Randy Sparks (1933–2024), founder of the New Christy Minstrels 

Randy Sparks was a singer-songwriter who founded the New Christy Minstrels, a group that was part of the 1960s folk revival, and whose Grammy Award-winning debut was on the charts for two years.

<strong>Austin Majors (1995–2023), NYPD Blue actor</strong> 

Austin Majors was an American actor best known for his role as Theo Sipowicz on the police drama “NYPD Blue.”

Arlene Pieper Stine (1930–2021), first woman to finish a marathon

Arlene Pieper Stine became the first woman to officially finish a sanctioned marathon in 1959, when she ran the Pikes Peak Marathon.

S. Prestley Blake (1914–2021), co-founder of Friendly’s restaurant chain

S. Prestley Blake co-founded the Friendly’s chain of restaurants along with his brother, Curtis Blake.

Paul English (1932–2020), longtime drummer for Willie Nelson

Paul English  was the longtime drummer, best friend, and bodyguard for legendary country music artist Willie Nelson. English was involved in gangs and had been in trouble with the law when he met Nelson early in the singer’s career. English helped Nelson collect overdue money from club owners, eventually becoming Nelson’s regular drummer in 1966. The close bond between Nelson and English was immortalized in Nelson’s song “Me and Paul,” which told the story of their adventures together.  

Joseph Shabalala (1940–2020), founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Joseph Shabalala was a singer and musician who founded the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and served as their music director, bringing traditional Zulu music to a worldwide audience. Founded in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo recorded Africa’s first gold album, 1973’s “Amabutho.” They gained international fame when Paul Simon collaborated with them for his 1986 Grammy-winning album “Graceland.” Ladysmith Black Mambazo sang on several tracks, and Shabalala co-composed the song “Homeless” with Simon. Simon produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s 1987 album Shaka Zulu,” which won a Grammy, their first of five, for Best Traditional Folk Recording. The group went on to appear in Michael Jackson’s 1988 movie “Moonwalker” and to sing at South African President Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration. Shabalala remained with Ladysmith Black Mambazo until his 2014 retirement; the group continues touring today.

Jan Maxwell (1956 – 2018), Broadway star

Five-time Tony Award nominee…

Vic Damone (1928 – 2018), popular crooner

Frank Sinatra said he had "the best pipes in the business"…

Asma Jahangir (1952 – 2018), prominent human rights activist in Pakistan

OnTime Magazine'slist of the 100 most influential womenf

Trendsetter Alexander McQueen

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen spent a relatively short time in the spotlight — he was only 40 when he ended his own life Feb. 11, 2010 — and yet he continues to influence his field.

Whitney Houston: The Greatest of All

What would the music world be today if there had been no Whitney Houston?

Peter Benchley: Just When You Thought it Was Safe...

Later this month at the Cannes Film Festival, Steven Spielberg will present a restored version of his classic creature-feature, Jaws... and once again, it won't be safe to go back in the water.

We Will Always Love Whitney

2012's Grammy awards came at a sad and shocking time for the music world: just one day before the award ceremony, Whitney Houston died at age 48.