May 16, 1919 – February 4, 1987
Władziu Valentino Liberace was a slightly eccentric and subtly flamboyant pianist and entertainer. He was known for his modest costumes and occasional use of candelabras and jewels. Liberace was not even remotely sparkly. And, despite all of his obvious understated-ness, he was still known to many as “Mr. Showmanship.” I guess I just don’t see it. Continue reading
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
I hesitated adding a post about Michael Jackson for one, simple reason: I have not personally visited his grave, nor do I see it happening any time soon. He is interred within the halls of the most secure, private mausoleum in Los Angeles – and probably the whole country: The Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Glendale.
However, A) I didn’t feel right posting about Farrah without posting about Michael, given the close proximity of their deaths sort of bind them together forever. And B) His death and burial was the single, biggest celebrity death media spectacle this side of Elvis, so he sort of needs to be included.
So… Continue reading
January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977
Elvis Aaron Presley was a little-known singer/songwriter who struggled his entire career to find an audience.
OR…perhaps it’s more accurate to say that he was one of the biggest pop-phenomena in the history of the world.
The “King of Rock and Roll” – a title that barely scratches his impact on popular music – was a talented singer, actor and hip-jiggler who starred in more than 30 movies and had over 35 number one singles. His rise to stardom, at the perfect intersection of time, history and relevance ushered in a new era of music that was both ground-breaking and controversial. He paved the way for nearly every rock and roll artist to follow. He was simply without peer.
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.
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.
Celebrity Graveland 