David Foster Wallace: The Essential Suggestions

Getting into Wallace may seem daunting to a first-timer, but our primer of a few particularly great works is a good starting point.

Louis Terkel, Better Known as Studs

Studs Terkel was known for his innate curiosity about people – all kinds of people doing all sorts of things – and for his interview style that elicited the most private thoughts from his subjects.

Mr. Blackwell’s Best and Worst

Richard Blackwell played a number of roles, but the one he played most conspicuously –– and deliciously –– was creator of the "Worst-Dressed Women List."

Dee Dee Warwick: Soul Sister

It must have been tough growing up around star power as bright as Dionne Warwick, Cissy Houston and . But Dee Dee Warwick—Dionne’s kid sister, Cissy’s niece, and Whitney’s cousin—could hold her own. She was a two-time Grammy nominee for "Foolish Fool" and "She Didn't Know."

Edie Adams: No Dumb Blonde

The way Edie Adams looked –– golden-haired, pretty and vivacious –– might lead some to assume that she was a stereotypical dumb blonde. In reality Adams was blonde, but she was no ditz...

Paul Newman: Irresistible

A Los Angeles Times writer once described them as "Windex eyes." If you are missing actor-racer-entrepreneur-philanthropist Paul Newman's baby blues, just stroll down the grocery aisle and they'll be peering back at you from bottles of salad dressing, jars of pasta sauce, cereals, marinades, pizza, popcorn and even cat food – just to name a few.

Rick Wright, Wish You Were Here

Richard Wright's richly textured keyboard layers were a vital ingredient of the Pink Floyd sound...

The Songs of Isaac Hayes

As a singer, —who died Aug. 10, 2008—achieved many of his greatest hits by interpreting songs other people had written. "Walk on By" and "The Look of Love," along with many other songs Hayes recorded, were written by Burt Bacharach and . "Let's Stay Together" was first made famous by its songwriter, Al Green. Clifton Davis's "Never Can Say Goodbye" was recorded by before Isaac Hayes took it on.

We Still Miss Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac was very young – only 50 years old – when he died five years ago. Today we still miss his gift for comedy.

Estelle Getty, Golden Girl

Today we're remembering a career crowned by Estelle Getty's 10-year turn as wise-cracking Sophia Petrillo.

George Carlin: Good, Clean Fun

Profanity made George Carlin famous, but as his earliest fans grew up and got serious, he used a new tactic to attract younger generations.

The Bo Diddley Beat

Nearly a decade after Bo Diddley's death, we're still listening to his signature rhythm.

Harvey Korman Cracks Us Up

If you loved "The Carol Burnett Show" – and lots of us did – then you probably loved Harvey Korman, too.

The Eddy Arnold World Record

From traditional country music to the innovative Nashville sound, Eddy Arnold continued to record throughout his life and kept his music current...

Appreciating Freddie Hubbard

It's Jazz Appreciation Month and we're showing some love to a jazz trumpeter who some say was the most brilliant of his generation.

The First Lady of Star Trek

When Majel Barrett-Roddenberry died, a piece of "Star Trek" went with her...

Ain’t No Man Like Levi Stubbs

Levi Stubbs was a singer and a gentleman.

The Legend of Heath Ledger

When Heath Ledger died Jan. 22, 2008, his star was still on the rise.

Odetta Sings Folk Songs

Odetta may not be as much a household name as Bob Dylan—but it was she who inspired him to pick up an acoustic guitar and sing folk music. She might not have the folk-music fame of Joan Baez, but Baez called her a goddess. Carly Simon may have been the bigger star, but she said she went weak in the knees when she had a chance to meet Odetta.

Bobby Fischer: 43 Facts

Chess master Bobby Fischer was born today in 1943. Here are 43 facts you might not know about him and the “Match of the Century” that made him famous.

Eartha Kitt: The Most Exciting Woman in the World

What does it take to be the most exciting woman in the world? Beauty certainly doesn't hurt. A gift for singing, dancing and acting can help, too. How about a great sense of humor and a love for social justice? Add a seductive purr of a voice, mix well, and you've got , the performer once called "the most exciting woman in the world."

Who is Lina Morgana?

The story of a young unknown singer who died years ago doesn't seem like headline news — until you factor in Lady Gaga.