Archive for June, 2026

Cicely Tyson

Posted in Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx) with tags , on June 29, 2026 by Cade

December 19, 1924 – January 28, 2021

A legend of the stage and screen, Cicely Tyson was a trailblazing performer whose career spanned more than 70 years. Born and raised in New York City, Tyson wanted to be an actor from an early age. She was brought up in a religious home and her parents were initially reluctant for her to enter the profession…until they saw her perform.

Tyson studied under the renowned acting coach, Lee Strassberg. She got her first part at a YMCA production of Dark of the Moon. In 1961, she appeared in Jean Genet’s The Blacks opposite an array of future stars including Louis Gossett, Jr., Maya Angelou, Roscoe Lee Brown and an actor Tyson would go on to perform with many times over the decades, James Earl Jones. The Blacks ran off-Broadway for a record-setting 1,408 performances.

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Johnny Hodges

Posted in Flushing Cemetery with tags , , on June 22, 2026 by Cade

July 25, 1907 – May 11, 1970

When Charlie Parker and John Coltrane – arguably two of the most influential and beloved saxophone players of all time – both point to one man as being the best, it’s probably a good idea not to argue.

Johnny Hodges was born and raised in Boston. He played piano and drums as a kid, but eventually, it was the sax that found its way into his soul. Impressing everyone he played for, Hodges made his way to New York City in his late teens where he met up with one, Mr. Duke Ellington.

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Marvin Hamlisch

Posted in Mt. Zion Cemetery (NY) with tags , , on June 15, 2026 by Cade

June 2, 1944 – August 6, 2012

In the entertainment industry, there is an accomplishment that only a handful of people have been able to attain. The industry loves to reward its members with awards like Emmys (TV), Grammys (Music), Oscars (Movies) and Tonys (Broadway). Only an elite few artists have won all four; collectively known as the “EGOT.”

By the time composer Marvin Hamlisch was 30, he had already won two of the four.

And that was BEFORE he even gave us his most monumental work.

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Lionel Hampton

Posted in Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx) with tags , , on June 8, 2026 by Cade

April 20, 1908 – August 31, 2002

Lionel Hampton was one of the biggest names in jazz for nearly all of his 75 year career. A percussionist, Hampton started out as a drummer in Chicago while he was still a teenager. He moved to California, where he wowed audiences with his energetic drumming and acrobatic drumstick moves at venues like Sebastian’s Cotton Club. At the age of 22, he was starting to expand his repertoire when a visiting Louis Armstrong overheard him practicing the vibraphone, liked what he heard and offered Hampton a job.

And when Louis Armstrong says you’re a vibraphonist, brother, you’re a vibraphonist.

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Celia Cruz

Posted in Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx) with tags , on June 1, 2026 by Cade

October 21, 1925 – July 16, 2003

Dubbed the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz was one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time. In her spectacular career, Cruz sold more than 30 million records and was nominated for 14 Grammys (winning 2), 7 Latin Grammys (winning 4) and dozens of other awards. In 1994, the United States Congress awarded her the National Medal of Arts. She was honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Hispanic Heritage Awards, Desi Entertainment, Musa de Oro, the Recording Academy of the United States (Grammys) and the Smithsonian Institute….twice.

Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. According to her mother, Celia sang from the moment she could make sounds. Growing up in 1930s Havana meant exposure to the burgeoning Cuban Band scene. Her aunt would often take Celia and her cousin to local cabarets to sing. Her father didn’t approve…but, recognizing the talent, he didn’t try too hard to stop her, either. Celia made an attempt at what her family considered a “respectable” career as a teacher…but the music called.

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