The Ever-Influential Lenny Bruce

Lenny Bruce remains one of the most influential performers on the comedy landscape — just ask his fellow comics.

Lee Konitz (1927–2020), pioneering cool jazz saxophonist

Lee Konitz, legendary saxophonist who played on “Birth of the Cool,” died Wednesday of complications from coronavirus at 92.

Kelly Preston (1962–2020), “Jerry Maguire” star

Kelly Preston was an actress known for roles in movies including “Jerry Maguire,” “Twins,” and “Sky High.” She was actor John Travolta’s wife.

Henry Orenstein (1923–2021), toy developer who helped launch Transformers

Henry Orenstein was a holocaust survivor and successful toy developer who helped launch Transformers.

Pharoah Sanders (1940–2022), jazz saxophonist

Pharoah Sanders was a saxophonist known for his free jazz and spiritual jazz.

Anita Kerr (1927–2022), backup singer for Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison

Anita Kerr was the leader of the Anita Kerr Singers, who sang backup for country superstars including and as well as recording their own music.

Melinda Dillon (1939–2023), A Christmas Story mom

Melinda Dillon was an actress known for roles in movies including “A Christmas Story” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

Marisol Malaret (1949–2023), first Puerto Rican Miss Universe

Marisol Malaret was the first Miss Universe from Puerto Rico and the first from the Caribbean islands, who held the crown in 1970.

George Frazier (1954–2023), Twins pitcher and Rockies broadcaster 

George Frazier was a Major League Baseball pitcher who helped the Minnesota Twins to victory at the 1987 World Series.

Etterlene DeBarge (1935–2024), gospel singer and musical matriarch 

Etterlene DeBarge was a gospel singer and the matriarch of the musical DeBarge family.