September 19, 1941 – July 29, 1974
Known to the world as “Mama Cass,” Ellen Naomi Cohen, AKA Cass Elliot, was a singer and member of the American vocal group, the Mamas & the Papas. Elliot’s voice can be heard prominently on many of their best-known recordings, including “California Dreamin'” and “Monday Monday.”
September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004
Ray Charles Robinson’s beginnings in Georgia and Florida were tough. Already dealing with the realities of extreme poverty, Ray witnessed his brother drown in a wash tub at the age of 5. He also began to lose his sight around the same time and, by the time he was 7 years-old, was completely blind.
Fast forward a little bit and things went alright for Ray. Despite struggles with legal issues and substance abuse, Charles had a meteoric career in music using jazz, blues, rock and gospel influences to become one of the best-selling artists of all time. His impact on music was staggering. He successfully crossed over into the pop and country mainstream, becoming one of the first African-American artists to do so. He consistently ranks in the Top 10 on lists of the top singers/entertainers/performers of all time.
February 8, 1925 – June 27, 2001
Confession time: I cried the day that Jack Lemmon died.
For someone who was just barely a quarter of a century old, it was like losing a celluloid grandfather. Jack was so likable on screen that I felt like I knew him. And there were plenty of opportunities to get to know him on screen. He starred in more than 60 films including the classics Some Like It Hot (with Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe, directed by eternal neighbor, Billy Wilder,) The Apartment (also directed by Wilder) and The Odd Couple (with perennial friend and co-star, Walter Matthau.)
April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989
One of the biggest names in the golden era of Hollywood, Bette Davis carved a spectacular career for herself without the benefit of being beautiful (her words, not mine.) She accumulated 10 Academy Award nominations – nabbing 2 wins – over the course of 90 films. Some of Davis’ most iconic films include All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? She was often erratic on set and many considered her difficult to work with. Her daughter wrote a book about how difficult their relationship was. Kim Carnes wrote a song about her eyes.
December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971
James Douglas Morrison, AKA “The Lizard King,” was a poet, songwriter and the lead singer of the influential American rock band, the Doors. Energetic, soulful and wild, he set the showmanship standard for many future frontmen.
And he LOOOOVED heroin.
October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994
John Candy was a comedic giant of the 1980’s. The Canadian actor created memorable roles on the sketch comedy show, SCTV, and found great success in films such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck and Spaceballs. The rotund actor was infinitely likable and beloved by audiences and costars alike.
November 19, 1905 – November 26, 1956
American trombonist and bandleader Tommy Dorsey not only gave the world Big Band era hits like “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Marie” and “In the Blue of the Evening,” he also stole incorporated a number of huge stars into his band over the years. Drummers Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, as well as a little-known vocalist named Frank something-or-other all sat in with Tommy. He also funded a young Glenn Miller’s first band. So, he kind of was a big deal for a while. Dorsey may have been known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing” but his perfectionism and unsteady demeanor made him a chore to work with. Or so I’ve heard.
May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977
Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby was a talented singer. His rich baritone voice epitomized the easy-going crooner of the 1940’s and ’50’s. He was a box office and record sales titan for more than two decades.
But, enough with the niceties.
Bing was also an incredibly…how to say it…”grumpy” individual. Rumors and stories of his abusive relationship with his family are numerous. Whether they’re true or not? Not for me to say. So, no need to dive into them here.
July 6, 1927 – October 3, 2004
In the history of the world, it is entirely likely that no one has become more famous for taking a shower.
Janet Leigh’s most notable role, obviously, was as Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Legend has it that she was never again able to take a shower after making the movie. True or not, it makes for a good yarn.
June 3, 1925 – September 29, 2010
Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz) was a devilishly handsome man. His looks and his broad range certainly made him one of the biggest stars of the 1950’s and 60’s. He garnered attention with Oscar nominated dramatic roles (The Defiant Ones) as well as classic comedic turns (Some Like It Hot1 alongside Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe – directed by Billy Wilder) as well as more than 100 other projects. He was also an avid painter – something he continued to do later in life, claiming to enjoy it more than making movies.
Celebrity Graveland 