obituaries

Phil Spector in the studio in an undated photo.

Music & Culture

Phil Spector, Legendary Record Producer And Convicted Murderer, Has Died At 81

2:52pm January 17, 2021

by Neda Ulaby

The famous — even infamous — producer, known for his "wall of sound," died Saturday. He produced records for The Ronettes, Ike and Tina Turner as well as The Beatles, among many others.

Queue Listen Now

Cuban American Legal Pioneer Osvaldo Soto Dies At 91

4:04pm January 15, 2021

by Greg Allen

Miami is mourning the death of a legal pioneer. Osvaldo Soto successfully fought for the repeal of an "English-only" law in Miami-Dade County. He has died at age 91.

Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls, shown here performing in 2007, has died at the age of 69.

Music & Culture

Sylvain Sylvain, New York Dolls Guitarist, Dies At 69

3:34pm January 15, 2021

by Marissa Lorusso

Sylvain's rhythm guitar playing was the foundation for the raw, hard-driving sound of the New York Dolls, who presaged punk and new wave and influenced generations of musicians.

Las Vegas entertainers Siegfried Fischbacher (left) and Roy Horn pose with their white tiger.

Arts

Siegfried Fischbacher Of Siegfried & Roy Dies At 81

2:17pm January 14, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

Fischbacher died Wednesday night in his home in Las Vegas from pancreatic cancer. His death came just months after his magic partner Roy Horn died of COVID-19 related complications in May.

Sheldon Adelson, with his wife, Miriam, talks with then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson before a 2017 speech by President Trump at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Sheldon Adelson, Conservative Donor And Casino Titan, Dies At 87

8:47pm January 12, 2021

by Peter Overby

Adelson built a casino empire that stretched from Las Vegas to Singapore. His huge donations to conservative causes in the U.S. and Israel helped shape politics in both countries.

Queue Listen Now

Tuba Virtuoso Howard Johnson Dies At 79

4:20pm January 12, 2021

Howard Johnson, an American jazz musician known for his mastery of tuba and baritone saxophone, has died at age 79. NPR remembers his life and legacy.

Rep. Jamie Raskin remembers his son, Tommy, as "remarkable from the beginning." Tommy Raskin, who had depression for years, killed himself on Dec. 31.

Rep. Jamie Raskin On The Life And Legacy Of His Son, Tommy Raskin

4:19pm January 09, 2021

by James Doubek

On New Year's Eve, 25-year-old Tommy Raskin killed himself. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland talked with NPR about his son's life and the outpouring of tributes to him.

Queue Listen Now

In the long-running "Up" series, Michael Apted began with a group of British children, and checked in with them every seven years as they aged. 63 Up came out in 2019, and he said he hoped to release 84 Up at age 99. He's pictured above at the Dubai Inter

Arts

Michael Apted, Director Of The 'Up' Documentary Series, Dies At 79

10:03pm January 08, 2021

by Neda Ulaby

Apted's pioneering documentary series began with a group of British children and checked in with them every seven years. He also directed Coal Miner's Daughter and The World Is Not Enough.

Sports

MLB Hall Of Famer Tommy Lasorda Dies At 93

4:08pm January 08, 2021

by Ted Robbins

Baseball Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda has died at age 93. Unlike most managers who move from team to team, Lasorda spent his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. NPR remembers his life.

LA Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda argues a call with an umpire during a game against the New York Mets in 1992. During his two decades as manager, Lasorda led Los Angeles to two World Series championships.

Sports

Legendary Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda Dies At 93

2:12pm January 08, 2021

by Ted Robbins

During his two decades as manager, the irascible, beloved Lasorda led Los Angeles to two World Series championships and four National League pennants.