Media City Groove
Media City/Burbank l news l entertainment l features l opinion l and whatever sparks interest
Today’s news that the Purple Prince of Pop and R& B has passed away, stunned and shocked many of his fans, friends, and fellow musicians. Prince reportedly died at his home in Chanhassen, Minnesota this morning at the age of 57. No cause of death was given. CNN is reporting some heart-broken fans are saying the icon’s death “is what it sounds like when doves cry,” a reference to a huge hit from his classic 1984 album, “Purple Rain.” In 1985, Prince won an Academy Award for best... Read More →
Pop icon, David Bowie, is being remembered for his work and influence over several decades. Bowie died last Sunday of cancer. He was only 69. More from ABC News.
The entertainment industry and music fans are remembering Natalie Cole. The multi-Grammy winner passed away New Year’s Eve at a Los Angeles hospital reportedly of congestive heart failure. The daughter of legendary jazz entertainer, Nate King Cole, had an unforgettable voice of her own. Also, she inspired many with her grace and style even while dealing with personal struggles, including drug addiction, and family tragedies. Here’s more from USA Today.
Best-selling author, Jackie Collins, has died after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She passed away yesterday at the age of 77. Collins who made a name for herself and sold millions of novels, writing about characters who lived glamorous or adventurous lives. Many of her novels were set in the glitzy world of Hollywood, which she knew well. She was also an actress and the younger sister of actress, Joan Collins. Here’s part of a statement the family posted on the writer’s website: “She lived a wonderfully full life... Read More →
“The miracle is this: the more we share the more we have.” Leonard Nimoy aka Spock Actor, director, photographer, poet, singer
The legendary announcer of the classic TV series “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” has gone silent. Gary Owens reportedly passed away peacefully at his home in Encino yesterday surrounded by family, according to a news release. No exact cause of death was given, but Public Relations specialist, Vicki Greenleaf, told Media City Groove his passing was related to age and diabetes. Owens’ distinctive baritone voice with its smooth dulcet tones and his skills for comedy, as well as deadpan deliveries, made him a star. Owen started off as a gag... Read More →
Joe Cocker had some strange moves when he sang on stage, but that was okay. It’s his gritty voice and passionate singing that will be remembered most. The pop and blues singer passed away yesterday reportedly after a battle with lung cancer. He was 70. Cocker shot to fame during the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969. During his performance at that festival, Cocker put his own spin on the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends” and turned it into one of his signature songs.
“A movie is like a person. Either you trust it or you don’t.” — Mike Nichols Director Oscar for “The Graduate” (1967) November 6, 1931 – November 19, 2014
“I’ve lived every day to the fullest, and I’ve had a marvelous time. I’ve tried to be nice to the people I care about and ignore the ones I don’t. I enjoy what I’ve done.” — Oscar de la Renta Legendary fashion designer July 22, 1932 – October 20, 2014
Legendary comedienne, Joan Rivers, died today surrounded by family and friends in a New York hospital. Rivers was rushed to the hospital last Thursday after complications developed during a medical procedure at an outpatient clinic. Rivers’ reportedly stop breathing. She had been on life support until yesterday when she was moved out of ICU and into a private room. Her death was announced this afternoon in a statement from her daughter Melissa. “My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of... Read More →
“I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that.” — Lauren Bacall Actress September 16, 1924 – August 12, 2014
“Jonathan (Winters) taught me that the world is open for play, that everything and everybody is mockable, in a wonderful way.” — Robin Williams comedian/actor July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014
“Success is when the checks don’t bounce.” — Andy Warhol Artist August 6, 1928 – February 22, 1987
Olympian, World War ll hero, and Southland inspiration, Louis Zamperini, died earlier this week at the age of 97. Universal Studios made the announcement last Wednesday. Zamperini reportedly died after a valiant struggle with pneumonia. Zamperini’s amazing life is the subject of Laura Hillenbrand’s best seller, “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption.” (2010). The book is being adapted into a movie with Angelina Jolie directing. Just last May, Zamperini was selected as the... Read More →
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. His memory and his music live on. I want to give a shout- out to the music genius with one of my favorite MJ tunes and videos, “Remember the Time” (released January 14, 1992). The cast includes entertainer, Eddie Murphy, supermodel, Iman, Laker legend, Magic Johnson, and stars, the King of Pop.
“No good movie is too long and no bad movie is short enough” — Roger Ebert Film critic June 18, 1942 – April 4, 2013
“Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.” — Casey Kasem Radio D.J., actor, and producer April 27, 1932 – June 15, 2014
“The greatest gift is not being afraid to question.” — Ruby Dee Actress and civil rights activist
Maya Angelou recites “And Still I Rise.” A poem from her collection of poems “And Still I Rise” published in 1978.
Following the tragic death of Mick Jagger’s partner, L’Wren Scott, the The Rolling Stones have postponed 7 shows in Australia and New Zealand, according to Rolling Stone magazine. In a statement the Stones said they plan to “… reschedule these postponed shows at a later date.” Fashion designer and celebrity stylist, L’Wren Scott, was found dead in her New York City highrise apartment yesterday. Scott had apparently killed herself. An assistant discovered her with a scarf around her neck and hanging from a doorknob. There are
L’Wren Scott, fashion designer, stylist, and longtime girlfriend of rocker, Mick Jagger, was found dead of an apparent suicide in her posh New York City apartment today. Media reports say the 6-3 former model was discovered hanging by a scarf from a doorknob, by an assistant this morning. Jagger and the Rolling Stones are in Australia, part of their world tour. Jagger reportedly is “… completely shocked and devastated.. ” by the tragedy. The couple had been dating since 2001. The 47 year-old Scott... Read More →
Another Hollywood star has passed away. Sid Caesar died today in his Beverly Hills home. TV talk show host/long time friend, Larry King, broke the sad news on KNX 1070 radio today. King called Caesar a “giant of comedy” for making his mark back in the 50s on such TV hits as “Your Show Of Shows,” “Caesar’s Hour,” and “The Sid Caesar Show.” He appeared in movies as well, among them, “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963, “Airport”(1975), “Grease”(1978). Caesar was 91. More on The Hollywood Reporter site.... Read More →
