She played the rapper music as a child, stood by his side during his meteoric career and navigated the legal and artistic questions that arose after his killing.
Category: Deaths (Obituaries)
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Olga James, a Star of ‘Carmen Jones’ and ‘Mr. Wonderful,’ Dies at 95
An operatic soprano, she had high-profile roles on film and stage in the 1950s. But after that, she mostly spent her career away from the limelight.
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Jerry Butler, Singer Known as the Iceman, Dies at 85
Known for his resounding baritone and his courtly manner, he briefly led the Impressions before beginning a successful solo career.
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Marshall Rose, Who Helped Revive Two New York Institutions, Dies at 88
He was instrumental in revitalizing the New York Public Library and transforming Bryant Park from a dangerous dead zone into a glorious sanctuary.
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Souleymane Cissé, Celebrated Malian Filmmaker, Dies at 84
He won multiple awards during his 50-year career, including the jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and spent his life championing African cinema.
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Gerd Stern, Beat Era Poet and Multimedia Artist, Dies at 96
An Aquarian Age savant, he was a founder of the artists’ collective USCO, which helped define the 1960s with psychedelic, sensory-overloading installations and performances.
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Souleymane Cissé, Celebrated Malian Filmmaker, Dies at 84
He won multiple awards during his 50-year career, including the jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and spent his life championing African cinema.
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Dickson Despommier, Who Championed Farming in Skyscrapers, Dies at 84
A microbiologist, he popularized “vertical farming” — raising crops in tall buildings — to remediate climate change and feed more people.
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Ron Travisano, Adman Behind Singing Cats and Joe Isuzu, Dies at 86
The art director for Meow Mix and other memorable commercials, he began his career at the dawn of a creative revolution on Madison Avenue.
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Yrjo Kukkapuro, Who Made the Easiest of Easy Chairs, Dies at 91
A celebrated Finnish modernist, he designed a variety of furnishings but was best known for his seating — which, his company said, “almost every Finn has sat on.”
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Edith Mathis, Radiant Swiss Soprano, Is Dead at 86
Known for her interpretations of Bach, Mozart and Weber, she was praised for her clear, bright voice and her perfect intonation even on the highest notes.