RIP - Astrid Kircherr

Astrid Kircherr, the German photographer who befriended the Beatles during their time in Hamburg, passed away on May 13, 2020 at age 81.

She became the band's photographer in the early days. Here are some of her more well-known photos:

Pete Best, George, John, Paul, Stu Sutcliffe

Stu and John

Stu and Paul

During the Beatles' first trip to Hamburg, she and their early-bassist Stu Sutcliffe became romantically involved. He quit the band to remain in Germany with her.


Kircherr also suggested the hairstyle that the Beatles came to wear beginning around 1960. Previously, they looked like the photos above.

Origin of the hairstyle

 
BBC News obituary

Rolling Stone obituary
 

RIP - Little Richard

Little Richard (Richard Penniman), one of the early pioneers of rock and roll, passed away today, May 9, 2020 at age 87.

My first exposure to him was through the Beatles' cover of "Long Tall Sally". Later I heard "Tutti-Frutti", "Good Golly Miss Molly", "Lucille", and the rest.

People Magazine obituary

Comments from Ringo, Brian Wilson, and others
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RIP - Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas, the last remaining male movie star from Hollywood's Golden Age, passed away on February 5, 2020 at age 103.

Douglas appeared in over 85 movies from 1946 to 2004. Surprisingly, he never won an Oscar for best actor, although he was nominated three times in the 1950s.

Possibly best-known for his role in "Spartacus", my kids remember him as "the guy who sang A Whale of a Tale" in Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea".

The Hollywood Reporter obituary

CBS News Obituary
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RIP - Edd "Kookie" Byrnes

Edd Byrnes, who played cool characters on 1950s' TV show "77 Sunset Strip" and the 1978 movie "Grease", passed away on January 8, 2020 at age 87.

He was never far from his trademark comb, neither as the fast-talking parking lot attendant on "77", nor the high school dance emcee in "Grease".

I found a 45 of his signature song at a used record store several years ago.

Los Angeles Times obituary
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RIP - Neil Peart

Neil Peart, drummer for Canadian rock group Rush, passed away on January 7, 2020 at age 67.

This occurred just 3 months after the death of Ginger Baker, a top drummer from the 1960s.

Peart is often considered to be one of the top 3 rock drummers (with John Bonham and Keith Moon).

No need to revisit his career here. If you've read this far, you're probably already a fan.

Fox News obituary .

RIP - Karen Pendleton

Karen Pendleton, one of nine Mouseketeers to appear on the show's entire 1950s run, passed away on October 6, 2019 at age 73.

Wikipedia

RIP - Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker, one of the top all-time rock drummers, died today October 6, 2019 at age 80.

Baker had been ill for some time, and had open heart surgery in 2016.

The drummer for the 3-piece English band Cream from 1966-68, he remained with Cream band mate Eric Clapton for their next project, the short-lived Blind Faith. It's been said that Baker pioneered the use of 2-bass drum kits.

Back in the 1960s my brother was a big Cream fan, having bought the single "White Room" and several of their albums. I jumped on the bandwagon later, and bought the DVD of their reunion shows at Albert Hall as soon as it was released.

New York Times obituary

Rolling Stone Magazine

CBS News obituary
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