Music & Culture

Demetria or "Demi" Bannister, of Columbia, S.C., died at the age of 28.

Demetria Bannister, 28: Kirk Franklin's 'The Storm Is Over Now'

4:46pm February 28, 2021

Demetria or "Demi" Bannister had a powerful voice — singing or not — that could touch the heart of anyone she encountered.

David Smith Sr., of Vinton, La., was a master fisherman. He died of COVID-19 on New Year's Day at the age of 70.

David Smith Sr., 70: Sam Cooke's 'Bring It Home To Me'

2:00pm February 28, 2021

When David's son hears Sam Cooke sing, he thinks of his dad's enduring love, enthusiastic embrace ... and his fish fries.

Jim Haefele passed away from COVID-19 in May 2020.

Jim Haefele, 65: 'The Irish Blessing'

1:00pm February 28, 2021

Former students recorded one of their teacher's favorite songs to be played for him just before his death.

A young Jack Ranney, of Champaign, Ill., plays the violin for his daughter, Jillian. Jack died Nov. 23, 2020, at the age of 80 from COVID-19.

Jack Ranney, 80: Edward Elgar's 'Nimrod'

12:01pm February 28, 2021

Jack was a trained violinist and orchestra conductor who shared his love for classical music with his family.

Usha Subrahmanyam, of New York, N.Y., died at the age of 69.

Usha Subrahmanyam, 69: Norah Jones' 'Don't Know Why'

11:00am February 28, 2021

Usha turned the soothing sounds of Norah Jones while she was in the hospital.

Susan Owens (center), of Charlotte, N.C., died at the age of 63.

Susan Owens, 63: Bruce Springsteen's 'The Rising'

10:00am February 28, 2021

Even with countless challenges in her life, this mother always rose to the occasion to the sound of The Boss.

Sam Corpora, of Hearne, Texas, died at the age of 72.

Sam Corpora, 72: Merle Haggard's 'Silver Wings'

8:01am February 28, 2021

"Silver Wings" was the soundtrack to the milestones Corpora and his daughter experienced together.

Jimmy Sweeney's Daughter On Her Father's Influence On Elvis

8:01am February 28, 2021

NPR's Scott Simon speak with Eugenia Sweeney, the daughter of Jimmy Sweeney, who was an early unacknowledged influence on Elvis Presley. We also talk with music historian Christopher Kennedy.

Jason Holland, 47: Maroon 5's 'Memories'

5:22pm February 27, 2021

The song helped his friend process the grief the followed Holland's death from COVID-19 complications.

James L. Tomasik - or Jim - of Cordova and Memphis, Tenn., died at the age of 58 from COVID-19.

James L. Tomasik, 58: Johnny Cash's 'Sunday Morning, Coming Down'

2:00pm February 27, 2021

This father used to play a handful of songs, notably Cash's "Sunday Morning Coming Down," while cooking up a hot plate of breakfast.