Keith LeBlanc (1954–2024), Grandmaster Flash, Nine Inch Nails drummer

Keith LeBlanc was a drummer whose work can be heard on early hip-hop records by The Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, as well as on tracks by such artists as Nine Inch Nails and R.E.M.

Pat Zachry (1952–2024), MLB Rookie of the Year in 1976

Pat Zachry was the National League’s Rookie of the Year in 1976, winning a World Series with the Cincinnati Reds that same year before being traded for future Hall of Famer Tom Seaver.

Lynne Reid Banks (1929–2024), The Indian in the Cupboard author 

Lynne Reid Banks was an author known for such books as “The L-Shaped Room” and the bestselling children’s novel “The Indian in the Cupboard.”

Vivian Trimble (1963–2023), keyboardist for Luscious Jackson

Vivian Trimble was the keyboardist and a pivotal member of the alternative group Luscious Jackson, best known for their song, “Naked Eye.”

Andrés García (1941–2023), Mexican actor and telenovela star 

Andrés García was a Mexican actor who became a Latin American icon in the 1960s and ‘70s, with roles in over 50 films and many popular telenovelas.

Craig Breedlove (1937–2023), first driver to reach 600 mph

Craig Breedlove was a race car driver who wowed the world in 1965 when he set a world land speed record of 600 mph.

Billy Waugh (1929–2023), U.S. Army Special Forces veteran

Billy Waugh was a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who served in Korea and Vietnam before going on to a career in the CIA.

Kathy Lamkin (1947–2022), “No Country for Old Men” actress

Kathy Lamkin was an actress known for her performances in movies including “No Country for Old Men” and the 2003 remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Joe Messina (1928–2022), guitarist with Motown’s Funk Brothers

Joe Messina was a guitarist with the Funk Brothers, the longtime studio band for Motown Records artists.

Timmy Brown (1937–2020), legendary Philadelphia Eagles running back

Timmy Brown was a star running backand kickreturnerfor the Philadelphia Eagles.He led the NFL in all-purpose yardsin 1962 and 1963.

Jay Benedict (1951–2020) "Aliens" actor

Jay Benedict was an actor known for his roles in "Aliens" and "The Dark Knight Rises."

Tom Dempsey (1947–2020), legendary NFL placekicker

Tom Dempsey was the legendary NFL placekicker whose 63-yard game winning field goal for the New Orleans Saints in 1970 was an NFL record for over 40 years.

Forrest Compton (1925–2020), “Gomer Pyle” actor

Forrest Compton was an actor best known for his roles on “Gomer Pyle: USMC” and “The Edge of Night.” 

Johnny Valiant (1946 – 2018), WWE Hall of Fame wrestler

The two-time World Tag Team Champion was known as “Luscious.”

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr., who was murdered 50 years ago today on April 4, 1968, is one of the most revered figures in American history. Born the son of a civil rights activist, he became one himself, inspired by the teachings of Jesus to dedicate his life to the service of others.

Roger Ebert, We'll See You At the Movies

Our society's culture critics have often tended to be a little, for lack of a better word, hoity-toity. Cooler than thou, if you will. They wax eloquent about that dense philosophical metaphysical book you couldn't get through once (but they just finished for an "enlightening" third time). They rave about that indie band you've never even heard of, and sing the praises of that art house film that put you to sleep.