With the recent passing of the King of Pop, and its effect on the charts, I thought I'd start this thread to highlight and honor those other artists who have sadly passed away.
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On Monday, Patrick Swayze lost his battle against pancreatic cancer, aged 57. Patrick's movie roles were infamous with huge blockbusters such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" providing us with some of the most romantic and well-known scenes of all time.
From the 1987 film, "Dirty Dancing", Patrick Swayze participated on the soundtrack, one of the biggest sellers of all time. His single, "She's Like The Wind" reached #6 in the Australian Top 50, placed #80 in the AMR End Of Year charts. The song was one of the better tracks from an actor promoting their movie through song, and has already made a slight dent in the iTunes current top downloads. Originally written (by Patrick) for his 1984 film "Grandview, USA", it was rejected by the producers of the film, eventually seeing the light of day a few years later on "Dirty Dancing".
Following DD, Patrick also provided a couple of tracks for his 1989 film "Road House" ("Raising Heaven (In Hell Tonight)" and "Cliff's Edge").
Patrick Swayze leaves us with his memorable movie roles and a little bit of music. You will be missed.
Yeah i was just talkin about those three big movies he done in the late 80's early 90's with some work buddies (i.e Dirty Dancing, Point Break, Ghosts) and you don't relize until afterwards some people's contribution in the particular field.
Stephen Gately it is suspected, died from choking on his own vomit (ala Bon Scott and Jimi Hendrix), after an all night drinking binge with his partner and a mysterious third person.
October 15, 2009 Al Martino, 'Godfather' Singer, Dies at 82 By A. E. VELEZ
Al Martino, the Italian-American baritone renowned for a string of hits, including the sentimental ballads "Spanish Eyes," "Volare" and "Speak Softly Love," and for his role as the wedding singer in "The Godfather," died Tuesday in Springfield, Pa., The Associated Press reported. He was 82.
Mr. Martino was one of the most recognizable pop singers of the 1950s and '60s. Influenced by Perry Como and Al Jolson, he had a career that spanned nearly five decades. He leaves behind several celebrated songs, including his breakthrough hit for the small BBS label, "Here in My Heart." Released in 1952, it rose to No. 1 in the United States and later became the very first No. 1 single in Britain. It also won him a contract with Capitol Records.
Mr. Martino had an influential and encouraging childhood friend in Mario Lanza, the American opera singer who became a Hollywood movie star in the 1940s and '50s. Lanza was slated to record "Here in My Heart" himself, but dropped his plans after Mr. Martino explained that his own debut recording would be neglected if he did.
In the mid-1960s, with rock music dominating the charts, Mr. Martino and his "olive oil voice" (in the words of a character in "The Godfather") helped reintroduce classic pop romanticism to trans-Atlantic audiences. Between 1963 and 1967 he had nine Top 40 singles, of which the most enduring proved to be "Spanish Eyes." The vocal version of a song composed and first recorded by Bert Kaempfert as "Moon Over Naples," it became something of a standard and was later recorded by both Elvis Presley and Wayne Newton. Mr. Martino returned to the charts in 1975, when he recorded a disco version of the Italian singer Domenico Modugno's signature song, "Volare."
One of the most prominent of the old-guard Italian-American romantic crooners, Mr. Martino found his image permanently embedded in pop culture when he played the singer Johnny Fontane in Francis Ford Coppola's celebrated 1972 movie, "The Godfather" (he would reprise the role in 1990 in "The Godfather: Part III").
The character, loosely based on Frank Sinatra, is a famous crooner and washed-up movie star. There are four instances in the movie in which Don Vito Corleone, Fontane's godfather and the head of a major Mafia crime family, intervenes to help his career, most memorably in the scene in which a horse's head is place in the bed of a movie producer who would not hire Fontane. Mr. Martino told The Times in a 2009 interview that "when Coppola was hired to direct, he fired me."
"I was already cast for the part of the wedding singer by the original producer, Al Ruddy," he said. "But I needed to show Hollywood they couldn't push me around. I fought fire with fire. Sinatra was infuriated by the story line of 'The Godfather,' he wanted to stop production on the film, and I knew that if I took the part Sinatra would bar me from Vegas and Coppola would ostracize me, but I had some people that helped me."
In a singing career that can best be described as a roller coaster, Mr. Martino encountered both highs and lows. In 1972 he stormed off the stage of the Persian Room at New York's Plaza Hotel with some bitter remarks about the city and canceled the rest of his booking there because of a disagreement with the hotel's staff.
Born on Oct. 7, 1927, in Philadelphia, Mr. Martino was just 15 when he joined the Navy in 1943. He completed basic training in New Orleans, where he developed a love for country music. "I took the heart of country singing with me into Italian romantic pop," he said.
After shipping out to Iwo Jima and becoming a signalman on Mount Suribachi, he suffered a shrapnel injury and was given orders to return home. In 1947 he moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business, and earned his break as a winner on the CBS show "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts."
Always the classy dresser, Mr. Martino said in 2009 that he hoped today's youth would be able to have its own romanticism in future recordings. "I can't sell records in stores anymore; everything is online and I don't have access to younger audiences," he said. "But 20 or 30 years from now, how are kids going to feel romance?"
Rex Features Former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren has passed away, aged 64.
According to The Independent, McLaren had been battling cancer for some time, although his condition rapidly deteriorated over recent weeks. He died this morning in New York.
His body is expected to be brought home to be buried in Highgate Cemetery, North London.
Born in North London, McLaren was best known as manager and impresario of legendary punk band The Sex Pistols.
The star also featured on Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in 2008.
Before embarking on his career in music, McLaren famously opened a clothes shop on the King's Road with ex-partner and fashion icon Vivienne Westwood.
The couple's son Joseph Corre is the co-founder of lingerie shop Agent Provocateur.
Malcolm McLaren was also instrumental in promoting BOW WOW WOW's "I Want Candy" and the producer behind the 1991 Top 20 Aussie hit "Operaa House!" (by The World Famous Supreme Team Show).
Dixie Carter has passed away at the age of 70. Some people here may remember her as the leading lady in 80s sitcom Designing Women, while others may know her as Orson's mother in Desperate Housewives. Either way a sad loss for the acting community.
Oh no, that's horrible. So sad. I really like Dance The Way I Feel and was looking forward to hearing more from them. I do hope the album is completed so that it can be released, but hearing it won't be as enjoyable now.
I thought it would happen sooner or later, but even so it's really upsetting and sad news. She was very talented and Back to Black is one of my favorite albums of all time. R.I.P. Amy
I may cause a stir but while it is sad to see her die young she did have it coming to her. I knew it would happen eventually. Lets hope that this sends an important message about drugs.
24/07/2011 12:48 Brandon. Member Stars mourn Winehouse in Twitter tributes
Source: ninemsn.com.au
Stars took to Twitter to voice their sadness at the death of British soul singer Amy Winehouse on Saturday, with many calling her demise a tragic waste of her talent.
Friends, fellow entertainers and well-known public figures expressed their shock on the micro-blogging website after the 27-year-old was found dead at her north London home.
PHOTOS: Amy Winehouse found dead Video: Fans gather to farewell Winehouse
Others simply paid tribute to the troubled vocalist, whose drink and drug problems were often acutely clear.
Mark Ronson, who produced many of Winehouse's hit singles, said in a statement: "She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life."
Fellow producer Salaam Remi, who also worked on Winehouse's albums, wrote on Twitter: "Very, very sad day. Just lost a great friend and a sister. RIP my baby sis Cherry Winehouse. Love ya always."
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood dedicated his radio show, and Saturday's live performance by his previous band The Faces, to the late singer.
"It's a very sad loss of a very good friend I spent many great times with," he said.
US actress Demi Moore tweeted: "Truly sad news about Amy Winehouse. My heart goes out to her family. May her troubled soul find peace."
British singer Lily Allen said: "It's just beyond sad, there's nothing else to say. She was such a lost soul, may she rest in peace."
Chef Jamie Oliver wrote: "Such a terrible shame to lose Amy Winehouse. Such a talent, such a waste, raw talent."
Sarah Brown, the wife of former British prime minister Gordon Brown, said: "Just heard the sad news that Amy Winehouse has died.
"At only 27 what a terrible waste of a great talent. Sincere condolences to her family."
CNN television presenter Piers Morgan called it "desperately sad news".
"Supreme talent, terrible self-destructive addictive personality," the former British tabloid newspaper editor wrote.
US country singer LeAnn Rimes wrote: "RIP Amy Winehouse. So sad to see such a talent gone and her life end in tragedy. This makes me terribly sad."
London R and B vocalist Jay Sean, who topped the US charts with "Down", wrote: "Just heard the shocking news of Amy Winehouse's death. Absolutely tragic. Such a talented artist. So sad."
Singer and actress Kelly Osbourne said: "I can't even breathe right now I'm crying so hard. I just lost one of my best friends. I love you forever Amy and will never forget the real you!"
Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese wrote: "Devastated. I spent extraordinary times with Amy. She sang for me once for hours, it was the most beautiful and touching thing. A huge loss."
Singer Jessie J, a fellow graduate of the BRIT talent school in London, tweeted: "The way tears are streaming down my face. Such a loss."
Rapper Q-Tip added on the site: "The last time I spoke to Amy I told her let her light shine more."
Spice Girls vocalist Emma Bunton said: "Such sad news about Amy Winehouse. My thoughts are with her family."
A tweet from chart-topping British boy band JLS read: "Times like this remind me why it's so important to live life to the fullest! Amy Winehouse you will be a legend in all our hearts!"
While newsworthy, not very shocked by her departure. More shocked that the media has decided to lump her in with people like Kurt Cobain and other more notable young musicians who 'took' their own life. I think it is too early to call her a muscial genius like they've been implying.
It is very sad to lose such a talented musician, but its as lifter said, I am not shocked by her leaving the world.. I was hoping that she had been recovering though, very sad day in music indeed
Like everyone else I'm very sad despite not being a fan of her music, although Winehouse was definitely talented but once again it's another great lesson of what drugs and alcohol can do to you.
01.You Know I'm No Good 02.Back to Black 03.Rehab 04.Valerie (with Mark Ronson) 05.Tears Dry On My Own
My Top 5 Amy Winehouse Videos:
01.You Know I'm No Good (many views on my Ipod in 2008) 02.Back to Black (love the concept and setting) 03.Rehab (interesting storyline, lovely dress and hairstyle) 04.Tears Dry On My Own (love the sexy walking, and dress) 05.You Know I'm No Good / Rehab (Live Grammys 2008)
I purchased a copy of her "Back to Black" album, and it was so worth it.
She deserved to win the 2008 Grammy "Album of the Year".
I also purchased her DVD! "Live in London", and loved watching all her videos.
Heaven [1989] - #052. Cherry Pie [1990] - #006. <G> EOY: #082 [1991] I Saw Red [1991] - #036. Uncle Tom's Cabin [1991] - #085. We Will Rock You [1992] - #050.
Steve Jobs, Apple founder died after a long battle with Cancer. 24/2/55 - 5/10/11. He revolutionised the way we buy music with ITunes as well as countless other devices. R.I.P.
OMG really, she didn't look too well recently (like over the last three years). There are so many good songs from Etta James and I think her popularity has grown in the last few years due to sampling and covers by big artists (like Beyonce and Xtina).
Wow wasn't expecting to be raeding Whitney Houston's name but in a way it doesn't surprise me one iota as the woman has been on a drug/health battle for many years. R.I.P Whitney
Yep very sad indeed. I remember her early stuff coming out when i was young. Back in the late 80's early 90's she was right up there with Madonna & MJ that's how big she was back then.
I'm always at work when I hear these news about artists I love. Whitney really hits the spot for me though, one of my favourite artists of all time (probably my third of fourth), and someone whose music has had much more influence in my life than MJ. RIP.
Davy Jones of the Monkees has died of an apparent heart attack aged 66. The singer had been on a solo tour this month and had complained of chest pains the previous evening and was admitted to a hospital in Stuart Florida.
Jones was born in Manchester, England and started acting as a child, though he got his big break in 1965 when he joined The Monkees. The group had a hugely successful television series, and a slew of hit songs in the late 1960s. At their peak in 1967 they sold more records than the Beatles.
My fav Monkees albums : * The Monkees (1966) * More Of The Monkees (1967) * Headquaters (1967) * Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd (1967) * The Birds, The Bees And The Monkees (1968) * Head (1968)
An Australian entertainer since the early 60's has passed away today (March 11th, 2012), Ian Turpie.
Host in the 80's of The Price is Right, he was a pop singer and regular TV singer in the 60's and 70's, whose honesty and boy next door looks made him a household name around the country.
The AFL community is in mourning after Melbourne Demons great Jim Stynes lost his battle with cancer. Stynes was diagnosed with cancer in July 2009 and he fought courageously for almost three years. He was 45.
Greg Ham [Men At Work] - 27-09-1953-19-04-2012 [58]
Who Can It Be Now - #02 [1981] EOY: #009 [1981] Down Under - #01 [1981] EOY: #088 / #024 [1981 / 1982] Be Good Johnny - #08 [1982] EOY: #067 [1982] Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive - #11 [1982] EOY: #088 [1983] Overkill - #05 [1983] EOY: #081 [1983] It's A Mistake - #34 [1983] Hire Wire - #89 [1983] Everything I Need - #37 [1985] Last edited:
G'day, Greg Ham was the bands flautist...you know that great part in "Down Under" that suppossedly ripped of "Kookaburra". And yes like martin stated a saxophonist and multi-instumentalist.
And Dick Clark the host of American Bandstand...one of the biggest US music TV shows throughout the 60's...and a US national institution when it came too presenting music too the States and the world.
Sad too loose two great people that effected the music world in thier own ways...
Donald "Duck" Dunn has passed away (aged 70), best know for being the bass player for Booker.T. & The M.G's. He was also a session musician for Atlantic records and can be heard on hundreds of classic R&B tracks from the 60's & 70's, most noteably Otis Redding's hits. Later in his career he featured in The Blues Brothers movie as part of the house band.
The Queen of Disco Donna Summer has passed away aged 63 after a long battle with cancer. Best known for her huge hits throughout the disco era with such classics "Hot Stuff", "I Feel Love", "Love To Love You Baby", "Bad Girls" and later the iconic "She Works Hard For The Money"...a massive talent and voice that will be missed...RIP Last edited:
Aww that's sad news, I didn't even know she had cancer! These are my top ten Donna Summer tracks:
1. Macarthur Park 2. She Works Hard For The Money 3. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) 4. On The Radio 5. Hot Stuff 6. Dim All The Lights 7. Last Dance 8. Bad Girls 9. I Feel Love 10. Heaven Knows
Wow. I had no idea she had cancer either. Poor girl. R.I.P hunny. Here's my Top 10...
1. I Feel Love (1977) 2. She Works Hard for the Money (1983) 3. This Time I Know it's for Real (1989) 4. Hot Stuff (1979) 5. Love to Love You Baby (1976) 6. No More Tears (Enough is Enough) (with Barbra Streisand) (1979) 7. On the Radio (1980) 8. Bad Girls (1979) 9. The Wanderer (1980) 10. Love is in Control (Finger on the Trigger) (1982)
Sadly, I've known for a month that Robin was gravely ill. R.I.P. mate! Here's my Bee Gees Top 15...
1. Words (1968) 2. You Should Be Dancing (1976) 3. Stayin' Alive (1978) 4. How Deep is Your Love (1977) 5. Jive Talkin' (1975) 6. More Than a Woman (1978) 7. Alone (1997) 8. Night Fever (1978) 9. Tragedy (1979) 10. To Love Somebody (1967) 11. You Win Again (1987) 12. If I Can't Have You (1977) 13. One (1989) 14. Immortality (with Celine Dion) (1998) 15. Too Much Heaven (1978)
Very sad loss, he had been sick for a while These are my favourites from the Bee Gees:
1. Words 2. How Deep Is Your Love 3. Massachusetts 4. To Love Somebody 5. You Win Again 6. New York Mining Disaster 1941 7. More than A Woman 8. Tragedy 9. Alone 10. I Started A Joke
1. Stayin' Alive 2. I've Gottta Get A Message To You 3. To Love Somebody 4. Jive Talkin' 5. Massachusetts 6. Run To Me 7. Night Fever 8. New York Mining Disaster 1941 9. Lonely Days 10. How Deep Is Your Love
Best Albums :
* Bee Gees First (1967) * Odessa (1969) * Saturday Night Fever (1977) [with other artists] * Spirits Having Flown (1979)
Sad news on Robin Gibb. The Bee Gees remain one of my favourite acts of the past. My fave ballads: 1) How Deep Is Your Love, 2) Too Much Heaven, 3) How Can You Mend A Broken Heart My fave disco tracks: 1) You Should Be Dancing, 2) Night Fever, 3) Stayin' Alive
How terrible am I that when I read your post savage my first thought was 'Man STIUTK is never going to leave our chart' Thank goodness I read the article.
Heard that earlier today...though i'm not a fan of Darryl Cotton (my dad had this terrible greatest hits cassette he used too always play... just he's solo gear...not Zoot...lol)....RIP too an Australian music icon.
G'day, yesterday the most famous "World Music" musician passed away after complications during surgery.....this being the great Ravi Shankar (aged 92).
Ravi an Indian sitar player became the most famous exponent of "world music" during the 1960's (and beyond), through he's connection with The Beatles (especially George Harrison [he was George's sitar teacher]), he's incredible performances at The Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969 and he's ground breaking album of 1968 "Sounds Of India".
He single handedly popularized eastern music in western pop culture. A massive talent and a beautiful soul, will be sadly missed. R.I.P.
Yeah heard that on the radio whilst grabbin' some brews...was a shocked to say the least....used to love he's pitch reports....and the key....gold.....R.I.P. Tony Greig
Very sad It was only just a few weeks ago he was talking to the commentators during the Test matches and saying how he was going in for treatment. He had such a positive outlook on the whole situation. He will be missed.
In more Cricket news, Mike Hussey has retired from Interational cricket.
Yesterday American folk musician and political activist Richie Havens died of a heart attack (aged 72). He's best known for being the opening act at Woodstock (1969). R.I.P.
Keyboardist and founding member of The Doors, Ray Manzarek has passed away in Germany last night after complications with bile duct cancer. He was 74.... Very sad...The Doors are one of my fav bands.... R.I.P Ray Last edited:
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