CFN

Hot Nights, Last Dance, and a song that probably led the births of thousands of children around the world; Love to Love You Baby..  She also acted in film and television.

Interviewed by Dick Clark on American Bandstand who himself recently passed away.

Her real name was LaDonna Adrian Gaines.  Her last release was To Paris With Love.

For five decades Donna entertained so many.   She’ll be missed, but her music will endure.   What was your fave Donna Summer song? You can post below.

Donna Summer December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012

Last Dance

His career spanned eight decades.   He was known for American Bandstand which he hosted from its inception until it’s last episode in 1989,  and his New Years  Countdown as well as many game shows such as the $10,000 Pyramid.

Early Clip with Betty White

Mr. Clark was known for his youthful appearance.  After suffering a stroke in 2004 he battled back and again appeared on camera and was an inspiration for those who survive strokes.

This is Your Life Episode from 1959

Mr. Clark was replaced by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest in the popular New Year’s Eve countdown.

RIP 

Richard Wagstaff Clark 

November 30, 1929 to April 18, 2012

CFN

Known for his tough, sometimes fierce interviews, he was the voice of his generation in many ways when it came to journalism.

Visiting the Writer’s Guild in NYC in the early 90′s I had the chance to bump into him.  Ok, he was trapped in an elevator with me; but he was gracious and friendly answering some questions candidly and openly.  He was wonderful and an inspiration in many ways for myself as a journalist.

The Massachusetts native started out in radio like many of his generation before jumping to television where he hosted some early game shows before moving to the talk show format.

Ayn Rand Interview

Aldous Huxley

Early Philip  Morris Plug!

But it was 60 Minutes that he will always be most remembered for.  For decades his voice was connected with some of the most amazing interviews ever on television.

Mike retired in 2006.   His son Chris is a news man in his own right.   I think the late and very great Andy Rooney summed up Mike’s career so well so I’ll let this clip of his end this piece.

What a wonderful life and career….

RIP Mike Wallace 

May 9, 1918 – April 7, 2012

FLOWER, Burrell William   1927 – 2012

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of Burrell Flower on Wednesday, March 14th at Creg Quay, Lancaster, Ontario at the age of 84. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 54 years Claudia (Court), and his loving daughter Carolyn (Ken Brownridge).

He was a deeply loved and cherished Grandpa to his grandchildren Gdsm Christopher, Benjamin and Samantha Nucci. He will also be missed by his brother-in-law Bob Skedelsky, his nieces Donna and Joanne, and step- grandchildren Cass and Courtney Brownridge. He is predeceased by his father William, mother Laura (Aird), brother Arnold and sister June (Skedelsky).

Formerly of Dollard des Ormeaux, QC, he retired from his business career as the Chairman of the Canada-UK Freight Conference in 1990 and enjoyed retirement to the fullest. He was a kind, gentle and loving man of great integrity with a marvelous sense of humor. He loved to re-finish furniture, the theatre and with his wife by his side, summers in Cumberland Head, NY and winters in Ormond Beach, FLA.

His interests and hobbies always involved his family and friends.    Residents of Creg Quay for 12 years.  Devoted member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Lancaster.  Supportive member of the Bainsville, Lancaster and Cornwall communities.

His love for his wife, daughter and grandchildren knew no bounds.

He will be dearly missed by his extended family and all who knew him. Relatives and friends may call at the Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 46 Oak St. Lancaster (613-347-3629) on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm and on Wednesday from 8:30 am until 9:30 am.

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A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lancaster on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 10 am. Spring Interment Parish Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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As a Memorial to Burrell a tree will be planted in Memory Woods. A tree grows-memories live. Condolences may be made online atwww.munromorris.com

May God give you…

RIP  Burrell William FLOWER   1927 – 2012

The official cause isn’t known.  The oft troubled singer was found dead in her hotel.

Clive Davis’ her long time mentor still held his Grammy party in the same hotel that Ms Houston was lying dead in.    Music royalty still showed up and still attended.

Some dramatic words and performances took place.  Indeed Ms Houston died as she lived; in the spotlight.

Most of you reading this know bits about Ms Houston; from a family of voices she shined like one that rarely was ever seen in this world.

Before Mariah; there was Whitney.  Without Whitney; would there even be a Mariah?

Adele?   So many voices.     Whitney Houston though “chose” to destroy hers with drugs of all sorts. Instead of being thought of  with the likes of Etta James who we also just lost, she’ll be remembered along with likes of Amy Winehouse; another talent snuffed out far too early this year.

Some people can handle fame; some can’t.  Some can handle substances and others perish as this gauntlet called life keeps spinning.

It’s been a year of loss in the music industry; more so than almost any other.   So many voices extinguished.

While it’d be easy to gush about her talent or chastise her life choices I think I’ll keep this entry short.

I feel bad for her daughter.   I feel empathy for her loved ones.

I wish I owned shares in her music company today as the value of catalogs jump after an artist passes away and Ms Houston has quite a catalog.   I’m sure it will help the release of the movie she just finished as well; and of course the Grammy’s ratings will skyrocket tonight too.

It’s a sad day for the world today.   We lost an amazing talent far too soon.

Look at Me – a very early performance

1983  - Home

RIP Whitney Houston – Your Light Dimmed So Soon – Your Music Will Shine Forever

The irony that many who give so much to make us laugh suffer in darkness during their lives.     Joe had a great life in many ways.  He achieved a lot; saw a lot; but because his adopted country couldn’t fulfill his career he had to go back to the US just like so much Canadian talent has to leave to reach its pinnacle or be rewarded fitly.

That’s a problem for many countries but one that Canada should not have.

Reading about Joe, reading his last blog entry; I’ve learned more about him than I knew.   I recognized his name from rolling credits of shows like Kids in the Hall.

Joe decided he’d had enough of life.

Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering – and it’s all over much too soon.

Woody Allen

15 cars were reported to be part of the crash.  

Crash Video Clip

RIP Daniel Clive “Dan” Wheldon -  June 22, 1978 –  October 16, 2011

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.  It’s so sad to see a familiar voice silenced.

Earl McRae WIKI 

Some of the quotes I’m seeing on Twitter:

“Master writer Earl McRae of the Sun died this evening. Great writer and a great guy. We will all miss him,”  Mike Therien SUN VP  ”Earl McRae could make you laugh, cry and fume in three consecutive columns. At his best, he had a rare gift.”

RIP Earl McRae

Kathleen Harris:

Very sad news about Earl McRae. A fine man, a fine friend and a fine writer. He was one of the good ones, and I will miss him.

Chris Froggat:

RIP Earl”@MarkBonokoski: Nobody could tell a story better than Earl McRae. He could talk as well as he could write. Earl, Rest easy.”

Apple’s website said it best.

To me I’ll forever remember their commercial from 1984 which has so much imagery and was so thought provoking.  Whatever the world becomes Steve’s vision has touched almost all of us forever.

Steve Jobs WIKI

Mr. Jobs managed to hang around for the release of the latest iPhone, the 4S and 5 versions.

We lost a giant today.  To lead is never easy. To lead and stay in the lead legendary.

Steven Paul Jobs February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

Convicted of murdering 11, the BC native targeted young people before finally being caught and convicted.  He exchanged his cooperation for thousands of dollars  in payments to his wife, and made the news for his numerous parole attempts and support of the Federal Conservative party.

In the last election Prime Minister Harper went as far as to target benefits and pensions for those in prison such as Mr. Olson.

Many of the victims families have been quoted in other media as stunned to the death of the monster who took their loved ones.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.