The Rest In Peace & Remembrance Thread #2
- Thread starter sandersidle
- Start date
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Creator of Mattel's Hot Wheels dies
By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY
July 24, 2011 - 9:10 PM
Sure, there was Barbie. But what may turn out to be the true lasting legacy of Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler was the creation of Hot Wheels.
Handler died Thursday of heart failure at 95, a veteran of the toy industry since the end of World War II. The Los Angeles resident didn't think Barbie would be a success when wife Ruth came up the idea in 1959. It became of one of the two products that would define Mattel.
The other was Hot Wheels. Handler was looking for a toy that would hold as much appeal for boys as Barbie did for girls. Die-cast toy cars had been around forever, but Handler figured out how to give them a new spin -- literally. The secret was the wheels, which were the result of a special manufacturing process that made them spin fast,The New York Times reported.
Besides knocking off miniature versions of existing cars, Hot Wheels incorporated designs from the stylists it hired away from big automakers. The cars were given names such as the Beatnik Bandit and King Kuda. Their metalflake paint jobs made them irresistible and with 10,000 designs over the years, Hot Wheels attracted kids and collectors alike.
Handler is dead, but Hot Wheels will live on as long as kids remain passionate about cars.
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'Zorba' director Cacoyannis dies at 89
Jul 25, 5:16 AM (ET)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Michael Cacoyannis, the Cyprus born-filmmaker who directed the 1964 film classic "Zorba the Greek," starring Anthony Quinn, has died at an Athens hospital. He was 89.
Officials at a state-run hospital said Cacoyannis died early Monday of complications from a heart attack.
Cacoyannis won multiple awards and worked with such well-known actors as Melina Mercouri, Irene Papas, Tom Courtenay and Candice Bergen.
But we was best known internationally for the Academy Award-winning "Zorba the Greek."
By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY
July 24, 2011 - 9:10 PM
Sure, there was Barbie. But what may turn out to be the true lasting legacy of Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler was the creation of Hot Wheels.
Handler died Thursday of heart failure at 95, a veteran of the toy industry since the end of World War II. The Los Angeles resident didn't think Barbie would be a success when wife Ruth came up the idea in 1959. It became of one of the two products that would define Mattel.
The other was Hot Wheels. Handler was looking for a toy that would hold as much appeal for boys as Barbie did for girls. Die-cast toy cars had been around forever, but Handler figured out how to give them a new spin -- literally. The secret was the wheels, which were the result of a special manufacturing process that made them spin fast,The New York Times reported.
Besides knocking off miniature versions of existing cars, Hot Wheels incorporated designs from the stylists it hired away from big automakers. The cars were given names such as the Beatnik Bandit and King Kuda. Their metalflake paint jobs made them irresistible and with 10,000 designs over the years, Hot Wheels attracted kids and collectors alike.
Handler is dead, but Hot Wheels will live on as long as kids remain passionate about cars.
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'Zorba' director Cacoyannis dies at 89
Jul 25, 5:16 AM (ET)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Michael Cacoyannis, the Cyprus born-filmmaker who directed the 1964 film classic "Zorba the Greek," starring Anthony Quinn, has died at an Athens hospital. He was 89.
Officials at a state-run hospital said Cacoyannis died early Monday of complications from a heart attack.
Cacoyannis won multiple awards and worked with such well-known actors as Melina Mercouri, Irene Papas, Tom Courtenay and Candice Bergen.
But we was best known internationally for the Academy Award-winning "Zorba the Greek."
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Character actor G.D. Spradlin dies in CA at 90
Jul 26, 1:08 AM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Gervase Duan "G.D." Spradlin, a former lawyer and oil producer who found a second act as a prolific character actor, playing authority figures in such films as "Apocalypse Now" and "The Godfather: Part II," has died. He was 90.
Spradlin died of natural causes Sunday at his San Luis Obispo ranch in Central California, his grandson Justin Demko told the Los Angeles Times on Monday.
Born on Aug. 31, 1920, in Pauls Valley, Okla., Spradlin turned to acting in his 40s after serving in the Army Air Forces in China during World War II, working as an attorney for Phillips Petroleum Co. and striking it rich as an independent oil producer. He also dabbled in politics as director of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign in Oklahoma and had an unsuccessful run for mayor of Oklahoma City in 1965.
Spradlin got his start in acting after taking his daughter Wendy to audition for a local production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and wound up landing a part in the play himself.
"Being rich changes surprisingly little," Spradlin told the Times in 1967. "You'll still have to have an absorbing interest in life, something to do to make you feel alive."
When he moved his family to Los Angeles, he found steady work playing politicians, preachers, doctors, judges and military officers.
In a career spanning more than three decades, his most notable parts include the corrupt senator in "The Godfather: Part II," and the Army general who sent Martin Sheen up river to find and kill Marlon Brando's Col. Kurtz in "Apocalypse Now."
His other film credits include "The War of the Roses" and "Ed Wood." He retired after playing Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in the 1999 comedy "Dick."
Spradlin's first wife, Nell, with whom he had daughters Tamara Kelly and Wendy Spradlin, died in 2000. He's survived by his second wife, Frances Hendrickson, his two daughters and five grandchildren.
Jul 26, 1:08 AM (ET)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Gervase Duan "G.D." Spradlin, a former lawyer and oil producer who found a second act as a prolific character actor, playing authority figures in such films as "Apocalypse Now" and "The Godfather: Part II," has died. He was 90.
Spradlin died of natural causes Sunday at his San Luis Obispo ranch in Central California, his grandson Justin Demko told the Los Angeles Times on Monday.
Born on Aug. 31, 1920, in Pauls Valley, Okla., Spradlin turned to acting in his 40s after serving in the Army Air Forces in China during World War II, working as an attorney for Phillips Petroleum Co. and striking it rich as an independent oil producer. He also dabbled in politics as director of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign in Oklahoma and had an unsuccessful run for mayor of Oklahoma City in 1965.
Spradlin got his start in acting after taking his daughter Wendy to audition for a local production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and wound up landing a part in the play himself.
"Being rich changes surprisingly little," Spradlin told the Times in 1967. "You'll still have to have an absorbing interest in life, something to do to make you feel alive."
When he moved his family to Los Angeles, he found steady work playing politicians, preachers, doctors, judges and military officers.
In a career spanning more than three decades, his most notable parts include the corrupt senator in "The Godfather: Part II," and the Army general who sent Martin Sheen up river to find and kill Marlon Brando's Col. Kurtz in "Apocalypse Now."
His other film credits include "The War of the Roses" and "Ed Wood." He retired after playing Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in the 1999 comedy "Dick."
Spradlin's first wife, Nell, with whom he had daughters Tamara Kelly and Wendy Spradlin, died in 2000. He's survived by his second wife, Frances Hendrickson, his two daughters and five grandchildren.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Dan Peek dies at 60; founding member of the band America
Dan Peek, a founding member of soft-rock trio America, which shot to the top of the pop charts in the 1970s with bouncy, lightweight hits including "A Horse With No Name," "Ventura Highway" and "Sister Golden Hair," died Sunday at his home in Farmington, Mo., outside St. Louis. He was 60.
Peek rode to mainstream success with half a dozen top 10 singles with fellow band members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell.
Their 1971 debut album, "America," shot out of the gate with the single "A Horse With No Name," which many listeners initially mistook as a new Neil Young song. Young was on the chart at the time with his yearning hit "Heart of Gold," which "Horse With No Name" bumped out of the No. 1 slot as its popularity crested.
Peek's writing and lead vocal were featured on the band's hit "Lonely People," which peaked at No. 5 in 1975.
The threesome returned to the No. 1 slot for the final time in 1975 with "Sister Golden Hair," and by 1977 Peek felt compelled to escape the pressures of producing more hits and to give up the self-destructive path he was on at the time.
Peek left the group in 1977, devoting himself to writing and recording contemporary Christian music.
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Saxophonist Frank Foster dies; played with Basie
Jul 27, 6:40 AM (ET)
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) - Frank Foster, a jazz saxophonist who played with the Count Basie Orchestra and composed the band's hit, "Shiny Stockings," died Tuesday. He was 82.
Foster died Tuesday morning at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia, of complications from kidney failure, according to Cecilia Foster, his wife of 45 years.
Foster was recognized in 2002 by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, the nation's highest jazz honor . In a statement expressing sadness at Foster's death, NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman called him "an extraordinary saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator."
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Gil Bernal dies at 80; veteran tenor saxophonist played on Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rouser"
Gil Bernal, a tenor saxophonist who during his long career played a variety of styles with artists such as Spike Jones, Lionel Hampton and Ry Cooder, has died. He was 80.
Adept at playing pop, jazz or blues, Bernal sang and played with Hampton's big band and had memorable sax parts on such 1950s songs as Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rouser" and the Robins' "Smokey Joe's Cafe."
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Christopher Mayer, actor known for "Dukes of Hazzard," soap opera roles, dead at 57
Actor Christopher Mayer, remembered for his role as Vance Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," has passed away suddenly at age 57. Mayer, born George Charles Mayer February 21, 1954, was known as "Chip." He stared as Vance Duke -- the replacement character for Luke -- on the series during the 1982-1983 season.
Fans may also remember Mayer as T.J. Daniels on the daytime soap "Santa Barbara," or as Kenneth Falk from Jim Carrey's "Liar Liar." His most recent acting work was on "18 Wheels of Justice" in 2000.
Dan Peek, a founding member of soft-rock trio America, which shot to the top of the pop charts in the 1970s with bouncy, lightweight hits including "A Horse With No Name," "Ventura Highway" and "Sister Golden Hair," died Sunday at his home in Farmington, Mo., outside St. Louis. He was 60.
Peek rode to mainstream success with half a dozen top 10 singles with fellow band members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell.
Their 1971 debut album, "America," shot out of the gate with the single "A Horse With No Name," which many listeners initially mistook as a new Neil Young song. Young was on the chart at the time with his yearning hit "Heart of Gold," which "Horse With No Name" bumped out of the No. 1 slot as its popularity crested.
Peek's writing and lead vocal were featured on the band's hit "Lonely People," which peaked at No. 5 in 1975.
The threesome returned to the No. 1 slot for the final time in 1975 with "Sister Golden Hair," and by 1977 Peek felt compelled to escape the pressures of producing more hits and to give up the self-destructive path he was on at the time.
Peek left the group in 1977, devoting himself to writing and recording contemporary Christian music.
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Saxophonist Frank Foster dies; played with Basie
Jul 27, 6:40 AM (ET)
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) - Frank Foster, a jazz saxophonist who played with the Count Basie Orchestra and composed the band's hit, "Shiny Stockings," died Tuesday. He was 82.
Foster died Tuesday morning at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia, of complications from kidney failure, according to Cecilia Foster, his wife of 45 years.
Foster was recognized in 2002 by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, the nation's highest jazz honor . In a statement expressing sadness at Foster's death, NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman called him "an extraordinary saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and educator."
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Gil Bernal dies at 80; veteran tenor saxophonist played on Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rouser"
Gil Bernal, a tenor saxophonist who during his long career played a variety of styles with artists such as Spike Jones, Lionel Hampton and Ry Cooder, has died. He was 80.
Adept at playing pop, jazz or blues, Bernal sang and played with Hampton's big band and had memorable sax parts on such 1950s songs as Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rouser" and the Robins' "Smokey Joe's Cafe."
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Christopher Mayer, actor known for "Dukes of Hazzard," soap opera roles, dead at 57
Actor Christopher Mayer, remembered for his role as Vance Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," has passed away suddenly at age 57. Mayer, born George Charles Mayer February 21, 1954, was known as "Chip." He stared as Vance Duke -- the replacement character for Luke -- on the series during the 1982-1983 season.
Fans may also remember Mayer as T.J. Daniels on the daytime soap "Santa Barbara," or as Kenneth Falk from Jim Carrey's "Liar Liar." His most recent acting work was on "18 Wheels of Justice" in 2000.
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Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Singer Gene McDaniels Dead at 76
July 31, 2011
Gene McDaniels, a singer who had several hits in the early 1960s, passed away at his home in Maine on July 29, 2011 after a brief illness. He was 76 years old at the time of his passing.
McDaniels’ hits included “A Hundred Pounds of Clay” and “Tower of Strength” in 1961, and “Spanish Lace” in 1962. In 1974, Roberta Flack recorded a version of “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” a song that McDaniels wrote. She took the song to number one on Billboard in 1974.
Later in his career, McDaniels became a producer, and worked with such artists as Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, and Merry Clayton. He also did voice-over work for video games and audio books.
July 31, 2011
Gene McDaniels, a singer who had several hits in the early 1960s, passed away at his home in Maine on July 29, 2011 after a brief illness. He was 76 years old at the time of his passing.
McDaniels’ hits included “A Hundred Pounds of Clay” and “Tower of Strength” in 1961, and “Spanish Lace” in 1962. In 1974, Roberta Flack recorded a version of “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” a song that McDaniels wrote. She took the song to number one on Billboard in 1974.
Later in his career, McDaniels became a producer, and worked with such artists as Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, and Merry Clayton. He also did voice-over work for video games and audio books.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Bubba Is Gone At 66
Former NFL defensive end and longtime television and movie actor Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Wednesday. Coroner's reports have not yet been released, but according to the Los Angeles Times, it is believed that Smith died of natural causes.
Smith attended Michigan State, where he was one of the most dominant collegiate defensive linemen of all time. He won All-America honors in 1965 and 1966, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Selected first overall in the 1967 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, Smith soon became, along with Deacon Jones, one of the first truly modern-style pass-rushers and sack artists. He played long before sacks were first tabulated as an official NFL statistic in 1982, but he was known from the start of his professional career to be nearly impossible to block.
He played for three teams — the Colts, Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers, appeared in two Pro Bowls and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1971. Smith played in two Super Bowls — Super Bowl III, which the Colts lost to the New York Jets in an enormous upset, and Super Bowl V, which the Colts won with a last-second field goal against the Dallas Cowboys. Smith retired after the 1976 season, having played in 111 regular-season games.
After his football career ended, Smith became perhaps even more well-known as an actor. He struck gold in the "Police Academy" series of movies, playing the hyper-strong Moses Hightower and providing a series of riotous slapstick scenes.
Former NFL defensive end and longtime television and movie actor Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Wednesday. Coroner's reports have not yet been released, but according to the Los Angeles Times, it is believed that Smith died of natural causes.
Smith attended Michigan State, where he was one of the most dominant collegiate defensive linemen of all time. He won All-America honors in 1965 and 1966, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Selected first overall in the 1967 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, Smith soon became, along with Deacon Jones, one of the first truly modern-style pass-rushers and sack artists. He played long before sacks were first tabulated as an official NFL statistic in 1982, but he was known from the start of his professional career to be nearly impossible to block.
He played for three teams — the Colts, Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers, appeared in two Pro Bowls and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1971. Smith played in two Super Bowls — Super Bowl III, which the Colts lost to the New York Jets in an enormous upset, and Super Bowl V, which the Colts won with a last-second field goal against the Dallas Cowboys. Smith retired after the 1976 season, having played in 111 regular-season games.
After his football career ended, Smith became perhaps even more well-known as an actor. He struck gold in the "Police Academy" series of movies, playing the hyper-strong Moses Hightower and providing a series of riotous slapstick scenes.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Annette Charles, Cha Cha DiGregorio in 'Grease,' Dies at 63
Published: August 04, 2011 @ 12:48 pm
By Jake Weinraub
Annette Charles, best known for her role as the jealousy-inducing Cha Cha DiGregorio in the 1978 film version of “Grease,” passed away Wednesday night due to complications with cancer, TMZ first reported.
The 63-year-old actress, who died in her Los Angeles home, learned of her condition within the last few months, the report continues.
Charles played girlfriend to the leader of the Scorpions in “Grease,” who pulled Sandy (Olivia-Newton John) away from her love Danny (John Travolta) during a nationally-televised school dance competition.
The actress has also appeared on TV series such as 1968’s “High Chaparral,” as well as “The Flying Nun,” “Gunsmoke,” “Mod Squad,” “Bonanza,” “Barnaby Jones” and “The Bionic Woman.” Her post-”Grease” credits include 1987’s “Magnum, P.I.” and “The Incredible Hulk."
Charles also appeared in a 2002 episode of VH-1’s “Where Are They Now?” to revisit her saucy dancer persona.
Published: August 04, 2011 @ 12:48 pm
By Jake Weinraub
Annette Charles, best known for her role as the jealousy-inducing Cha Cha DiGregorio in the 1978 film version of “Grease,” passed away Wednesday night due to complications with cancer, TMZ first reported.
The 63-year-old actress, who died in her Los Angeles home, learned of her condition within the last few months, the report continues.
Charles played girlfriend to the leader of the Scorpions in “Grease,” who pulled Sandy (Olivia-Newton John) away from her love Danny (John Travolta) during a nationally-televised school dance competition.
The actress has also appeared on TV series such as 1968’s “High Chaparral,” as well as “The Flying Nun,” “Gunsmoke,” “Mod Squad,” “Bonanza,” “Barnaby Jones” and “The Bionic Woman.” Her post-”Grease” credits include 1987’s “Magnum, P.I.” and “The Incredible Hulk."
Charles also appeared in a 2002 episode of VH-1’s “Where Are They Now?” to revisit her saucy dancer persona.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Fred Imus, songwriter & brother of Don Imus, dead at 69
Fred Imus, younger brother of WABC morning host Don Imus and a long-time songwriter and radio host himself, was found dead Saturday, Aug. 6, at his home in Tucson, Ariz. He was 69. He was reportedly found in his trailer after he failed to show up for "Fred's Trailer Park Bash," a weekend show he cohosted with Don Collier and "Missy" on Sirius XM's Outlaw Country channel.
In 1976 he and a fellow Southern Pacific railroad worker named Phil Sweet cowrote "I Don't Want To Have To Marry You," a No. 1 country hit for Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. It was voted song of the year by Music City News.
Fred collaborated with Don on the 1997 book "Two Guys Four Corners," which featured photographs and reminiscences of the Southwest, and with Daily News columnist Mike Lupica on 1998's "The Fred Book," which featured Fred's thoughts on life.
In the 1990s he ran Auto Body Express, which began as a garage where he worked on restoring vintage cars. Don mentioned it on the radio and that random remark soon turned it into a million-dollar clothing and food business.
Fred first ran Auto Body Express out of the same El Paso garage before moving to Santa Fe. He answered phones himself and grumbled that all these T-shirt sales didn't leave him enough time to finish restoring those 1957 Chevies.
The business continued until 2003, and Fred also spent time helping run Don's Imus Ranch in New Mexico before moving to Tucson several years ago.
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Marshall Grant, one of Johnny Cash's Tennessee Two and Statler Bros. manager, dead at 83
Marshall Grant, founding bassist of Johnny Cash's original band the Tennessee Two and the singer's longtime road manager, died Aug. 7 in Jonesboro, Ark., after suffering an aneurysm. He was 83.
North Carolina-born Grant was working with Roy Cash as a mechanic at Memphis' Automobile Sales Co. in July 1954 when he was introduced to Roy's brother John, newly arrived home from Air Force duty in Germany.
Cash, Grant and another mechanic, Luther Perkins, were soon jamming at Grant's home. All three men played guitar; since it was determined that Cash would sing lead and play rhythm and Perkins would play lead, Grant bought a stand-up bass for $25 and quickly learned the instrument's rudiments.
The trio's primitive musical skills resulted in the "boom-chicka-boom" sound heard on such earthy Cash recordings as "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Hey, Porter," cut for Sam Phillips' Sun Records in 1955-58.
Grant and Perkins remained with Cash when the singer moved to Columbia Records in 1958. Two years later, the Tennessee Two became the Tennessee Three with the addition of drummer W.S. "Fluke" Holland.
The group backed Cash on many of his most famous and commercially successful recordings, including the singles "Ring of Fire" and "I Walk the Line" and the live LPs "At Folsom Prison" (No. 13 nationally in 1968) and "At San Quentin" (No. 1 in 1969).
Cash fired Grant in 1980, and the bassist subsequently sued his former boss for wrongful termination and embezzlement. The action was settled out of court.
Grant went on to manage vocal group the Statler Brothers, who had been members of Cash's touring troupe in the '60s. He had played on the act's 1966 breakthrough hit "Flowers on the Wall."
He reunited with Cash at the legendary singer's last major appearance, an April 1999 cable TV tribute; with Holland on drums, Grant supported Cash on "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line." Cash died in September 2003.
Grant was portrayed by Larry Bagby in director James Mangold's 2005 biopic "Walk the Line." The bassist published a memoir, "I Was There When It Happened: My Life With Johnny Cash," in 2006.
Fred Imus, younger brother of WABC morning host Don Imus and a long-time songwriter and radio host himself, was found dead Saturday, Aug. 6, at his home in Tucson, Ariz. He was 69. He was reportedly found in his trailer after he failed to show up for "Fred's Trailer Park Bash," a weekend show he cohosted with Don Collier and "Missy" on Sirius XM's Outlaw Country channel.
In 1976 he and a fellow Southern Pacific railroad worker named Phil Sweet cowrote "I Don't Want To Have To Marry You," a No. 1 country hit for Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. It was voted song of the year by Music City News.
Fred collaborated with Don on the 1997 book "Two Guys Four Corners," which featured photographs and reminiscences of the Southwest, and with Daily News columnist Mike Lupica on 1998's "The Fred Book," which featured Fred's thoughts on life.
In the 1990s he ran Auto Body Express, which began as a garage where he worked on restoring vintage cars. Don mentioned it on the radio and that random remark soon turned it into a million-dollar clothing and food business.
Fred first ran Auto Body Express out of the same El Paso garage before moving to Santa Fe. He answered phones himself and grumbled that all these T-shirt sales didn't leave him enough time to finish restoring those 1957 Chevies.
The business continued until 2003, and Fred also spent time helping run Don's Imus Ranch in New Mexico before moving to Tucson several years ago.
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Marshall Grant, one of Johnny Cash's Tennessee Two and Statler Bros. manager, dead at 83
Marshall Grant, founding bassist of Johnny Cash's original band the Tennessee Two and the singer's longtime road manager, died Aug. 7 in Jonesboro, Ark., after suffering an aneurysm. He was 83.
North Carolina-born Grant was working with Roy Cash as a mechanic at Memphis' Automobile Sales Co. in July 1954 when he was introduced to Roy's brother John, newly arrived home from Air Force duty in Germany.
Cash, Grant and another mechanic, Luther Perkins, were soon jamming at Grant's home. All three men played guitar; since it was determined that Cash would sing lead and play rhythm and Perkins would play lead, Grant bought a stand-up bass for $25 and quickly learned the instrument's rudiments.
The trio's primitive musical skills resulted in the "boom-chicka-boom" sound heard on such earthy Cash recordings as "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Hey, Porter," cut for Sam Phillips' Sun Records in 1955-58.
Grant and Perkins remained with Cash when the singer moved to Columbia Records in 1958. Two years later, the Tennessee Two became the Tennessee Three with the addition of drummer W.S. "Fluke" Holland.
The group backed Cash on many of his most famous and commercially successful recordings, including the singles "Ring of Fire" and "I Walk the Line" and the live LPs "At Folsom Prison" (No. 13 nationally in 1968) and "At San Quentin" (No. 1 in 1969).
Cash fired Grant in 1980, and the bassist subsequently sued his former boss for wrongful termination and embezzlement. The action was settled out of court.
Grant went on to manage vocal group the Statler Brothers, who had been members of Cash's touring troupe in the '60s. He had played on the act's 1966 breakthrough hit "Flowers on the Wall."
He reunited with Cash at the legendary singer's last major appearance, an April 1999 cable TV tribute; with Holland on drums, Grant supported Cash on "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line." Cash died in September 2003.
Grant was portrayed by Larry Bagby in director James Mangold's 2005 biopic "Walk the Line." The bassist published a memoir, "I Was There When It Happened: My Life With Johnny Cash," in 2006.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer dies at 85
THE TENNESSEAN/Peter Cooper
Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer, a hit-making solo artist and session guitar great, died Wednesday at age 85 of natural causes.
A multi-faceted talent, Grammer was a precursor to modern guitar-ace singing stars such as Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Marty Stuart and Brad Paisley. His signature hit, “Gotta Travel On,” crossed over from the country charts and became a Top 5 pop record in 1959, the year he joined the Grand Ole Opry, but he released guitar-centric albums long after he became established as a vocalist.
He also co-founded the Grammer Guitar Company in 1965, designing a distinctive acoustic instrument that remains in favor with some players. Country Music Hall of Famer Gill recently purchased a vintage Grammer.
“Billy was a really big, friendly soul,” Gill said. “He was a guy who could do everything. There’s a kinship between those of us who have been able to garner respect from the musician community and as singers, a sweet brotherhood. He was also a neat guy to get to know.”
Mr. Grammer was among 13 children born to an Illinois family. His father farmed, worked as a miner and played music, and Mr. Grammer grew up playing fiddle, guitar and mandolin. He served in the Army in World War II, and worked as a toolmaker after discharge. When he was laid off from the toolmaker job, he hitchhiked to Arlington, Va., and auditioned successfully for a music-making job at WARL. In 1955, Jimmy Dean began featuring Mr. Grammer on his television show, and three years later he started his own band and signed to Nashville’s Monument Records.
“Gotta Travel On” was his first and biggest hit, but he also scored with Top 40 country singles “I Wanna Go Home” (the first recorded version of the Mel Tillis-penned song that became a smash for Bobby Bare, re-named “Detroit City”), “Bottles” and “The Real Thing” in the 1960s. Instrumental albums Country Guitar and Sunday Guitar were influential to many guitarists, and Mr. Grammer’s regular Opry appearances and his appearances on national programs including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Dick Clark Show cemented his notoriety.
As a session musician, Mr. Grammer recorded with numerous Nashville luminaries, including Little Jimmy Dickens, Charley Pride, George Hamilton IV, Ernest Tubb and Marty Robbins, though his reputation spread far beyond Music City. When Louis Armstrong set about making a country-leaning album in 1970 in New York City, Mr. Grammer served as session leader, singing each song to Armstrong to help the jazz great with tempo and melody and then playing rhythm guitar.
While the Grammer guitar enjoyed substantial popularity in the mid-1960s, Mr. Grammer’s ownership partnership dissolved, and in 1968 he sold production rights to the Ampeg Company. The guitars went out of production in 1972, after several years of spiraling sales.
In 1974, Mr. Grammer gave the invocation at the opening of the Grand Ole Opry House, in front of President Richard Nixon.
THE TENNESSEAN/Peter Cooper
Grand Ole Opry member Billy Grammer, a hit-making solo artist and session guitar great, died Wednesday at age 85 of natural causes.
A multi-faceted talent, Grammer was a precursor to modern guitar-ace singing stars such as Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Marty Stuart and Brad Paisley. His signature hit, “Gotta Travel On,” crossed over from the country charts and became a Top 5 pop record in 1959, the year he joined the Grand Ole Opry, but he released guitar-centric albums long after he became established as a vocalist.
He also co-founded the Grammer Guitar Company in 1965, designing a distinctive acoustic instrument that remains in favor with some players. Country Music Hall of Famer Gill recently purchased a vintage Grammer.
“Billy was a really big, friendly soul,” Gill said. “He was a guy who could do everything. There’s a kinship between those of us who have been able to garner respect from the musician community and as singers, a sweet brotherhood. He was also a neat guy to get to know.”
Mr. Grammer was among 13 children born to an Illinois family. His father farmed, worked as a miner and played music, and Mr. Grammer grew up playing fiddle, guitar and mandolin. He served in the Army in World War II, and worked as a toolmaker after discharge. When he was laid off from the toolmaker job, he hitchhiked to Arlington, Va., and auditioned successfully for a music-making job at WARL. In 1955, Jimmy Dean began featuring Mr. Grammer on his television show, and three years later he started his own band and signed to Nashville’s Monument Records.
“Gotta Travel On” was his first and biggest hit, but he also scored with Top 40 country singles “I Wanna Go Home” (the first recorded version of the Mel Tillis-penned song that became a smash for Bobby Bare, re-named “Detroit City”), “Bottles” and “The Real Thing” in the 1960s. Instrumental albums Country Guitar and Sunday Guitar were influential to many guitarists, and Mr. Grammer’s regular Opry appearances and his appearances on national programs including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Dick Clark Show cemented his notoriety.
As a session musician, Mr. Grammer recorded with numerous Nashville luminaries, including Little Jimmy Dickens, Charley Pride, George Hamilton IV, Ernest Tubb and Marty Robbins, though his reputation spread far beyond Music City. When Louis Armstrong set about making a country-leaning album in 1970 in New York City, Mr. Grammer served as session leader, singing each song to Armstrong to help the jazz great with tempo and melody and then playing rhythm guitar.
While the Grammer guitar enjoyed substantial popularity in the mid-1960s, Mr. Grammer’s ownership partnership dissolved, and in 1968 he sold production rights to the Ampeg Company. The guitars went out of production in 1972, after several years of spiraling sales.
In 1974, Mr. Grammer gave the invocation at the opening of the Grand Ole Opry House, in front of President Richard Nixon.
PerfectAnomaly
Resident Smart Ass
From TMZ:
:cries: I had a bit of a crush on him when I was a teenager. So sad to hear he's passed away. 
Rest in peace, Jani.
Rest in peace, Jani.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Make Me Laugh' comic Vic Dunlop dies at 62
"Make Me Laugh" comic Vic Dunlop has died in California of diabetes complications at 62.
His wife, Linda Dunlop, tells the Los Angeles Times that the comedian died Saturday at Glendale Adventist Medical Center near Los Angeles.
The irreverent comic joked about his weight, Catholic school upbringing and Army life. He gained national attention on television's "Make Me Laugh."
Dunlop was a regular on Richard Pryor's 1977 comedy-variety show and he appeared on the 1980s comedy "Harper Valley P.T.A." He starred in the 1993 comedy "Breakfast of Aliens" and had roles in the movies "Skatetown U.S.A.," ''The Devil and Max Devlin," ''Meatballs Part II," ''Night Patrol" and "Martians Go Home."
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Russell Armstrong, Estranged Spouse Of 'Real Housewives' Star Taylor Armstrong, Found Dead
Russell Armstrong, the estranged spouse of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead on Monday night at the age of 47, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed to Access Hollywood.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department pronounced Russell dead at 8:16 PM on Monday, the spokesperson told Access.
Russell, an investment banker, was found at his home on Mulholland Drive in West Los Angeles, the Coroner's Office rep added.
The department is treating his death as a suicide, but an official determination will be confirmed on Wednesday after further examination.
Russell had been featured alongside Taylor on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and their relationship woes were documented on the show.
Taylor filed for divorce from Russell last month. The couple tied the knot in 2005 and has one daughter, Kennedy, 5.
According to People, Taylor claimed Russell called her names, grabbed her and pushed her.
"I felt like I was dying inside," she told the mag in an article, published in July 2011. "Now, there's some sense of peace.".
A rep for Taylor was not immediately available for comment on Russell's death when contacted by Access Hollywood on Tuesday morning.
"Make Me Laugh" comic Vic Dunlop has died in California of diabetes complications at 62.
His wife, Linda Dunlop, tells the Los Angeles Times that the comedian died Saturday at Glendale Adventist Medical Center near Los Angeles.
The irreverent comic joked about his weight, Catholic school upbringing and Army life. He gained national attention on television's "Make Me Laugh."
Dunlop was a regular on Richard Pryor's 1977 comedy-variety show and he appeared on the 1980s comedy "Harper Valley P.T.A." He starred in the 1993 comedy "Breakfast of Aliens" and had roles in the movies "Skatetown U.S.A.," ''The Devil and Max Devlin," ''Meatballs Part II," ''Night Patrol" and "Martians Go Home."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Russell Armstrong, Estranged Spouse Of 'Real Housewives' Star Taylor Armstrong, Found Dead
Russell Armstrong, the estranged spouse of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead on Monday night at the age of 47, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed to Access Hollywood.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department pronounced Russell dead at 8:16 PM on Monday, the spokesperson told Access.
Russell, an investment banker, was found at his home on Mulholland Drive in West Los Angeles, the Coroner's Office rep added.
The department is treating his death as a suicide, but an official determination will be confirmed on Wednesday after further examination.
Russell had been featured alongside Taylor on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and their relationship woes were documented on the show.
Taylor filed for divorce from Russell last month. The couple tied the knot in 2005 and has one daughter, Kennedy, 5.
According to People, Taylor claimed Russell called her names, grabbed her and pushed her.
"I felt like I was dying inside," she told the mag in an article, published in July 2011. "Now, there's some sense of peace.".
A rep for Taylor was not immediately available for comment on Russell's death when contacted by Access Hollywood on Tuesday morning.
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
`Jailhouse Rock' songwriter Leiber dead at 78
Aug 22, 8:39 PM (ET)
By JACOB ADELMAN
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Jerry Leiber, who with longtime partner Mike Stoller wrote "Hound Dog,""Jailhouse Rock,""Yakety Yak" and other hit songs that came to define early rock 'n' roll, died Monday. He was 78.
He was surrounded by family when he died unexpectedly of cardiopulmonary failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said his longtime publicist, Bobbi Marcus.
With Leiber as lyricist and Stoller as composer, the team channeled their blues and jazz backgrounds into pop songs performed by such artists as Elvis Presley, Dion and the Belmonts, the Coasters, the Drifters and Ben E. King in a way that would help create a joyous new musical style.
From their breakout hit, blues great Big Mama Thornton's 1953 rendition of "Hound Dog," until their songwriting took a more serious turn in 1969 with Peggy Lee's recording of "Is That All There Is?" the pair remained one of the most successful teams in pop music history.
Full story at http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20110823/D9P9FDM00.html
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Motown songwriter Nick Ashford dies at age 70
Aug 23, 6:42 AM (ET)
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
NEW YORK (AP) - 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."
Full story at http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20110823/D9P9O8500.html
Aug 22, 8:39 PM (ET)
By JACOB ADELMAN
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Jerry Leiber, who with longtime partner Mike Stoller wrote "Hound Dog,""Jailhouse Rock,""Yakety Yak" and other hit songs that came to define early rock 'n' roll, died Monday. He was 78.
He was surrounded by family when he died unexpectedly of cardiopulmonary failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said his longtime publicist, Bobbi Marcus.
With Leiber as lyricist and Stoller as composer, the team channeled their blues and jazz backgrounds into pop songs performed by such artists as Elvis Presley, Dion and the Belmonts, the Coasters, the Drifters and Ben E. King in a way that would help create a joyous new musical style.
From their breakout hit, blues great Big Mama Thornton's 1953 rendition of "Hound Dog," until their songwriting took a more serious turn in 1969 with Peggy Lee's recording of "Is That All There Is?" the pair remained one of the most successful teams in pop music history.
Full story at http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20110823/D9P9FDM00.html
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Motown songwriter Nick Ashford dies at age 70
Aug 23, 6:42 AM (ET)
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
NEW YORK (AP) - 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."
Full story at http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20110823/D9P9O8500.html
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Monty Python producer John Howard Davies dies
John Howard Davies, a child actor and comedy producer best known for his lead role in David Lean's 1948 film "Oliver Twist", has died aged 72, his former employer the BBC said on Tuesday. Davies died on Monday following a battle with cancer at his home in Oxfordshire, England, with his family at his side.
Davies found fame as a young actor, appearing in Oliver Twist before taking on another title role in "Tom Brown's Schooldays".
He left acting and held a number of jobs before joining the BBC as a production assistant in 1966.
His production credits included seminal British television comedy series "Fawlty Towers", "Steptoe and Son" and the early episodes of "Monty Python's Flying Circus".
Davies became head of comedy at the broadcaster in 1978, and helped to launch a string of beloved series including "Yes Minister", "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Only Fools and Horses".
Jon Plowman, a comedy producer and former head of comedy at the BBC, called Davies a "gentle, funny and delightful man.
"(He) was a very rare combination -- he was a comedy genius and a very nice man, who was much loved by his staff and will be much missed by all of us who try to make audiences laugh."
John Howard Davies, a child actor and comedy producer best known for his lead role in David Lean's 1948 film "Oliver Twist", has died aged 72, his former employer the BBC said on Tuesday. Davies died on Monday following a battle with cancer at his home in Oxfordshire, England, with his family at his side.
Davies found fame as a young actor, appearing in Oliver Twist before taking on another title role in "Tom Brown's Schooldays".
He left acting and held a number of jobs before joining the BBC as a production assistant in 1966.
His production credits included seminal British television comedy series "Fawlty Towers", "Steptoe and Son" and the early episodes of "Monty Python's Flying Circus".
Davies became head of comedy at the broadcaster in 1978, and helped to launch a string of beloved series including "Yes Minister", "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Only Fools and Horses".
Jon Plowman, a comedy producer and former head of comedy at the BBC, called Davies a "gentle, funny and delightful man.
"(He) was a very rare combination -- he was a comedy genius and a very nice man, who was much loved by his staff and will be much missed by all of us who try to make audiences laugh."
Dynamo1
Head of the Swing Shift
Composer Jack Hayes dies at 92
Orchestrator worked on 'The Color Purple,' 'Star Trek'
Posted: Fri., Aug. 26, 2011, 5:14pm PT
By Jon Burlingame
Jack J. Hayes, an Oscar-nominated composer and orchestrator who worked on more than 200 films during a Hollywood career that spanned 60 years, died of natural causes Wednesday in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was 92.
Hayes' behind-the-scenes skills as a fast, meticulous and highly skilled orchestrator for such top composers as Elmer Bernstein, Henry Mancini, Randy Newman, Quincy Jones, Marvin Hamlisch and Burt Bacharach kept him in demand for decades. His last credits were on Michael Giacchino's "Star Trek" and "Up."
Hayes was Oscar-nominated twice, for adapting the musical "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" in 1964 and for contributing to Jones' score for "The Color Purple" in 1985.
Hayes enjoyed a long partnership with fellow orchestrator Leo Shuken beginning in the 1950s. Together they orchestrated numerous landmark films including "The Magnificent Seven" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" for Bernstein, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Days of Wine and Roses" for Mancini, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "Airport" for Alfred Newman, "In Cold Blood" for Jones, and "Casino Royale" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" for Bacharach.
Hayes and Shuken also composed TV scores, including such Westerns as "Riverboat," "Wagon Train," "The Virginian" and "Gunsmoke." After Shuken's death in 1976, Hayes continued solo, orchestrating scores for Randy Newman including "Ragtime" and "The Natural"; for John Morris including "High Anxiety" and "The Elephant Man"; and for Bob Cobert the TV miniseries "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance."
Hayes' solo TV-composing credits included "Quincy M.E.," "Laverne and Shirley" and "Salvage 1." He also collaborated with Tom Scott on the film score for "Fast Forward" and penned arrangements for singers including Donald O'Connor, Pearl Bailey and Barbra Streisand.
An ailing Bernard Herrmann enlisted Hayes to conduct his final score, "Taxi Driver," in late 1975. Giacchino employed him as orchestrator on nearly all his films starting with "The Incredibles" in 2004.
Hayes was born in San Francisco in 1919. He attended San Francisco State College and, later, the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. Initially a trumpet player, he soon began arranging for radio's "Fibber McGee and Molly" and for bandleaders including Will Osborne. He later toured as bandleader for comedians Abbott & Costello and with cowboy singers Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
He composed several classical works and collaborated with jazz drummer Louis Bellson on numerous jazz and orchestral pieces.
Hayes was honored by the Society of Composers & Lyricists, and the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC), both in 2009, for his long career in films and TV.
Survivors include a daughter and a son; a sister; and three grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 7390 West Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles.
Donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Orchestrator worked on 'The Color Purple,' 'Star Trek'
Posted: Fri., Aug. 26, 2011, 5:14pm PT
By Jon Burlingame
Jack J. Hayes, an Oscar-nominated composer and orchestrator who worked on more than 200 films during a Hollywood career that spanned 60 years, died of natural causes Wednesday in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was 92.
Hayes' behind-the-scenes skills as a fast, meticulous and highly skilled orchestrator for such top composers as Elmer Bernstein, Henry Mancini, Randy Newman, Quincy Jones, Marvin Hamlisch and Burt Bacharach kept him in demand for decades. His last credits were on Michael Giacchino's "Star Trek" and "Up."
Hayes was Oscar-nominated twice, for adapting the musical "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" in 1964 and for contributing to Jones' score for "The Color Purple" in 1985.
Hayes enjoyed a long partnership with fellow orchestrator Leo Shuken beginning in the 1950s. Together they orchestrated numerous landmark films including "The Magnificent Seven" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" for Bernstein, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Days of Wine and Roses" for Mancini, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "Airport" for Alfred Newman, "In Cold Blood" for Jones, and "Casino Royale" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" for Bacharach.
Hayes and Shuken also composed TV scores, including such Westerns as "Riverboat," "Wagon Train," "The Virginian" and "Gunsmoke." After Shuken's death in 1976, Hayes continued solo, orchestrating scores for Randy Newman including "Ragtime" and "The Natural"; for John Morris including "High Anxiety" and "The Elephant Man"; and for Bob Cobert the TV miniseries "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance."
Hayes' solo TV-composing credits included "Quincy M.E.," "Laverne and Shirley" and "Salvage 1." He also collaborated with Tom Scott on the film score for "Fast Forward" and penned arrangements for singers including Donald O'Connor, Pearl Bailey and Barbra Streisand.
An ailing Bernard Herrmann enlisted Hayes to conduct his final score, "Taxi Driver," in late 1975. Giacchino employed him as orchestrator on nearly all his films starting with "The Incredibles" in 2004.
Hayes was born in San Francisco in 1919. He attended San Francisco State College and, later, the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. Initially a trumpet player, he soon began arranging for radio's "Fibber McGee and Molly" and for bandleaders including Will Osborne. He later toured as bandleader for comedians Abbott & Costello and with cowboy singers Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
He composed several classical works and collaborated with jazz drummer Louis Bellson on numerous jazz and orchestral pieces.
Hayes was honored by the Society of Composers & Lyricists, and the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC), both in 2009, for his long career in films and TV.
Survivors include a daughter and a son; a sister; and three grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 7390 West Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles.
Donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.