Joe Strummer, Punk Iconoclast

Today in 1977, The Clash released their first single. To mark the occasion we profile the late Joe Strummer, co-founder of the influential punk rock outfit...

Bryce Dejean-Jones (1992 - 2016), New Orleans Pelicans guard

Bryce Dejean-Jones, a rookie NBA guard with the New Orleans Pelicans, was fatally shot May 28, 2016, in Dallas, Texas, according to multiple news sources. He was 23.

Ahmed Kathrada (1929 - 2017), anti-apartheid activist

Ahmed Kathrada, the South African anti-apartheid activist who was imprisoned for many years along with his close friend, former South African President Nelson Mandela, for resisting the apartheid system of white domination, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017, according to his foundation.

Arthur Janov (1924 – 2017), addressed childhood traumas with “primal therapy”

Arthur Janov, psychotherapist who developed “Primal Scream” therapy, died Oct. 1, 2017, at his home in Malibu, Calif., according to The Associated Press. He was 93.

Hugh Wilson (1943–2018), creator of the classic sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati”

Directed and co-wrote the popular comedy “Police Academy”…

Mart Crowley (1935–2020), “Boys in the Band” playwright

Mart Crowley wasthe groundbreaking playwright whose 1968 play The Boys in the Band was one of the first to portray the lives of gay men on stage.The play is about a group of gay and bisexual friends at a birthday party in New York City.Itwas a hit which led to a 1970 movie adaptation directed byWilliam Friedkin.Crowley had been an assistant and close friend to actress . In 2002, hewrote a sequel The MenFromthe Boys, that looked at the original characters lives 35 years later. In 2018, a revival of The Boys in the Band onBroadway featured out gay actors including Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, and Matt Bomer.A new movie version of the play is due out on Netflix in 2021.

Kenny Rogers (1938–2020), country music icon

Kenny Rogers was the iconic country music singer whose hit song “The Gambler” propelled him to Grammy-winning superstardom.

Kenny Rogers' Best

Country music icon Kenny Rogers left all of us fans with so many memorable songs. We remember his greatest here.

Pete Retzlaff (1931–2020), legendary Philadelphia Eagles tight end

Pete Retzlaff was a star tight end with the Philadelphia Eagles who was a five time Pro Bowl selection and helped the team win the 1960 NFL championship.

Harold Reid (1939–2020), Statler Brothers bass vocalist

Harold Reid was the bass vocalist for the legendary country music vocal group the Statler Brothers.

Clarence Williams III (1939–2021), "The Mod Squad" star

Clarence Williams III starred as Linc on the pioneering TV detective series "The Mod Squad" and played father in the movie "Purple Rain."

Mike Howe (1965–2021), lead singer for Metal Church

Mike Howe was the lead singer for the heavy metal band Metal Church.

Melvin Van Peebles (1932–2021), influential actor and filmmaker

Melvin Van Peebles was an actor and filmmaker best known for his influential 1971 film, “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.”

Vernon Winfrey (1933–2022), Oprah Winfrey’s father

Vernon Winfrey was a prominent Nashville barber who was the father of media superstar Oprah Winfrey.

John Stearns (1951–2022), All-Star catcher for the Mets

John Stearns was a four-time All-Star catcher for the New York Mets in the 1970s and ‘80s.

Herbert “Cowboy” Coward (1938–2024), Toothless Man in Deliverance

Herbert “Cowboy” Coward was an actor best known for his role as “Toothless Man” in the hit 1970s thriller, “Deliverance,” where he delivered the infamous “purty mouth” line.