There’s always something in our culture that seems to capture people’s attention, often for negative reasons. Sometimes it’s because of what someone or something does, not just once, but over and over again; this becomes famous. For others, their downfall is due to scandal, violence, or both.
Then there are those who live an isolated life and disappear without explanation. Many think they have lost touch with the world and humanity, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
It has been more than two centuries since anyone could say that about some people. Since early modern times, when most people weren’t mobile enough to travel much beyond their own communities, we know where almost everyone was at any given time.
In fact, thanks to advances in recording technology and infrastructure, we now have access to nearly real-time information across all areas of human activity, not only as individuals but also via large corporatized entities like Google and Facebook.
With that kind of data, it isn’t too difficult to connect the dots and determine where almost every major chunk of our society lives right now. In many cases, you don’t even need to look very hard to find out. All you have to do is use social media.
The same goes for how frequently people interact with each other online.
In an unfortunate turn of events, it has been announced that Grammy winner and music icon Amy Winehouse passed away this morning at her home in London due to alcohol-related complications. She was 27 years old.
The singer found herself in the public eye for almost two decades as one of the most influential artists of our time. Her chart topping songs like “Rehab” and “Back To Black” have set new standards for both pop music and songwriting.
Her passing is a significant loss not just to music but to society at large. Amy left this world too early, but she provided us with many precious memories and lessons.
After spending several months recovering from surgery for bilateral vocal cord neoplasms (laryngeal cancer), she returned to performing last year. Unfortunately, her recent health issues once again forced her into inpatient care.
I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to her family, friends, and fans around the globe. I will also add that her legacy lives on through all those who loved her music and learn something about life each time they listen to one of her songs.
Hopefully others can take inspiration from her talent and live life to enjoy it.
Thank you, Amy! - May your soul rest in peace.
The 55-year-old singer died of cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles this morning. He was pronounced dead around 9:30 AM after performing some exercises with his doctor. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, according to police.
Jackson had been under investigation for possible child molestation since last year. On June 15th, he pleaded not guilty to those charges as well as another accusation of providing a false statement to investigators.
He was acquitted of child pornography charges back in 2008, but several witnesses said that they saw evidence of inappropriate behavior while testifying during his trial. His lawyers later stated that he would plead no contest if the case went to court.
In addition to these legal issues, Jackson suffered from chronic insomnia and other health problems. He cancelled most tour dates just weeks before his sudden passing, leaving many fans devastated.
He is survived by his children Prince, 14; Paris, 13; and Blanket, 10. Many celebrities have paid tribute to him today, including Lady Gaga who wrote an emotional note about his influence.
Born January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, as Robert Lealee Pringle, he grew up listening to gospel music and performing at church events. He later took stage names including Vernon James Felder, then Michael Orville Jordan before settling on Elvis Aaron Presley.
Elvis began singing for fun while attending high school in his hometown of Tupel-o, but it wasn’t until he was twenty years old that he decided to make it his career.
In 1955, he released his first single under his full name, and it quickly climbed into the top ten. Three months later, he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, where he sang “That’s All Right.” Since then, he has recorded over one hundred songs and is considered by many to be the greatest singer of all time.
He died today at age fifty eight from cardiac arrest.
It is impossible to describe just how popular he became or how much he influenced other singers and musicians. His death shocked the world and left people everywhere saddened and mourning his passing.
Twenty years ago today, in April of 1994, music superstar Kurt Cobain took his own life at age 27. He left this world just as he lived his life- boldly, passionately, innovatively.
He was an artist who sang about hard times, making them feel less painful with his guttural vocals and powerful lyrics. As a songwriter, he penned some of the most recognizable tunes in popular culture including “Smile” by Nirvana and Beyoncé's "Single Middie".
As a musician, he consistently put himself out there, creating art for art's sake and never taking short term rewards or comfort points when it came to being successful.
Kurt spent his career asking bigger questions, seeking answers through songs that touched people. Many musicians have paid tribute to him since his death, but none more so than Dave Grohl, his best friend and former drummer for the Foo Fighters. Read his full statement here.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Brotman, and two sons. His brother Sean Williams died of suicide in 2010.
Robin William was born Robert Allen Williams on December 25th, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois. He would go onto become one of Hollywood’s most well-known actors with films like Good Morning Vietnam, The Fisher King, What Dreams May Come, Dead Poets Society, among many others.
He made his acting debut as an 11 year old kid in 1976’s episode “The Kids Are All Right” of ABC’s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.
In 1984 he got his first big break when he landed the leading role of Mandy Mitchellist in NBC’s short lived comedy series Life With Mike. It received good reviews but only lasted six episodes.
It wasn’t until 1989 that he found major success. That year he starred in Kevin Smith’s critically acclaimed film hit for both him and producer Scott Mosier called Jay And Bob Show! (aka Mr. T & Dr. F).
From there it was pretty much movie aftermoviefterrorificperformanceafterthat.
The iconic musician, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur passed away at his home in New York City this morning. He was 60 years old.
Born James Francis Anthony McCartney in Liverpool, England to Paul McCartney and Mary Martin, he grew up with two brothers and a sister. As a child, he enjoyed watching music videos and listening to songs for inspiration.
He began writing his own songs when he was 15 years old and later enrolled in art school where he studied graphic design. It wasn’t until he was 20 that he picked up the guitar for the first time.
McCabe is perhaps best known as one of the main singers and writers of popular songs such as “Imagine,” “Give Peace A Chance,” and “Working Class Hero.”
In 1974, he formed the band Plastic People with guitarist Eric Clapton and lead singer Roger Daltrey of The Who. They are both considered among the pioneers of punk rock. In 1977, they broke up and he went on to form another successful group called Wings.
After recording several albums with the band, he left in 1980 because of creative differences. Since then, he has had an impressive solo career that includes seven number ones and over 30 total top 10 singles.
It is with heavy hearts we announce that The New York Times has announced his death today at age 69. He passed away around 2 p.m. this afternoon in an ambulance in London due to complications of treatment for cancer.
He leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest musical artists in history, having sold more than 250 million records worldwide. His songs have been covered by many musicians over the years, including Drake, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Adele, and Justin Timberlake.
His music was never purely about lyrics; it was always backed up by incredible vocals and impressive instrumental performances. As time went on he became increasingly known not just for his voice but also his fashion sense and creative use of space through visuals.
Bowie will be remembered for his energetic stage presence and charisma as a performer. While his singing voice may be familiar to some, he did offer different styles and modes.
Sadly, after a long battle with health, he chose to stop performing. He released a statement saying he felt “overwhelmed” by his farewell tour and wanted to give himself time to recover before heading into other projects.
While he won’t be here with us physically, his art lives on and continues to inspire new generations. Let’s all take a moment to remember his remarkable life and work while offering our condolences to his family. Rest in peace, sir. You were truly loved.
The world lost one of its greatest stars this morning when actress, writer, producer, and all-around famous person Carrie Fisher passed away at age 60 due to cardiac arrest.
Carrie made her big screen debut in 1976's American Graffiti as Cindy Morgan, an aspiring singer trying to make it in New York City. Since then she has starred in such acclaimed films as E.T., The Princess Bride, Star Wars, The Mummy, and most recently, The BFG.
She is best known for playing the iconic roles of Anakin Skywalker in the original trilogy of Star Wars movies and Leia Organa, daughter of Darth Vader, in both Rogue One and The Force Awakens.
Her legendary talent was never limited to acting alone though. She wrote several books including the bestselling memoir Wishful Thinking and the comedy novel Filthy Rich Charming.
In between projects, Carrie worked actively to promote diversity and inclusion through various philanthropic efforts like #GiveBackStars which encourages people to give back to charities by donating just five minutes per day of their time.
After suffering two major health setbacks in 2016, Carrie announced that she would be taking a break from filming so that she could focus on recovering. Unfortunately, this didn’t work out and she needed more time to heal.
We will miss you dearly, Carrie. Let’s honor your legacy with some tips related to your passing.
