Two actors, a director and a musician pass away in early 2025.
These men had comedic roles in shows like Parks and Recreation and Cheers, voiced video games, directed The Waltons, 7th Heaven, Matlock, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King, were in TV series like Cop Shop, Vietnam, and movies including The Man from Snowy River II, and played piano, organ, accordion, and saxophone for The Band.
Both the drummer and singer, a rare combination in rock music.
Singing lead and playing drums simultaneously is one of the great feats in popular music. Here I’ll post about some of the artists that make it work. The drummer is typically relegated to the rear, but here we’ll find some that should be right out front.
Exemplified by Alex Lifeson’s inventive guitar work, Geddy Lee’s dynamic bass and vocals, and Neil Peart’s unmatched drumming and lyrics—left an indelible mark on rock music.
Rush is a Canadian progressive rock band that originated in Toronto, Ontario, in 1968. Initially formed by high school friends, the group went through several lineup changes before solidifying its classic trio format. The band’s history is a tale of evolution, persistence, and groundbreaking creativity,
In 1962, Flick played the iconic guitar riff for the “James Bond Theme” in the first Bond film, Dr. No.
Vic Flick is an iconic English musician and composer best known for his association with the James Bond franchise and his significant contributions to film and television music. Victor Harold Flick was born on May 14, 1937, in Worcester Park, Surrey, England. Growing up in a musical family, Flick became interested in music and began learning the piano. However, his fascination with the guitar began in his teenage years, inspired by the evolving sounds of jazz and skiffle music during the 1950s. He honed his skills on the guitar, eventually becoming proficient in both classical and contemporary styles.
Jones was one of few producers to have number one records in three consecutive decades (1960s, 1970s, and 1980s).
Quincy Jones is one of the most influential figures in music and entertainment, celebrated for his innovative production work, his vast contributions across genres, and his collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names. Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Jones’s early life was marked by hardship and a drive to succeed.
Tito Jackson, born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, was the third of ten children born to Katherine and Joe Jackson. Raised in a working-class family, Tito was introduced to music early on. His mother, Katherine, was a pianist, and his father, Joe, played guitar. It was Tito’s desire to play his father’s guitar that led to his musical journey. After accidentally breaking a string on the instrument,
The King of Pop is one of my 2024 inductees.
Michael Jackson’s solo career is one of the most influential and celebrated in the history of music. Before launching his solo career, Jackson was the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a group formed in 1964 with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. Managed by their father, Joe Jackson, The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records in 1968.
My 4th inductee of 2024, the 23rd overall.
Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her powerful voice and profound impact on the music industry have left an indelible mark on generations. Here’s an in-depth look at her life, career, and achievements. Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Barbara Siggers Franklin and C.L. Franklin[1].
