Don Kirshner, known as the Man with the Golden ear, died today due to heart failure. He is a legendary producer, song publisher and rock music mogul. He was the one who created the fictional rock band, The Monkees, which was made into a hit sitcom show for TV. Kirshner also had his own TV series for ABC called, “Don Kirshner Rock Concert”, in the early 70’s. The show aired every other week and had different musical acts perform on the show. Don Kirshner was 76 years old.
Kev
This needs to be a serious obituary. It’s so sad. The child was laid to rest today. Christina is a true American Hero. This is really amazing of what they did for her for the Memorial in Tucson today.
Read all about it and see the video, here.
Lets hope they give Jared Loughner, the death penalty.
Kev
The music world, lost another great one today. Legendary singer/songwriter, Gerry Rafferty, passed away today, after a long battle with liver disease. In 1972, Gerry and his best friend, Joe Egan, formed a band together called, Stealers Wheel. They are known for their hit song, “Stuck In the Middle” which Quentin Tarantino have chosen that song to be included in the film, “Reservoir Dogs”, for the soundtrack. Stealers Wheel only had three albums in their discography and they broke up in 1975. Gerry started a solo career soon after. Gerry Raferty was 63 years old. RIP, and thanks for the good music.
Kev
Pete Postlethwaite, a legendary theatre, TV and film UK actor died of cancer yesterday. He had roles in films such as “In the Name of the Father” with Daniel Day Lewis and “The Tempest” which are his two most well known roles. He was also in, “The Last of the Mohicans”, “Alien 3”, “The Usual Suspects”, “Aeon Flux”, and also had roles in the new films, “Clash of the Titans” remake, “Inception”, and “The Town”. “The Town” an action movie starring and directed by Ben Affleck was Pete’s final American film. Pete’s last film before his death, “Killing Bono”, will be released on April 1st later this year. Pete was just 64 years old.
Kev
Legendary R&B and Soul singer, Teena Marie was found dead by her daughter in her home in Pasadena, California. She died in her sleep while taking a Sunday afternoon nap and it might of been a seizure. Teena Marie is most famous for her hit song, “Lover Girl” which she was Grammy nominated for. She is also well known for her collaborations with funk legend, Rick James. Teen Marie was 54 years old.
Kev
There is another sad loss in the world of music today, folks. Don Van Vliet, aka “Captain Beefhart” died today in California due to multiple sclerosis. Before Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, and other rock groups in the 70’s, it was Captain Beefhart that started it all. Captain Beefhart did it all. He sang, he wrote his own songs, played his own instruments, a poet, a painter, and he was even a film director.
He never played the guitar, but he did play harmonica, saxophone, clarinet, flute, and other instruments. Beefhart grew up listening to blues and jazz music. Which is where he got to meet guitar icon, Frank Zappa. Him and Frank became best friends, and they started to play music together in bands before they were famous. Frank Zappa and Beefhart together made a movie titled, “Captain Beefhart vs. the Grunt People” which is where he got his name from. Later, Beefhart formed his own band, “Captain Beefhart and the Magic Band”, and they got a record deal. In all, the band made 12 albums in their career. They are known for songs such as “Electricity”, “Safe as Milk”, “Bat Chain Puller”, “Ice Cream For Crow” and many more hits.
It is also widely known, that Robert Plant always said in his interviews, it was Captain Beefhart that got Robert into singing and rock n’ roll. Captain Beefhart was a hero and a huge influence to Robert Plant. Can you tell? Led Zeppelin borrowed a lot from Captain Beefhart’s music.
In the early 90’s, Beefhart was forced to retire from music due to being paralyzed on a wheel chair and suffering from multiple sclerosis. He’s been battling multiple sclerosis since then. Captain Beefhart was only, 67 years old. Died young, gone too soon. RIP Captain and thanks for the excellent music.
Kev
Elizabeth Edwards, attorney, best selling author, health care activist, and the wife of famous politician, John Edwards, died yesterday after a long battle with breast cancer. In 2007, she was trying very hard to battle it, and just a couple of days ago, the family announced to the public that she herself had stopped treatment, and revealed to the public that she wanted to pass on. Sadly, she posted an emotional goodbye message on her facebook page. She passed away at her home in Chapel Hill, surrounded by friends and family. She was 61 years old.
Kev
Legendary film director, Irvin Kershner, most famous for his work in, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” also passed away over the weekend. Kershner has been directing films since the ’50’s but didn’t become recognizable when he was hired to direct Star Wars. After “Empire Strikes Back”, he directed the Sean Connery 007 film, “Never Say Never”. He appeared as an actor in, “The Last Temptation of Christ”. He then directed, “Robocop 2” which was his final film of his career. When he retired from film making, he directed an NBC sci fi TV series, “Sea Quest”, which only lasted 3 seasons.
Today is another sad loss for the movie industry. RIP Kersh. “Empire Strikes Back” is my favorite Star Wars movie ever made.
Kev
Some very sad news to report in the world of entertainment. Comic legend, Leslie Nielsen passes away today. He is most famous for starring in films such as “Airplane” and the “Naked Gun” trilogy. Leslie Nielsen first began his acting career working for television, he got his start by starring in a TV show, called, “Television’s Golden Age” and went on to a major starring role in the classic sci-fi film, “Forbidden Planet”. In 1956, he made his acting debut for the big screen in a movie called, “Ransom!”. While he did work on a lot of films over the years, he didn’t become recognizable until the movie, “Airplane”, obviously. He also had a role in Stephen King’s, “Creepshow” directed by, George A. Romero. He became a household name when he did, “The Naked Gun” trilogy in the early 90’s. What else? He also played Dracula for, “Dracula: Dead & Loving It” and he was President Harris in “Scary Movie 3”.
One of my favorite projects he has done, was when he made his own videos spoofing professional golf with videos such as “Bad Golf My Way” and “Bad Golf Made Easier”. Leslie Nielsen was a hero and inspiration to me. I watched all of his movies and looked after him for years. He was such a talented and funny man. He will certainly be missed. May him rest in peace.
Kev
Ronni Chasen, is a legendary Hollywood publicist, known for her work for films like, “Driving Miss Daisy”, and, “On Golden Pond”. On November 16th 2010, she was driving home late at night in Beverly Hills California, after she was attending the “Burlesque” movie premiere. Ronni, was shot and killed, by an unknown act of violence happening in the city. The crime is still being investigated. Ronni Chasen was 64 years old.
Remember, folks. No matter where you go, crime is everywhere. Something like this can happen to anybody, anytime. It really is sad that people’s lives have to end this way. RIP, Ronni. Sad news and shocking. I don’t want to speculate on what happened, it wouldn’t surprise me it’s just a bunch of kids and gang members in the streets.
Kev
K'Brocking 
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