He wrote prolifically about various aspects of the arts and popular culture. But he kept his focus on jazz, celebrating its past while worrying about its future.
Category: Deaths (Obituaries)
-
Nino Tempo, Who Topped the Charts With ‘Deep Purple,’ Dies at 90
He was a busy session saxophonist, but he is probably best known for the Grammy-winning pop hit that he sang in 1963 as half of a duo act with his sister, April Stevens.
-
Robert E. McGinnis, Illustrator Behind Classic ‘James Bond’ Posters, Dies at 99
In the 1960s and ’70s, his leggy femmes fatales beckoned from paperback covers and posters for movies like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Thunderball.”
-
Tim Mohr, DJ and German Translator Who Ghostwrote Paul Stanley’s Memoir, Dies at 55
An American who had lived abroad, he sought out books by up-and-coming German writers, while ghostwriting memoirs for rock stars like Paul Stanley.
-
Marvin Levy, Oscar-Winning Publicist to Spielberg, Dies at 96
For 42 years, Mr. Levy strategized behind the scenes to promote Steven Spielberg’s movies and ensure that the director was seen as Hollywood’s de facto head of state.
-
Nicky Katt, Actor Known For ‘Dazed And Confused,’ Dies at 54
He began his career as a child actor and later played tough guys and henchmen. He was best known for “Boston Public” and “Dazed and Confused.”
-
Joseph Boskin, Scholar of Humor and April Fool’s Prankster, Dies at 95
To oblige an eager reporter, he invented a story about the holiday’s origin. He didn’t realize it would turn out to be his “Andy Warhol moment.”
-
Rick Levine, Who Gave Commercials Cinematic Flair, Dies at 94
An award-winning director, he created ads for brands like Diet Pepsi (starring Michael J. Fox) and Wells Fargo by bringing a Hollywood sensibility to the small screen.
-
Alice Tan Ridley, a Subway Singer Who Dazzled on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ Dies at 72
The mother of the actress Gabourey Sidibe, she spent decades singing full time as a busker in the New York City subways.
-
Michael Hurley, a Singer Both Eccentric and Inspirational, Dies at 83
A folk troubadour with an eclectic style, he built a devoted following for his songs about love, death, drinking and a particularly sad werewolf.
-
Tracy Schwarz, Mainstay of the New Lost City Ramblers, Dies at 86
He was the last surviving member of a retro-minded string trio whose celebration of prewar songs of the rural South put them at the heart of the folk revival.
-
John Nelson, Conductor Who Got France to Cherish Berlioz, Dies at 83
He revived interest in a “problem child” in the pantheon of high romantic composers, bringing Berlioz overdue recognition as one of France’s greatest composers.