obituaries

'Fresh Air' Remembers LGBTQ Pioneer Phyllis Lyon

2:10pm April 14, 2020

by Terry Gross

Lyon, who died April 9, was an outspoken activist for gay rights and the co-founder, with Del Martin, of America's first national lesbian group, the Daughters of Bilitis. Originally broadcast in 1992.

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Music & Culture

Bassist Andy González, Who Brought Bounce To Latin Dance And Jazz, Dies At 69

4:19pm April 10, 2020

by Felix Contreras

The Bronx-born González often played with his brother, Jerry, and had turns in the bands of Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente, among many others.

Music & Culture

A Salute To John Prine, A Meticulous Craftsman With A Gift For Detail

1:48pm April 10, 2020

by Ken Tucker

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who died April 7, took a journeyman's pride in unifying metaphor and metrical precision. Prine's eccentric music served him — and us — well for five decades.

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Richard Teitelbaum, photographed performing at the BIMHUIS in Amsterdam on Oct. 18, 1991.

Music & Culture

Richard Teitelbaum, Experimentalist With An Earth-Spanning Ear, Dead At 80

5:23pm April 09, 2020

by Nate Chinen

As a young man, Teitelbaum looked to avant-garde artists like John Cage for inspiration. He'd later follow those footsteps towards figuring out how to make music from — what else? — brain waves.

John Prine, seen here performing during Coachella in 2014, died Tuesday night from complications of COVID-19.

Music & Culture

John Prine, Revered Nashville Songwriter, Dies At 73 From COVID-19 Complications

10:13pm April 07, 2020

by Annie Zaleski

The folk and country star had been hospitalized on a ventilator for more than a week.

John Prine, performing during Coachella on April 27, 2014.

Music & Culture

John Prine, Hero Of 'New' Nashville, Dies After Developing COVID-19 Symptoms

10:08pm April 07, 2020

by Annie Zaleski

The beloved singer-songwriter who influenced generations of folk, country and Americana artists died Tuesday at the age of 73.

Music & Culture

John Prine's Songs Saw The Whole Of Us

10:05pm April 07, 2020

by Ann Powers

The music of this quintessential Nashville songwriter and lifelong independent spirit makes room for the wide range of emotions that careen through people as they stumble and dance through life.

Hal Willner, onstage at the Celebrate Brooklyn! music festival in Brooklyn, New York in 2007.

Hal Willner, 'SNL' Staple And Acclaimed Music Producer, Has Died

7:54pm April 07, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The multi-faceted and musically voracious producer died one day after his 64th birthday, which was Monday, at home in New York City. He had symptoms consistent with those caused by COVID-19.

Music & Culture

Remembering New Orleans Bounce DJ Black N Mild

4:12pm April 07, 2020

DJ Black N Mild brought New Orleans bounce music to the radio. He is one of the hundreds of New Orleans residents who have died from the coronavirus.

Music & Culture

Remembering Bill Withers, Singer-Songwriter Of 'Ain't No Sunshine' And 'Lean On Me'

5:58pm April 03, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

Singer and songwriter Bill Withers has died. He's best known for songs including "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine." Withers died Monday at the age of 81.

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