Johnny Cash (1932–2003), legendary musician known as “The Man in Black"

His signature songs included "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues."

The Great Escape

Jack Harrison was the last known survivor of a famous escape plot by Allied prisoners during WWII. But was the escape worth the terrible price some paid?

They Don't Make Them Like They Used To

Retired General Motors president and former CEO died June 13, 2010, at the age of 87. Reading his obituary provided a lesson in how much Detroit CEO culture and corporate careerism in general have changed since the post-war auto boom of the 1950s.

Close Encounters of the Eccentric Kind

Father Paul Ingelsby, Anglican priest and UFOlogist, once tried to convince the Queen that "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was a mind control plot.

Stephen Gilbert, Ratman Writer

Stephen Gilbert fought the Nazis and advocated for nuclear disarmament. But mostly, he is remembered for a story about rats.

Dick Buckley, Chicago Jazz Stalwart

Dick Buckleyhosted jazz programs on WBEZ in Chicago for 30 years.

Carl Gordon, Late Bloomer

In his late 30s, Carl Gordon found himself twice-divorced, stuck in a dead-end manual labor job with the feeling that his life was going nowhere. By the time he died this week at age 78, he’d appeared in 26 TV shows and movies and a slew of Broadway productions.

Matthew Weikert: Bringing Afghanistan Home

In 2010, hundreds came together in Illinois to honor a Marine and Army veteran who had recently been deployed to Afghanistan.

Clint Formby, Radio Philosopher

The "Day-By-Day Philosopher" had the longest-running consecutive radio broadcast in history.

George Brandon Ellis, Jack of All Trades

WWII Air Force bomber. Realtor. Dry cleaner. Publisher. Clown, musician, stand-up comedian, fisherman — there wasn’t much George Brandon Ellis didn’t do in his life.

The Afterlife of Pat Tillman

Though Pat Tillman died six years ago, a new documentary opening tomorrow shows that questions still linger about the events surrounding his death.

Remembering Aaron Spelling on 90210 Day

On "90210 Day," we take a look back at the career of TV’s most successful producer.

Oliver Sipple: The Man Who Saved Ford

Thirty-five years ago today, President Gerald Ford’s life was saved by an ex-Marine named Oliver Sipple. As the debate over “don’t ask don’t tell” rages on, his story is worth revisiting.

Norman Wisdom, Chaplin’s Favorite Clown

Norman Wisdom was Britain’s biggest box office draw and an icon in, of all places, Albania. What made his brand of humour so popular?

The Creations of Alex Anderson

Rocky and Bullwinkle creator Alex Anderson died Oct. 22, 2010 at age 90. We take a look back at his career and the lovable moose and flying squirrel he's remembered for.

Terry Southern, American Satirist

Here are 15 things to know about the man who helped script "Dr. Strangelove" and "Easy Rider."

Politicos of the Past

As Election Day 2010 gets underway, we take a look back at a few notable politicians who died earlier this year.

Clark Gable By the Numbers

We look back at the life and career of silver screen icon Clark Gable.

The Many Hats of Roald Dahl

Children's author, writer of spooky adult fiction, TV host, ace fighter pilot and inventor Roald Dahl died 20 years ago today. Here are 20 facts about his life and work.

Paddy Chayefsky, Keeping it Real

Paddy Chayefsky was the leading screenwriter during TV’s golden age and remains the only solo scribe to win three Academy awards. On his 88th birthday, we look back at his life and work.

Sir Stanley Matthews, Wizard of the Dribble

The only soccer player to be knighted while still playing.

Marvin Gaye: What's Going On

Marvin Gaye personified the changing landscape of R&B in a career that spanned not just the tumultuous 1960s, but 26 years that saw the art form go from innocent street corner doo-wop to the sexually charged soul music of the 1980s. No mere dabbler or genre-hopper, with each reinvention Gaye broke new ground and created classic records still in heavy rotation around the world. He scored 41 Billboard Top 40 hits in all—including reworked material released nearly two decades after his death. According to Forbes , in 2008 he ranked 13th in posthumous performer earnings, pulling in $3.5 million in royalties, a tribute to how much his music remains with us.

Dusan Saula, Uncommon Lover of Animals

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obituary for Dusan Saula details his love for animals – and the unusual way he saved a chipmunk’s life.

Sugar Ray Robinson: The World's Best Fighter

Here are 20 facts you may not know about Sugar Ray Robinson , the boxer once called the greatest fighter of all time.

James Beard, American Gourmand

James Beard, born this day in 1903, was a pioneer in establishing America's early gourmet food identity. Here's a look at the life of the chef and food writer and his influence on the country's culinary tastes.

Finnish Soldier

The obituary for Antti Juvonen offers lessons in the contemporary history and customs of Finland.

A Green Beret and More

Leonard J. Kratcoski served his country through three wars, with two military branches.

J. T. Britton, Distinguished Service Cross recipient

J. T. Britton was the last surviving member of the most highly decorated aircrew in U.S. history...

Robert Aurand received Silver Star for military service in Vietnam

Robert Aurand didn’t talk much about his war experiences, but he sure was proud to have served his country.

Remembering the SEALs

Since 2001 the Navy SEALs have been heavily utilized in the War on Terror. As we celebrate the success of Team 6 in carrying out Operation Neptune Spear, it's fitting that we remember some of their fellow SEALs who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Distinguished Flying Cross recipients

The Distinguished Flying Cross is the third-highest award – behind the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross – for recognizing airmen for valor in aerial combat operations.

Remembering Flag-Wavers on Flag Day

We salute patriotic Americans who showed their love of country by proudly flying the American flag.

Sgt. Linda Lamour Pierre, 28, killed in Afghanistan

The town of Immokalee, Florida, honored their hometown hero Army Sgt. Linda Lamour Pierre, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Veteran Died While Changing the Flag

Korean War veteran James Catron died of natural causes on Memorial Day while attempting to replace a tattered American flag atop his 20-foot TV tower.

The Soldier and his Bride

This heartwrenching story of a soldier and the woman who loved him has an unexpected ending.

Saluting SEALs, Soldiers and Airmen

We pay tribute to the 30 brave U.S. servicemen who died August 6 when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

Civil Rights Lawyer

Bernard Segal spent 39 years at Golden Gate University teaching future lawyers the litigation skills he learned defending civil rights and antiwar protesters.

Breast Cancer Activist

After her breast cancer diagnosis, Lydia J. Cosumano made awareness, detection, and finding a cure her focus.

Veteran Waited 60 Years for a Special Delivery

Postal worker Rocco Gedaro had to wait nearly 60 years to receive the sergeant stripes he earned while serving with the Army’s 90th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II.

Saluting a Civil War Veteran

Civil War veteran Alvin C. Smith was recently eulogized at a graveside ceremony, more than 60 years after his death.

Semper Fi

In recognition of the Marine Corps' 236th birthday on Nov. 10, 2011, and Veterans Day today, we give an ooh-rah to a handful of former Marines who died in recent weeks.

Jason Dunham's Medal of Honor

Corporal Jason Dunham, United States Marine Corps, holds a distinction that only a few of the best and bravest share.

Dying Homeless in Chattanooga

For the homeless in Chattanooga, death holds a bit more dignity than it might in other cities thanks to Brother Ron Fender, a social worker who cares for the homeless in life and in death.

Bo Schembechler Stayed and Was Champion

Legendary Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler died five years ago today. We look at great moments in the career of one of the greatest to ever coach on the gridiron.

Grace Hopper, Computer Pioneer

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist.

An Alabama Love Story

When asked, “What makes a marriage last,” Margaret Monte raised a conspiratorial eyebrow and smiled: “It takes a lot of patience.”

Clara Barton, Battlefield Angel

One hundred years ago today, Clara Barton died, leaving behind an enormous humanitarian legacy.

Don Ho’s Hawaii

Singer and Hawaiian icon Don Ho died April 14, 2007. On the fifth anniversary of his death, Jessica Campbell fondly recalled meeting the legendary entertainer.

Burl Ives: Everyone's Favorite Uncle

Burl Ives, born June 14, 1909, is best known today for his part as the snowman-narrator in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but he also enjoyed a decades-long career as a folk singer, actor and writer.