Sam Shepard, 'Poet Laureate Of America's Emotional Badlands,' Dies At 73

July 31, 2017

A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Oscar-nominated actor, Shepard cut a towering presence in theater and cinema. He died last week of complications from ALS, a family spokesman says.

Jazz

Grammy Award-Winning Latin Jazz Flutist Dave Valentin Dies At 64

March 9, 2017

Dave Valentin became one of the pre-eminent flutists in Latin jazz. He was known for his creative combination of fusion, pop and R&B.

Bill Paxton, Prolific Actor And Star Of 'Titanic' And 'Apollo 13,' Dies At 61

February 26, 2017

Paxton was perhaps best known for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters, but he also took starring turns in TV series like Big Love and Training Day.

Jazz

Al Jarreau, Versatile Vocalist Who 'Played His Voice,' Dies At 76

February 14, 2017

Since the legendary singer began his career in the 1960s, he won Grammys in the jazz, pop and R&B categories. Just one clue that Jarreau, who died Sunday, was impossible to categorize.

Gene Cernan, Last Man To Walk On The Moon, Dies At 82

January 16, 2017

Cernan flew in space three times, took the second American spacewalk, and was just as thrilled to walk on the moon as if he had been the first to do it.

Classical

Georges Prêtre, A Conductor With A 70-Year Career, Dies At 92

January 5, 2017

The veteran musician specialized in French repertoire and collaborated with some of the world's most famous opera singers, including Maria Callas.

Creator Of Red Solo Cup, Robert Hulseman, Dies At 84

December 30, 2016

You might not know Robert Hulseman by name but there is a good chance you've held his invention. It's the go-to drinking vessel for picnics, parties and keggers.

Actress Debbie Reynolds Has Died At Age 84, Son Says

December 28, 2016

(AP) - Actress Debbie Reynolds, the star of the 1952 classic "Singin' in the Rain," has died. She was 84.

Jazz

Celebrated Jazz Musician Mose Allison Dies At 89

November 17, 2016

Pianist, singer and composer Mose Allison's witty and often-acerbic lyrics were favorites of jazz fans and the British rockers who covered his songs. Hear a CapRadio Music interview with Allison from 2006, ahead of a performance in Grass Valley.

Gwen Ifill, Host Of 'Washington Week' And 'PBS NewsHour,' Dies

November 14, 2016

Ifill was a veteran Washington journalist who covered seven presidential campaigns and moderated the vice presidential debates in 2004 and 2008.