Celebrated for his mastery of dialogue, he also contributed (though without credit) to the scripts of “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Godfather.”
Category: Deaths (Obituaries)
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Bruce Bastian, a Founder of WordPerfect, Is Dead at 76
A favorite of early personal computer users, his company was eventually overtaken by Microsoft Word. He later came out as gay and became an L.G.B.T.Q. activist.
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Soma Golden Behr, Longtime Senior Editor at The Times, Dies at 84
She was the first woman to serve as the paper’s national editor. She rose to assistant managing editor, generating ideas for prizewinning articles.
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Ann Lurie, Nurse Who Became a Prominent Philanthropist, Is Dead at 79
A former hippie who chafed at wealth, she married a Chicago real estate titan and, after his death, donated hundreds of millions in her adopted city and beyond.
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Paul Sperry, Tenor Who Specialized in American Song, Dies at 90
He carved out a niche by singing songs by living composers from his own country, and was praised by critics at home and abroad.
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Buzz Cason, Songwriter Best Known for ‘Everlasting Love,’ Dies at 84
As a performer, he was a leading figure in the early days of Nashville rock ’n’ roll. He later found success as a writer, producer and publisher.
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Kinky Friedman, Musician and Humorist Who Slew Sacred Cows, Dies at 79
He and his band, the Texas Jewboys, won acclaim for their satirical takes on American culture. He later wrote detective novels and ran for Texas governor.
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Tom Prasada-Rao, Whose Song Elegized George Floyd, Dies at 66
His 2020 lament “$20 Bill” was covered by scores of his fellow artists and, a fellow musician said, might well be destined for the folk music canon.
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‘Shifty Shellshock,’ Crazy Town’s Lead Singer, Dies at 49
He was the frontman for the rap-rock band Crazy Town, which was most known for the hit song “Butterfly.”
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Jeremy Tepper, Alt-Country Impressario, Dies at 60
As a journalist, singer, label owner and radio producer, he fostered a community of musicians on the outskirts of Americana.
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Anthony O’Reilly, Flashy Irish Tycoon Who Led Heinz Company, Dies at 88
He found success on the rugby pitch and in boardrooms, building a media empire and boosting Heinz’s profits. He declared bankruptcy after his ventures buckled in the global financial crisis.