Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
I know it's late in the year but I wanted a thread to pay tribute to those beloved artists (music, television, film, etc.) who've sadly passed away in 2021.
The Death Thread 2021
- Thread starter Ed H in Pasadena
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Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
The death of Michael Nesmith, the engine behind The Monkees (and composer of, among other tunes, "Different Drum" by the Stone Poneys (with Linda Ronstadt) hit me hard for some reason. I was a big fan of theirs, but not like, say, the Beatles or Led Zeppelin. Still, The Monkees were underrated as a band (probably the way they came together, and the show).
Monkees’ Manager on Michael Nesmith’s Final Months: ‘He Died Knowing They Were Beloved — He Finally Got It’
It might've been Michael Nesmith's desire to do one last tour and tell his fans that he "got it" that kept him alive, says their manager.variety.com
Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
If you know, by name (and sound, in this case), an artist whose art form (in this case music), then that artist must've been huge among his/her legion of fans. Such was the case with yesterday's passing of Vicente Fernandez at 81. I think I first heard him referred to as "El Rey" (The King) but also as the "King of Rancheras" and the "Mexican Frank Sinatra".
www.nbclosangeles.com
Vicente Fernández, the Mexican Icon and ‘King of Rancheras,' Dead at 81
Vicente Fernández, the Mexican entertainer whose illustrious career as the “king of rancheras” spanned decades in music and film, has died. He was 81. “Rest in peace, Mr. Vicente Fernández. We regret to inform you of his death on Sunday, December 12 at 6:15 a.m.,” a post on the singer’s...
www.nbclosangeles.com
Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
And Thursday saw the passing of Demaryius Thomas (probably of a seizure disorder), a great receiver for the 2015 Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos. He'd only retired earlier this summer. He was 33.
Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champ Demaryius Thomas dies at 33
Former NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has died at the age of 33. Police in the Atlanta suburb of Roswell say Thomas was found dead in his home.apnews.com
Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
Session bassist Phil Chen, who performed with Jeff Beck on "Blow by Blow" (classic LP of the mid-70s), Rod Stewart on several LPs (including the single "Do You Think I'm Sexy?"), and Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger, passed away at 80 yesterday morning after a long battle with cancer.
Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck Bassist Phil Chen Dead at 75
Veteran session bassist Phil Chen died on Dec. 14, 2021, at the age of 75 following a bout with cancer.ultimateclassicrock.com
Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
Two major figures not in the entertainment industry passed away today: Archbishop Desmond Tuty, and Sarah Weddington (the attorney who argued for Roe in the famous Roe v Wade case)
Desmond Tutu, South Africa's moral conscience, dies at 90
Desmond Tutu, South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist for racial justice, has died at 90. Tutu was an uncompromising foe of apartheid, South Africa’s brutal regime of oppression against its Black majority.
Sarah Weddington, lawyer in landmark Roe v. Wade case dies at 76 | CNN Politics
Sarah Weddington, an attorney in the landmark Roe v. Wade case, has died, according to statements from friend and former student Susan Hays and US Rep. Lloyd Doggett.www.cnn.com
Ed H in Pasadena
Well-known member
And bringing 2021 to the worst possible close, Betty White died. 
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Betty White Dies: The Golden Girls and Mary Tyler Moore Show Star Was 99
Betty White, 99, died on Dec. 31, 2021. Look back at her groundbreaking and decades-spanning career in television, on shows including The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Showwww.google.com
Yeah, that one really sucks. Obviously she had a great, long life... But damn.