Mary Travers, best known as Mary from Peter, Paul and Mary passed away yesterday at the age of 72. Peter, Paul and Mary were a legendary folk revival group that became popular during the 1960’s, creating such classics as “If I Had a Hammer”, “Puff The Magic Dragon” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane”.
Mary was not only known for her music but also her championing of civil rights. The entire group fought for change throughout the 60’s and were also well known for introducing the world to the work of a young Bob Dylan. They sang “Blowin’ in the Wind” at peace rallies and protests and turned it into the movement’s anthem.
For me, I’ll always remember Mary’s voice from my childhood, when my parents would play me “Puff the Magic Dragon” over and over again. It always calmed me and made me happy. It still does.
R.I.P. Mary.
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DJ AM — also known as Adam Goldstein — has passed away, according to sources within the NYPD.
The famous DJ, who survived a plane crash with rocker Travis Barker back in 2008, was found dead in his New York apartment around 5 PM today. Drug paraphernalia, including prescription drug bottles, were also found in the apartment.
TMZ is reporting that the body has not yet been removed from the apartment. The police were called after friends hadn’t seen Goldstein in several days.
He was 36.
5:49: Authorities are saying a “crack pipe” was found on the scene. Goldstein had spoken publicly about his past addictions to crack cocaine. The prescription pills were found in his kitchen.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for more…
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Edward "Ted" Kennedy
Ted Kennedy, a senator who was truly one of the most popular, most accomplished men in his profession, passed away last night. He was the last of the Kennedy brothers, an elder statesman and a legend in American politics. While not a celebrity per se, his impact on this country is massive. Accordingly, his colleagues and fans are sending their support to the Kennedy family at this time.
Some choice reactions:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: “Maria and I are immensely saddened by the passing of Uncle Teddy. He was known to the world as the Lion of the Senate, a champion of social justice, and a political icon. Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character.”
George H.W. Bush: “Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate – a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body’s history.”
Sarah Palin: “I would like to extend our sympathies to the Kennedy family as we hear word about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. He believed in our country and fought passionately for his convictions.”
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Don Hewitt
Another important political television figure has passed away. Don Hewitt, the man who created the legendary news program and also crafted political news coverage, has died at age 86. Hewitt is also credited as the director of the first television presidential debate, being between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. In fact, it was Hewitt who advises Mr. Nixon to apply make-up. Nixon refused and the end result, as we all know, was a rather ill and nervous looking candidate. Many say it was his appearance in that debate that cost him the election.
Hewitt was an executive at CBS News, where he worked on 60 Minutes until about five years ago. His work ranged from politics to other news events, including assassinations, weddings and the like.
60 Minutes is one of the longest running and most successful news programs in history.
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Columnist and CNN host, Bob Novak has died, he was 78. Chances are you recognize Novak from his work on CNN as host of The Capital Gang and Crossfire. Known as the Last of the Great Shoe Leather Reporters.
Bob Novak will be dearly missed.
Our thought and prayers go out to the friends and family at this difficult time.
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Sad news as we are learning guitar great, Les Paul, has Died at 94. The studio guitarist lent his name to the wildly popular Gibson Guitar of the same name. Paul literally made rock and roll possible, inventing the solid body guitar, also known as an Electric Guitar. Among other inventions credited to Paul were Multitrack recording and tape delay.
As the story goes, in the 1930s Paul was dissatisfied with the sound of acoustic guitars, so he built “The Log” a 4″ x 4″ piece of wood with strings and a pickup attached. Paul fashioned an acoustic guitar body to it to make it look more appealing, while accidentally solving a feedback issue.
In the fifties, Paul struck a deal with Gibson guitars to make the Les Paul model. The Gibson Les Paul would go on to be used by many guitar greats including Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
Play-on in heaven Les you will be missed.
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R.I.P.
Sad news today as we learn that director John Hughes, whose films included The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and many, many more has passed away. He was only 59.
Hughes suffered a heart attack while visiting family in New York and died earlier today, a spokeswoman said. No official statement has been released by his family just yet.
There are so many memorable characters and stories from John Hughes that it’s sad to see him go. When I think of his films, I think of a smiling John Candy or a young Molly Ringwald or, of course, the group from The Breakfast Club. Not only did he direct several classics, he also produced many films that are ingrained into our cultural DNA. I think he set the standard when it came to coming-of-age stories. Even though he was much older than his subjects, he understand the simple troubles and issues that young people faced and portrayed them honestly.
He will be missed.
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Am I the only one still wearing the Golden Wristband distributed at the Michael Jackson Memorial Service? I need to know.
Being one of relatively few humans to attend the Michael Jackson Memorial Service, I exited the Staples Center with mixed feelings; proud I was part of such a beautiful send-off, and however, still in disbelief Michael was really gone, forever. As I looked down at my wrist, my eyes still blurry from all the tears, I instantly and maybe even instinctively decided to NOT remove the golden wristband I had been issued to enter the service, NOT until Michael had been officially laid-to-rest, I thought, I’ll remove it when he is buried. I am still wearing the band.
To be honest, I am not 100 percent sure where Michael is right now, to be more accurate, I’d like to think I know where his spirit is, flying high like Peter Pan, in the most beautiful place, where the sun shines, day and night, however, on a more earthly note, where is his body? Where is that bit of closure? Has Michael been secretly buried? Is Michael still in a holding pattern? Maybe a better question is; why do I care? Or, Is it even any of my business? For better or worse, I have made it my business, the business of this wristband and it’s silent endeavor of seeing this through to the end.
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As the memorial winds down, I thought it would be nice to show photos from outside the event. TMZ took these pictures earlier this morning as crowds waited outside to come into the Staples Center. You can get a decent idea of how many people were there.
More photos here.
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McNair
Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was shot and killed, Nashville police are saying. McNair, 36, was found with an unnamed female accomplice. He had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head.
“I don’t have any answers for you now as to what’s happened, who’s responsible,” Don Aaron, spokesperson for the Nashville Police Department, said. He did say that residents living in a nearby apartment complex are being questioned but only for information. There are currently no suspects.
McNair had played 11 seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He retired in 2007, after playing for the Baltimore Ravens for two years.
“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today,” said a statement from Titans owner K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr. No statement has been released by McNair’s family
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