Remembering... Music 2012 (cont.)

While working on the music portion of the tribute of those who transitioned this year, and putting one particular artist's information together, I found out that their sibling just made the trip last week.  Seriously, we have seen so many say good-bye in 2013, that it really makes one ponder.  

Two incredibly talented individuals!  Rest in Peace!

                                             

Fontella Bass

  

July 3, 1940 - December 26, 2012

David Peaston

March 13, 1957 - February 1, 2012

Both born in St. Louis, Missouri, children of gospel singer Martha Bass, who was a member of The Clara Ward Singers, they were always surrounded by true music.  Growing up in church environment, further assisted them with wanting to grasp the very soul of their God-given gifts and talents.

At the young age of 6, Fontella began singing and accompanying the choir, as well as traveling with her mother's group.  Once she became a 16-year-old teenager, she decided to branch out and sing R&B.  Upon hearing a recording of her vocals, singer Little Milton found her to be so amazing,  that he wanted her to sing background for him, and tour across the country.  

Ms. Bass later auditioned for Chess Records and landed a recording contract, singing duet with Bobby McClure, singing "Don't Mess Up a Good Thing" (below), that reached No. 5 on the R&B charts and No. 33 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1965.   

Her huge hit, giving her worldwide appeal, was the song she co-wrote and later that year recorded.  "Rescue Me," reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 4 on the Billboard pop singles chart. 
 

Her brother, David Peaston, sang in church, as well, at a very young age.  Once he graduated, became a teacher, but, because of job layoff, he decided to move to New York City, wanting to establish a singing career.  

He applied his vocals to recording sessions, singing background.  After participating in Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater, singing "God Bless The Child," he actually won several competitions, and was offered a recording contract with Geffen Records.  

His first single release, "Two Wrongs (Don't Make A Right)" made it to the Billboard R&B, rising to #3.  He also had charted hits with "Can I," and "We're All In This Thing Together," as well as his album,  "Introducing...David Peaston."
 

Remembering... Actors 2012 (cont.)

From soap One Life To Live, with Laurence Fishburne

Al Freeman, Jr.

March 21, 1934 - August 9, 2012

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Albert Cornelius Freeman, Jr. was known as a prolific, seasoned actor.  Distinguished, with the utmost intelligence and advocacy of detailed truth.  In 1960, he made his Broadway stage debut in The Long Dream, directed by Lloyd Richards.  Director/writer Joshua Logan cast him in the 1962 play about black life in New Orleans, Tiger Tiger Burning Bright, in which he played alongside Claudia McNeil, Alvin Ailey, Roscoe Lee Browne, Diana Sands and Cicely Tyson.  

 In 1964, he portrayed a lynching victim in James Baldwin's production, Blues For Mr. Charlie, regarding race relations in the south.  It initially did not do very well, and was set to close, because of a small number of attendance.  However, with strong publicity, including Nelson Rockefeller daughter's participation of large contributions, the play continued with 148 performances.

Mr. Freeman also appeared in various off-Broadway plays, even working with Vinnette Carroll's musical adaption of James Weldon Johnson's God's Trombone, the huge hit Trumpets Of The Lord, as well as several others.  His work was always so phenomenally sound!

He was a true artist of TV, as well, acting in roles for Mod Squad, The Defenders, Maude, The Cosby Show, and Law and Order.  Historically, he portrayed cop Ed Hall on soap opera One Life To Live, being the first African-American to win a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor.  He also proved his ability, by directing some of the episodes.

From Malcolm X, with Denzel Washington

The big screen was not strange to Mr. Freeman, either.  He appeared in many films:  Ensign Pulver (1964), The Dutchman (1967), The Detective (1968), Finian's Rainbow (1968), Once Upon A Time... When We Were Colored (1995), and Down At The Delta (1998).  He portrayed Malcolm X in the 1979 TV mini-series, Roots: The Next Generations, and amazingly enough, played Elijah Mohammad in Spike Lee's 1992 film, from Alex Haley's 1965 autobiographical book Malcolm X. 

He was 78 years of age.

Don Grady

June 8, 1944 - June 27, 2012

Don Grady on Mickey Mouse Club

Born in San Diego, California, Don Louis Agrati started as a young musical actor, who was featured as a Mouseketeer at age of 13 on The Mickey Mouse Club.  Appeared with small roles on TV shows, such as Betty Hutton Show (1959), The Ann Sothern Show (1958), also westerns like Wagon Train (1957), Colt .45 (1957), Have Gun-Will Travel (1957), The Rifleman (1958), and Death Valley Days (1952).  

Cast of My Three Sons, with Don Grady (far right)

When Mr. Grady was 16, he played Robbie, on one of the longest-running family shows during the sixties, My Three Sons (1960).  It was purely a clean-cut show, starring Fred MacMurray, as the widow father Steve Douglas, raising sons, two of which, Chip and Ernie, were real-life brothers, Stanley and Barry Livingston.  The show also included William Frawley, who played Uncle Charley O'Casey, helping with the raising of the boys, and running the house like a military base.  Where has quality TV gone?  The good ole days!

Mr. Grady, when he was younger, was very musically inclined, lessons to play the accordion,  clarinet, also teaching himself to play guitar, trumpet and bass.  Being strongly ad versed in music, once the show ended in 1972, he became instrumental in composing the theme song for The Phil Donahue Show.  He also co-wrote "Keep the Dream Alive," which was recorded by Herbie Hancock, Della Reese and others for the "Jazz to End Hunger" project.

He was 68.

Ernest Borgnine

January 24, 1917 - July 8, 2012 

Born in Hamden, Connecticut, Ermes Effron Borgnino, an amazing actor who would try any role, and succeed brilliantly.  His name appears on the screens' of the some of the biggest movies of the 50s.  Among the list are From Here To Eternity (1953), Johnny Guitar (1954), and Bad Day At Black Rock (1955).  

Ernest Borgnine, in Marty

Then, in 1955, the movie that placed his name on the map, Marty, was monumental for his career, for which he humbly received an Oscar for Best Actor.

Mr. Borgnine proved again and again of his strong work ethic, appreciating every role, no matter what it consisted of.  His movie and TV list spans from 1950, to the millennium years, including Spongebob Squarepants voice-overs.

From McHale's Navy, with Joe Flynn

He co-starred in TV shows like Wagon Train (1957), McHale's Navy (1962), and Airwolf (1984), as well as a long list of special guest appearances throughout the decades.  As far as movies he appeared in, I absolutely loved him in Dirty Dozen (1967), and Jesus of Nazareth (1977).

In my opinion, he was one of the most archaic and genuinely talented actors of his time.  He was 95.

Below is a clip from one of my favorite scenes of him, portraying Jonathan, an angel sent from heaven to minister to little Laura when she ran away from home.  It's priceless, and one the best episodes of Little House On The Prairie's first season.

Davy Jones

December 30, 1945 - February 29, 2012

Davy Jones

The Monkees

Born in Mancester, England, David Thomas Jones, was a child performer on stage, cast to play the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver!  Performing the role in London first, and then on Broadway stage, where he was nominated for a Tony Award.  

In addition to his magnificence on Broadway, he was also a singer and musician, with recorded songs from the pop culture TV show The Monkees.  He was a member of the group, singing most of the lead vocals.  Songs like "Daydream Believer" and "I Wanna Be Free" became chart hits.  His solo projects in the studio included hit "What Are We Going To Do," etc.

After The Monkees, Mr Jones appeared in other TV series, from Love, American Style (1969) to doing voice-overs in Phineas and Ferb (2007). 

He was 68 years of age.

Michael Clarke Duncan

December 10, 1957 - September 3, 2012

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Michael Clarke Duncan hurtled through barriers, with exceptional gifts, dreaming of becoming a great actor, instead of another unfortunate casualty of the neighborhood.

Michael Clarke Duncan

The Green Mile, with Tom Hanks

Choosing not to get caught up in drugs or alcohol, he studied, attended college, even dug ditches and worked as a bodyguard for the stars to make a living, before branching out into acting.  He appeared in the popular movie, Armageddon, starring Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, which led to the sweet opportunity of a lifetime.  Green Mile (1999), starring Tom Hanks, assisted him with receiving major accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Supporting Actor.

List of major flick opportunities, as well as TV show spots, continued to become visual for him, with The Whole Nine Yards (1999), The Scorpion King (2003), Daredevil (2004), and so many more.

He was 54 years of age. 

William Windom

William Windom

 September 28, 1923 - August 16, 2012

Born in Manhattan, New York, NY, William Windom, whose great-grandfather held the same name, was of the United States Secretary of Treasury.  He served in the Army, during World War II, as a paratrooper.

He appeared in a long list of TV shows and series, including The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse (1949), Ben Casey (1961), The Donna Reed Show (1958),  and Twilight Zone (1959), before his debut in his first movie, To Kill A Mockingbird (1962), as Mr. Gilmer, the prosecutor during the trial for Tom Robinson.

Probably appeared in almost every TV show known to man, from Marcus Welby, MD (1969), to Murder, She Wrote (1984), which happens to be one that included one of his recurring roles, as Dr. Seth Hazlitt.

Mr. Windom also showed incredible talent, appearing in his award-winning series, My World And Welcome To It (1969), receiving 2 Primetime Emmys.

He was 88 years of age.

James Farentino

James Farentino

February 24, 1938 - January 24, 2012

Born in Brooklyn, New York, James Ferrantino was one of the regular faces of TV drama, as well as movies.  Attending Catholic schools, while exhibiting strong interest in acting, also desiring to learn higher levels of drama

Appearing in various TV shows, including Naked City (1962), 77 Sunset Strip (1963), Ben Casey (1965), Police Story (1979), and Rod Serling's Night Gallery (1971).  Even showed amazing ability to be one who could handle character acting with weekly series such as The Bold Ones: The Lawyers (1969), and nighttime soap opera Dynasty (1981).

The list of movies, both on the silver screen, and TV, were many, throughout the 1960s-2000s:  "Ensign Pulver" (1962), "Ride To Hangman's Tree," (1967), "Rosie!" (1967), "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977), "The Final Countdown" (1980), and When No One Would Listen (1992), a true story, portraying an abusive husband.

Remembering... Music 2012 (cont.)

Continuing with the music portion, these individuals gave so much joy, either through their tireless gift-giving of their talent, or even supplying by making us aware that they have extremely much to offer.  From singers, to variety show hosts and performers, it will truly never be quite the same without them.

Don Cornelius

September 27, 1936 - February 1, 2012

Cornelius, interviewing MLK

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Donald Cortez Cornelius, was a salesman with a vision.  After graduating from high school in 1954, his duty in the U. S. Marine Corps, he became an experienced seller of various entities, such as tires, insurance, and cars, also becoming a police officer.  

Wanting to receive more knowledge in specific areas, he attended broadcasting courses in 1966, taking a chance with only $400.00 in his account.  Upon finishing, he located a job as an announcer, disc jockey and newscaster for WVON in Chicago.  Then, within a year later, Mr. Cornelius became a powerful fixture with WCIU-TV, hosting a news program, A Black's View of the News, having the ability to discuss different topics.   The civil rights movement was very important to him, and he wanted to make a valiant point of proving how gifted we all are, regardless to color.

Interviewing Curtis Mayfield on Soul Train

All of the proficiency, mastering the broadcasting craft, assisted with preparing him for one the biggest move of his career - relative to American Bandstand, yet more geared to the music of African-American youth!  In 1970, Soul Train was introduced, first as a daily local TV show, and due to successful demand, slid into nationwide syndication status.  By 1971, the show traveled west, making a home in California.

The monumental undertaking became the highlight of every young person's Saturday morning, whether in New York, Texas, or Denver.  Mr. Cornelius was able to step into the roles of producer, writer, and host, accomplishing a feat unlike any other, always decked in the most stylish threads.  It was such an amazing moment, filled with excitement, every time we would hear that whistle, while watching the train rock and bounce across the TV screen. 


We could always depend on listening and viewing the best artists ever on the stage, from Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Kool and the Gang, also new music acts, like The Sylvers, to artists from abroad (Elton John, David Bowie).  

In addition, extras such as the Afro/Ultra Sheen advertisements from Johnson Products, "the Scramble Board," and the Soul Train Line, along with the latest fashions or dance steps, kept us on our toes.  I myself would park my tape recorder close so I could tape performances.  It was the one show catered to people like me, enjoying sweet soul music, and Don Cornelius made all of that possible, every week!  

And let us not forget that familiar catchphrase:

 "... and you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always, in parting, we wish you Love, Peace and SOUL-L-L!"

1987 presented us an awards recognition, which started as a national syndication, produced and created by Mr. Cornelius.  The Soul Train Music Awards provided music and entertainment accolades, with the African-American in mind.  Stevie Wonder was first to receive the "Heritage Award" for outstanding career achievements.  Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross were the first hosts, and Whitney Houston, Run DMC and LL Cool J were among the performers.  To date, Janet Jackson has received the most female awards, while Michael Jackson has received the most awards ever.

Another award show creation was The Lady of Soul Awards, in 1993.  The first honorees were Debbie Allen, who received the "Lena Horne Award" for outstanding career achievements in the field of entertainment, and Salt-N-Pepa, who received the "Aretha Franklin Award."
 

We appreciate everything Don Cornelius has done, the dreams he shared, and how determined he was to bring them to fruition.  Having a great work ethic, revealing that anything you want to do, you must envision, believe, seek it out, even if it has never been done before, and put in the work. 

He was 75 years of age.

Dick Clark

November 30, 1929 – April 18, 2012

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, Richard Augustus Wagstaff Clark, Jr. wanted to pursue a radio career at the age of 10, and attended Syracuse University, in Syracuse, NY, graduating with degree in advertising, while minoring in radio.  After graduation, he worked in the mail-room for his father's company.

Utilizing the hook name Dick Clay, he worked for various radio stations and television stations throughout New York, to California, whether playing country music in college, or as a newscaster.  Mr. Clark continued to fine-tune his craft, while learning what it would take to be the best at what you want to do to succeed.

In 1952, he moved to Drexel Hill, PA, accepting a disc jockey job at WFIL radio station, using the name Dick Clark as his handle.  The station began broadcasting new show Bob Horn's Bandstand, and Mr. Clark was instrumental in substituting when needed.  On July 8, 1956, he ultimately became the regular host of the show.  ABC picked up the show, changing the name to American Bandstand, and it was nationally debuted, with Elvis Presley being interviewed on August 5, 1957.

The show automatically revealed a historical means for artists, whether up-and-coming, seasoned, or even different forms of rock-and-roll music, providing a stage and audience, up close and personal.  It was also made likeable for both teenagers and parents in mind, in spite of occasionally dealing with those challenging individuals from certain groups.

Once taking over, Clark also ended the show's all-white policy, by featuring black artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Tina Turner, The Motown Revue artists (Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Four Tops, etc), to name a few.

Due to growing popularity and demand, the show was moved to California from Philadelphia in 1964, spotlighting over 10,000 live performers, most of who were unable to appear on any other TV show, because of the music many of them represented.  However, he set out to give young people what they wanted to see and hear, saying,  

"I played records, the kids danced, and America watched! "Music is the soundtrack of our lives."

I remember every morning trying to wake up to have my breakfast early, and chores done, just so I could watch the show without interruption.  Excited to see the performances, singing and dancing with them, also being exposed to new songs that are being rated by audience members (Rate-A-Record)!  Acts such as the Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Jackson 5, James Brown, Jackie Robinson, Aerosmith, The Dave Clark Five - too many to name, making their television debuts, blowing us away!

In 1964, Mr. Clark began broadening his interests in television show producing, creating Dick Clark Productions.  Shows like "10,000 Pyramid," "TV's Bloopers And Practical Jokes," "Where The Action Is," etc., as well as made-for-TV movies (The Birth Of The Beatles, Elvis, Liberace, etc.) and radio shows like "Rock, Roll And Remember" were presented, without receiving any disappointment.  Branded for his continuing youthful looks as "the oldest living teenager," his show Bandstand provided steady entertainment and the latest news off and on until 1989, making it the longest running show for music in TV history.  

"New Year's Rockin' Eve" made it's television debut in 1972, and apparently was such a welcome addition, providing a celebratory incentive for those who would not want to leave their homes, subjecting themselves to crowded areas.

In addition, to his TV projects, Mr. Clark was recognized for his ingenuity, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Radio Hall of Fame, Emmy, and Daytime Emmy Award Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.  

 
Dick Clark has left such an indelible imprint he will be remembered throughout our lives, because he pursued his heart]s desire and never gave up until his dreams came true.  What a landmark to pattern after.  

He was 82 years of age.

Andy Williams

December 3, 1927 - September 25, 2012

Young Andy Williams, 3rd from left, with brothers

Born in Wall Lake, Missouri, Howard Andrew Williams, the youngest child, who started revealing his vocal ability, singing with his brothers in their church choir.  At age 8, the Williams Brothers Quartet voted him in to become one of the members.  

Wide-spread word of their talented quality, and was immediately requested to do radio engagements.  Bing Crosby soon received wind of the brothers' magnificence, and they were asked to provide background vocals on his recording, "Swinging On A Star," followed by others.  

Time past, in 1951, Andy became a solo performer, and highly noticed, that he was given chance to appear on Steve Allen's "Tonight" show, leading to his first recording contract with Cadence.  He was quite recognized, and his work noted as excellent, being nominated for Grammys, blessed with musical show, co-hosted with June Valli.  Doing incredibly well, he moved to Columbia Records, making some of most beautiful, smooth-sounding, easy-listening music.  

I Can't Get Used To Losing You, which became a Top 1o hit for Mr. Williams, and the Henry Mancini-collaboration, "Moon River," placed him in star status, also chosen for the popular film "Breakfast At Tiffany's."  Also, movies requested his expertise, embodying such musical creations as "Days Of Wine And Roses," and "Dear Heart."  And let us not forget the seasonal favorite, "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," a song that never seems to be left out of the year-end holiday celebration.

Andy Williams

His ultimate TV Emmy-winning variety show in 1962, The Andy Williams Show, brought a sense of class and distinction for years, spotlighting some of the best performers, including not only the Osmond Family, but also a wide array of virtually-talented guests.  From Peggy Lee, Mamas and The Papas, Beach Boys, to The Jackson Five, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Nancy Wilson.  Even Judy Garland was an honorable guest.

A magnificent gentleman, who provided a stage to as many of the best in entertainment to the audience available.  We appreciate the legacy Andy Williams has left.  He was 84.