ and ZERO U.S. Dead.
For that matter, I have a question: Would Dubya have risked antagonizing the Pakistani government by ordering an assassination strike on Bin Laden on their soil?
*=It actually cost much more than that, but that's besides the point.
Jesus Christ, Ronnie. I was just trying to make a fair point. Someone posted that Bush never got anyone, and that's not true. You're right, the cost was higher, but he did technically "get" someone. And I was a Democrat while you were still in fucking diapers saluting the Confederate flag .
I'm glad you're not a Neocon anymore, but Jesus, try to be objective. When you go in, you really drink the Kool-Aid. No one can make the slightest judgement of this guy without you getting all riled up and insulting other people's opinions. If you don't like me, or have a personal ax to grind with me, pm me or something .
Speaking of the "Neocon's", Looks like they're coming back.
"They’re back! The neoconservatives who gave America clueless, unpaid-for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, plus a near doubling of military expenditures, during the Bush years have risen from their political graves. Someone, maybe a media tiring of President Obama’s interminable plight, pulled the stake from their heart. Now they’ve returned to the op-ed pages, the talk shows, the think-tank discussions, and the advisory ranks of Republican presidential candidates.
Once again, the neoconservatives mount their steeds. They hint that we need another war or at least a little military strike, this time against Iran. They’re pushing to increase military spending; the China threat, you know. They’re also trying to further weaken Obama by charging that he’s losing Iraq to Iran by not keeping U.S. forces there (without mentioning, of course, that Iraq is throwing them out)."
Jesus Christ, Ronnie. I was just trying to make a fair point. Someone posted that Bush never got anyone, and that's not true. You're right, the cost was higher, but he did technically "get" someone. And I was a Democrat while you were still in fucking diapers saluting the Confederate flag .
I'm glad you're not a Neocon anymore, but Jesus, try to be objective. When you go in, you really drink the Kool-Aid. No one can make the slightest judgement of this guy without you getting all riled up and insulting other people's opinions. If you don't like me, or have a personal ax to grind with me, pm me or something .
Sheesh.
Oh have some fun in life.
Originally Posted By: pizzaboy
Well, sure.
All the Neocons are going to come out of the woodwork, now that the Prez announced that we're finally pulling out of Iraq.
Oh now I'm reminded again why I won't vote for the GOP in next year's national election.
Seriously did any of those assholes learn anything from the last 10 years?
(and China threat? Shit we're doing good enough job blood-letting ourselves without their help.)
So has Cynthia Myers, age 61. She was a very well-known Playboy Playmate in her day, and was one of the stars of Russ Meyer's Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
So has Cynthia Myers, age 61. She was a very well-known Playboy Playmate in her day, and was one of the stars of Russ Meyer's Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
Signor V.
Wow, I can't believe she was 61. And still way too yong in this day and age. She was gorgeous in her day. RIP.
Wow, and the guy just retired. To each his own, but I always wanted some "retired" time in my life. I read that he said he wanted to work til he died. He actually did. Work your ass off, then it's over. RIP
Wow, and the guy just retired. To each his own, but I always wanted some "retired" time in my life. I read that he said he wanted to work til he died. He actually did. Work your ass off, then it's ove
It's a ridiculous outlook, Tis. I had a very good friend who was well off enough to retire at 62, or even at 55. But in his mind, he just had to work until he was 65, because he felt he would be ripped off social security-wise.
He dropped dead, on the job, at 63 years old, with a ton of money in the bank. And he was single, too. No kids, just an ex-wife and a girlfriend. The money is still in probate as far as I know, and he's been dead for almost six years now.
Work all your life only to end up not enjoying the money?
RIP Andy Rooney. I always liked him. And also RIP to that Cynthia Myers... I had to look her up to see who she was. She sure had some nice tatas back in the day.
It's almost funny how some phrases stick with you.... as I read your post I "heard" (in my mind) Howard Cossell repeating himself, saying those words. That knockdown by Foreman was one of the hardest I've ever seen ... it almost looked like Frazier bounced.
Not a sports fan, but I have heard of Joe Frazier and sorry to hear of his death at such a young age. I heard on radio today that he actually beat Ali, but got little recognition for it. True?
Also, I know of George Foreman mostly for his grill. Is he the boxer who named all his kids the same name?
Ali's camp did most of the discrediting, Tis. Frazier was embraced by "White America" after Ali refused to go to Vietnam. Ali's camp used every opportunity they could to brand Frazier an "Uncle Tom."
Now Ali is one of my lifelong idols, but this was an ugly thing for him (mostly his handlers) to do. Frazier never got over it.
I'll be honest, I feel badly for Ali and what this disease has done to him. BUT
However, (and keep in mind I am not a sports fan) I remember him during his heyday and I couldn't stand his schtick (?). I always thought at the time he was a big mouth with his weird poetry (float like a butterfly, sting like a bee ) and anointing himself as "The Greatest". I forgot, til you mentioned about him dodging the draft as well.
Anyway, that being said, today I feel badly for him and judging from those in the know the guy was a great boxer or perhaps in his words was actually "The Greatest"
Well, Ali's claim that he had suddenly converted to Islam and was a minister was undeniably an attempt to avoid the draft, plaina nd simple. His boxing skills were among the best ever, but he did have a big mouth.
Joe Frazier beat Ali on points which was totally, totally thought to be impossible and broke the myth of Ali's invincibility. I rooted for Joe in that one.
Also, I know of George Foreman mostly for his grill. Is he the boxer who named all his kids the same name?
Yep, that's him. Obviously, Ali wasn't the only boxer who took one too many blows to the head!
By George, I think you've got it.
Frazier could not match wits with Ali (but very few could) and Muhammad raked Joe over the coals. Ali made Frazier look pretty dumb and he did it unnecessarily. Add to that Joe Frazier helped Ali financially during the period when the boxing authorities wanted nothing to do with Ali. From what I've read about Frazier, he took that to heart and was hurt. For that, Ali's stock went down in my book.
Finally, oli, one of these days we MAY agree on something.... I never thought Ali's switch to being a Muslim was solely to keep him out of the draft.
I'll be honest, I feel badly for Ali and what this disease has done to him. BUT
However, (and keep in mind I am not a sports fan) I remember him during his heyday and I couldn't stand his schtick (?). I always thought at the time he was a big mouth with his weird poetry (float like a butterfly, sting like a bee ) and anointing himself as "The Greatest". I forgot, til you mentioned about him dodging the draft as well.
Anyway, that being said, today I feel badly for him and judging from those in the know the guy was a great boxer or perhaps in his words was actually "The Greatest" Ok, bash me!! TIS
Originally Posted By: olivant
Well, Ali's claim that he had suddenly converted to Islam and was a minister was undeniably an attempt to avoid the draft, plaina nd simple. His boxing skills were among the best ever, but he did have a big mouth.
Joe Frazier beat Ali on points which was totally, totally thought to be impossible and broke the myth of Ali's invincibility. I rooted for Joe in that one.
Far be it from me to bash anyone. But there are a few things to point out. Ali had converted to Islam before 1964. The draft issue (reclassification) didn't come up until 66-67.His conversion to Islam was heartfelt and had nothing to do with the draft.
I can't know for 100% what is in anyone else's head but Ali was a special case. He went on numerous speaking tours explaining exactly why he refused to serve in the Armed Forces. He was not a draft dodger so much as he was a politically and religiously motivated conscientious objector. Keep in mind that much like Joe Louis' army service, Ali's service probably would have been mostly for show; Ali would likely not have been in danger if he had been willing to play ball.
But he was willing to stand up for what he believed in even though he stood an excellent chance of losing everything and being crushed by the Federal government. He did lose a great deal of his wealth but more importantly he lost the best boxing years of his life. I admire him for his stand on principle. Most people would not have done that.
His persona of course was not to everyone's taste but again you have to consider the times. For an athlete, particularly a black athlete to carry himself with swagger and speak his mind on the issues of the day was almost revolutionary.
As far as the stuff with Frazier, some of that was not defensible; some of it Frazier wrongly took to heart. It was both Ali playing the dozens and trying to hype up interest in the fights. Bottom line though, they're in the hurting business. If there was anything that really bothered Frazier he had every opportunity in the ring to show Ali how he felt.
The reason I consider Ali the Greatest is not only because he had the speed/grace of a middleweight/lightweight combined with the power of a heavyweight but also because from 64~75 he dominated the heavyweight division at its best. Giants walked the earth in those days. And Ali pretty much beat them all. And initially he did so dropping his arms, which as any boxer will tell you is the wrong thing to do. His speed as a young man was just incredible.
Frazier was great and deserves much respect. Ali was transcendent.
Madonne! This is most definitely making me feel old:
By Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter
Alan Sues, a flamboyant and wacky member of the comic ensemble that made "Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In" a big hit for NBC in the late 1960s, died Thursday at his home in West Hollywood of an apparent heart attack. He was 85.
Sues was a regular on the comedy-variety show from 1968 until 1971, playing such characters as Uncle Al the Kiddies' Pal, a hung-over children’s entertainer, and Big Al, an effeminate sportscaster. He left "Laugh-In" before its final season.
Ok, I know him now!! Thanks I did watch the show but I wasn't an avid watcher.
Btw, did both Rowen and Martin pass away? I remember Goldie Hawn hit it big on that show. Oh, and remember President Nixon's appearance? LOL The "very interesting" guy (can't remember his name) passed away if I'm not mistaken.
Both Rowan and Martin are gone; Dick Martin only within the last couple of years.
The "very interesting" guy you're thinking of is Arte Johnson, but I believe he's still alive. He also played the horny old pervert on the park bench in those skits with Ruth Buzzi.
Both Rowan and Martin are gone; Dick Martin only within the last couple of years.
The "very interesting" guy you're thinking of is Arte Johnson, but I believe he's still alive. He also played the horny old pervert on the park bench in those skits with Ruth Buzzi.
Signor V.
Oh yea, I loved those skits. Buzzi was so weird and funny, hitting him with her purse. Just the idea that any guy would even make a pass at her character was hilarious.
He was one of the best. He didn't sound like anyone else and no one sounded like him.
Quote:
Hubert Sumlin, the guitarist whose slashing solos and innovative ideas galvanized the blues of Howlin’ Wolf and inspired rock guitar players like Jimmy Page, Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton, died on Sunday in Wayne, N.J. He was 80.
His death was announced on his official Web site, hubertsumlinblues.com. No cause was specified.
Mr. Sumlin began appearing on Howlin’ Wolf’s recordings in 1953, first as a rhythm guitarist and then, beginning in 1955, on lead guitar. Mr. Sumlin’s eerie guitar counterpart to Howlin’ Wolf’s unearthly moaning on the 1956 hit “Smokestack Lightnin’ ” has lately been featured in a television commercial for Viagra. He also played lead on “Back Door Man,” “Spoonful” and “The Red Rooster,” all written and arranged by the Chicago blues trailblazer Willie Dixon.
“Dixon’s often astute novelty lyrics and shrewd arrangements were topped off by Sumlin’s imaginative, angular, taut attack, frequent glisses, maniacally wide vibrato and percussive chords, all drawn with an exaggerated brush,” the producer Dick Shurman observed of Mr. Sumlin’s relentlessly inventive playing in his liner notes to a 1991 boxed set of Howlin’ Wolf’s work for Chess Records....
I remember him from "Dragnet" too, and from "The Glenn Miller Story." I always loved big band music, so that one role of his really stuck in my mind.
Am I the only one who laughed his ass off when Morgan was arrested for spousal abuse at 80 something years old?
I know it's horrible, and spousal abuse is nothing to laugh at, but the thought of an octogenarian couple hate-fucking each other gave me the giggles for weeks after it happened.
I remember him from "Dragnet" too, and from "The Glenn Miller Story." I always loved big band music, so that one role of his really stuck in my mind.
Am I the only one who laughed his ass off when Morgan was arrested for spousal abuse at 80 something years old?
I know it's horrible, and spousal abuse is nothing to laugh at, but the thought of an octogenarian couple hate-fucking each other gave me the giggles for weeks after it happened.
Dobie Gray, a versatile singer and songwriter who had a handful of hits in various pop genres but who was probably best known for his enduring 1973 soul anthem, “Drift Away,” a wistful paean to all songwriters and their songs, died on Tuesday in Nashville. He was believed to be 71. Dobie Gray in 1973.
The cause was complications of cancer surgery, said his friend and fellow songwriter George Reneau.
Mr. Gray, who sang and wrote songs in a range of styles including rhythm-and-blues, country, disco and gospel, had his first Top 20 hit in 1965 with “The ‘In’ Crowd,” an upbeat hymn to hipness that captured the social restlessness of the time. Written by Billy Page and based on an idea suggested by Mr. Gray, the song struck a special chord in the music industry and was performed by many others, including the Ramsey Lewis Trio (whose 1965 instrumental version was an even bigger hit than Mr. Gray’s), Petula Clark, the Mamas and the Papas, Lawrence Welk and the Chipmunks.
Management problems left Mr. Gray without much to show for his early success, he told Billboard in 1974. He said he received no royalties for “The ‘In’ Crowd.”...
Too bad. I don't know all his music but enjoy his singing. I remember "The In Crowd" well, but my favorite is "Drift Away". It's one of those songs I turn up the radio and sing along with. RIP
“The ‘In’ Crowd,”...was performed by many others, including the Ramsey Lewis Trio (whose 1965 instrumental version was an even bigger hit than Mr. Gray’s), Petula Clark, the Mamas and the Papas, Lawrence Welk and the Chipmunks.
Don't think I've ever heard the version by Lawrence Welk and the Chipmunks!
Ok, I'm tweaking my 2012 list. I don't suppose you'd accept 67 names? I'll be submitting it soon. I just hope I don't have people on the list who are already dead. Then again, that would give me an edge.
He was one of the best. He didn't sound like anyone else and no one sounded like him.
Quote:
Hubert Sumlin, the guitarist whose slashing solos and innovative ideas galvanized the blues of Howlin’ Wolf and inspired rock guitar players like Jimmy Page, Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton, died on Sunday in Wayne, N.J. He was 80.
His death was announced on his official Web site, hubertsumlinblues.com. No cause was specified.
Mr. Sumlin began appearing on Howlin’ Wolf’s recordings in 1953, first as a rhythm guitarist and then, beginning in 1955, on lead guitar. Mr. Sumlin’s eerie guitar counterpart to Howlin’ Wolf’s unearthly moaning on the 1956 hit “Smokestack Lightnin’ ” has lately been featured in a television commercial for Viagra. He also played lead on “Back Door Man,” “Spoonful” and “The Red Rooster,” all written and arranged by the Chicago blues trailblazer Willie Dixon.
“Dixon’s often astute novelty lyrics and shrewd arrangements were topped off by Sumlin’s imaginative, angular, taut attack, frequent glisses, maniacally wide vibrato and percussive chords, all drawn with an exaggerated brush,” the producer Dick Shurman observed of Mr. Sumlin’s relentlessly inventive playing in his liner notes to a 1991 boxed set of Howlin’ Wolf’s work for Chess Records....
He was one of the best. He didn't sound like anyone else and no one sounded like him.
Quote:
Hubert Sumlin, the guitarist whose slashing solos and innovative ideas galvanized the blues of Howlin’ Wolf and inspired rock guitar players like Jimmy Page, Robbie Robertson and Eric Clapton, died on Sunday in Wayne, N.J. He was 80.
His death was announced on his official Web site, hubertsumlinblues.com. No cause was specified.
Mr. Sumlin began appearing on Howlin’ Wolf’s recordings in 1953, first as a rhythm guitarist and then, beginning in 1955, on lead guitar. Mr. Sumlin’s eerie guitar counterpart to Howlin’ Wolf’s unearthly moaning on the 1956 hit “Smokestack Lightnin’ ” has lately been featured in a television commercial for Viagra. He also played lead on “Back Door Man,” “Spoonful” and “The Red Rooster,” all written and arranged by the Chicago blues trailblazer Willie Dixon.
“Dixon’s often astute novelty lyrics and shrewd arrangements were topped off by Sumlin’s imaginative, angular, taut attack, frequent glisses, maniacally wide vibrato and percussive chords, all drawn with an exaggerated brush,” the producer Dick Shurman observed of Mr. Sumlin’s relentlessly inventive playing in his liner notes to a 1991 boxed set of Howlin’ Wolf’s work for Chess Records....
Iconic soul singer Etta James, best known for her 1961 hit “At Last,” is now terminally ill, her live-in doctor said Friday.
Dr. Elaine James, who isn't related to the 73-year-old entertainer, told the Riverside Press-Enterprise that the singer's chronic leukemia was declared incurable two weeks ago.
The doctor has been caring for Etta James since March 2010 at the singer's Riverside, Calif. area home, where she's now under 24-hour medical care and has been placed on oxygen.
“She's in the final stages of leukemia. She has also been diagnosed with dementia and Hepatitis C,” the singer’s longtime manager Lupe De Leon said. “Her husband is with her 24 hours a day, and her sons visit regularly. We're all very sad. We're just waiting."
Yes, I really like that song too. I must say that's really the only one I know by her but she does have a nice voice.
Btw, wasn't it Beyonce who sang that song at President Obama's Inauguration and James said she didn't like it? I thought it sounded nice. Anyway sorry to hear she is so ill.
We lost Christopher Hitchens also. He was quite an intellect and only 62. I read part of his last book "God is Not Great". I'll guess he'll find out.
You know I almost never agreed with him but it is too bad. I'v seen sites to post condolences and such. I found the perfect post when someone said "I didn't always agree with him but I hope he had the same last "oh wow" moment as Steve Jobs. RIP
I actually submitted a list for next year and had Kim Jong Il on the list for 2012. They never heard of life support systems in North Korea? They couldn't keep him breathing for 2 lousy weeks?
A great man. He did as much to stem the spread of communism in Europe as anyone.
Some quotes about his life from the Associated Press.
Reactions to the death of Vaclav Havel, who led Czechoslovakia's 1989 anti-communist "Velvet Revolution":
—"A great fighter for the freedom of nations and for democracy has died . . . His outstanding voice of wisdom will be missed in Europe, which is going through a serious crisis. I am praying for the peace of his soul" — Solidarity founder and Poland's former president Lech Walesa.
— "His peaceful resistance shook the foundations of an empire, exposed the emptiness of a repressive ideology, and proved that moral leadership is more powerful than any weapon. ... He also embodied the aspirations of half a continent that had been cut off by the Iron Curtain, and helped unleash tides of history that led to a united and democratic Europe." — President Barack Obama.
— "His dedication to freedom and democracy is as unforgotten as his great humanity . . . We Germans also have much to thank him for." — German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up in East Germany and went into politics as communism crumbled.
— "No one of my generation will ever forget those powerful scenes from Wenceslas Square two decades ago. Havel led the Czech people out of tyranny. And he helped bring freedom and democracy to our entire continent. Europe owes Vaclav Havel a profound debt. Today his voice has fallen silent. But his example and the cause to which he devoted his life will live on" — British Prime Minister David Cameron.
— "The most subversive act of the playwright from Prague was telling the truth about tyranny. And when that truth finally triumphed, the people elected this dignified, charming, humble, determined man to lead their country. Unintimidated by threats, unchanged by political power, Vaclav Havel suffered much in the cause of freedom and became one of its greatest heroes." — President George W. Bush.
—"Amid the turbulence of modern Europe, his voice was the most consistent and compelling — endlessly searching for the best in himself and in each of us." — Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright.
"Havel was a brave and powerful voice against totalitarianism and an inspiration for dissidents everywhere struggling for freedom." — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
— "He was a true European and has been a champion of democracy and liberty throughout his life . .. He was also a source of great inspiration to all those who fight for freedom and democracy around the world. The man has died but the legacy of his poems, plays and above all his ideas and personal example will remain alive for many generations to come." — Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission president.
— "With the death of Vaclav Havel, the Czech republic has lost one of its great patriots, France has lost a friend, and Europe has lost one of its wise men." — French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
— "Vaclav Havel is the figure that represents the Velvet Revolution and the reunification of Europe. He will be sorely missed." — Jerzy Buzek, president of European parliament and a former Polish prime minister and activist in Solidarity.
"Barbara and I join in mourning the death of Vaclav Havel, a gentle soul whose fierce devotion to the rights of man helped his countrymen cast aside the chains of tyranny and claim their rightful place among the free nations of world," said former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. "His personal courage throughout that twilight struggle inspired millions around the world, including those of us who worked with him during a historic period of transformation for Europe."
"Vaclav Havel believed in freedom, and had the courage to speak out about the evils of communism," said Nancy Reagan, widow of ex-U.S. President Ronald Reagan. "He will be remembered as a hero to the people of the Czech Republic and to lovers of freedom around the world."
I actually submitted a list for next year and had Kim Jong Il on the list for 2012. They never heard of life support systems in North Korea? They couldn't keep him breathing for 2 lousy weeks?
I,ve submitted a list for 2012, lets hope they can hold out few more days before passing on..
I actually submitted a list for next year and had Kim Jong Il on the list for 2012. They never heard of life support systems in North Korea? They couldn't keep him breathing for 2 lousy weeks?
The same thing happened a few years back with Gerald Ford (he died in the last week of the year). You can always send a PM to Geoff with a "substitute" person for your list.
I actually submitted a list for next year and had Kim Jong Il on the list for 2012. They never heard of life support systems in North Korea? They couldn't keep him breathing for 2 lousy weeks?
The same thing happened a few years back with Gerald Ford (he died in the last week of the year). You can always send a PM to Geoff with a "substitute" person for your list.
did he die on the 30th or something? but, yea i won't submit mine in till the 30th-31st.
i thought this was a joke at first. RIP cheeta (mike) also too is CJ still alive? (orangutan from Every Which Way But Loose)if so i might have to put him on the list lol.
Tarzan to Cheetah: "Ungowa". Remember that? I think that meant just about everything.
The word "Ungowa" has an interesting history: It's a fabricated word which, according to Hollywood legend, was invented by some MGM studio writers in 1932. (1932 was the year Johnny Weissmuller's first Tarzan film - Tarzan the Ape Man - was shot at MGM.) They used to have their lunch at a bar on Gower Street, so, as an inside joke, "on Gower" became "Ungowa." It sounded just "foreign" enough that they got away with it, and it became an accepted part of the cinema Tarzan's rather limited vocabulary.
The word "Ungowa" has an interesting history: It's a fabricated word which, according to Hollywood legend, was invented by some MGM studio writers in 1932. (1932 was the year Johnny Weissmuller's first Tarzan film - Tarzan the Ape Man - was shot at MGM.) They used to have their lunch at a bar on Gower Street, so, as an inside joke, "on Gower" became "Ungowa." It sounded just "foreign" enough that they got away with it, and it became an accepted part of the cinema Tarzan's rather limited vocabulary.
That's made up..... don't step in Vitelli's ungowa.
i thought this was a joke at first. RIP cheeta (mike) also too is CJ still alive? (orangutan from Every Which Way But Loose)if so i might have to put him on the list lol.
CJ is still alive, Bam. He, along with Bubbles the chimp, Curious George, Magilla Gorilla & Grape Ape will be pallbearers for Cheetah.
Less than 2 days 'til your 2012 lists need to be in (before midnight, Eastern Time, before the ball drops live in Times Square). See Post #1 here for the rules.
I received PMs with lists from: TIS, DT, DM, DN, and I have mine. If I didn't mention your name, let me know. Anyone else, get those lists in!
I remember her mostly for Honey West. You guys remember that?
She must be quite old.
She was hospitalized, and, as far as I know, she's still there as I write this.
