obits
Funk Trailblazer Betty Davis Dead At 77
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Anthony Barboza / Getty Betty Davis exploded onto the music scene in the 1970s, sporting a brash and sultry image that made her an icon to many. The pioneering funk singer and songwriter passed away this week, and we look back at her life. Fans of funk will most likely be familiar with Davis via her stylish album covers that served as precursors for the likes of other sex-positive artists such as Lil’ Kim, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and even Madonna before them. She was born Betty Mabry in Durham, N.C., and was raised partially in the Pittsburgh suburb of Homestead. At 16, she left home to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and found her footing in the fashion-forward scene of Greenwich Village and New York overall....
Betty Davis, Funk Icon, Dies at 77
Betty Davis, the trailblazing funk and soul musician, has died at the age of 77. A statement on Davis’ website confirmed the news of her death. She died of natural causes “At 4:40 a.m. EST on February 9, 2022, visionary singer, songwriter, producer, and fashion icon Betty Mabry Davis began her eternal rest,” the statement began. “It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Betty Davis, a multi-talented music influencer and pioneer rock star, singer, songwriter, and fashion icon. Most of all, Betty was a friend, aunt, niece, and beloved member of her community of Homestead, Pennsylvania, and of the worldwide community of friends and fans,” Connie Portis, Davis’ friend of 65 years, said. Rolling Stone was first to report Davis’ death. Born on July 26, 1944, Davis was bor...
Chicago Soul Singer Syl Johnson Dead At 85, Hit Song “Different Stroke” Legendary In Hip-Hop Sampling
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Timothy Hiatt / Getty Syl Johnson, a soul and blues singer out of Chicago, has reportedly died. Johnson’s 1967 hit “Different Strokes” was used by a number of Hip-Hop notables via sampling. Local outlet CBS Chicago reports that the family of Johnson issued a public statement regarding the passing, which occurred this past Sunday (Feb. 6). From CBS Chicago: Hall of Fame Legend, Syl Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, MS). Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend & Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who loved black music,” the family said in a statement. As the outlet notes, Johnson’s brother, Blues guitarist and singer Jimmy Johnson passed away six days prior at the age of 93. Johnson was...
Meatloaf, Famed Rock Singer & Actor, Dies At 74
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: Brian Rasic / Getty Meatloaf, one of the highest-selling artists of his era and a beloved figure in the Rock music genre, has died. According to a report, Meatloaf passed away on Thursday (Jan. 20) with his family and friends close by. Deadline reports that Meatloaf, born Marvin Lee Aday and later changing his first name to Michael, was surrounded by his wife Deborah, two daughters, and close family friends by way of an account from Meatloaf’s agent, Michael Greene. The outlet shared a portion of a statement from the family: “We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man,” Meat Loaf’s family said in a statement...
Fashion Maven André Leon Talley Dies At 73
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: Cindy Ord / Getty André Leon Talley, a fashion legend who made his mark as the former creative director of Vogue, has reportedly passed away. Talley was battling a long-term illness, according to still-developing reports. TMZ was among the first to report the passing of Talley after confirming the news with a source who says that the iconic fashion maven passed away on Tuesday (Jan. 18) in White Plains, N.Y. More from TMZ: Talley was instrumental to Vogue’s vision and direction in the ’80s and ’90s, when he worked his way up the magazine ranks to eventually become the news director — which he helmed from ’83 to ’87 — and then ascended to Vogue’s creative director in ’88. He held that post for a good 7 or so years, and before long … he was heading up...
Houston Rapper Sad Frosty Dead At 24
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: Screencap / Instagram Sad Frosty, a rapper who amassed a strong online following, has reportedly died. The cause of death remains unknown, and many of Sad Frosty’s peers took to Twitter to mourn him. There isn’t much online regarding Sad Frosty’s personal life, but what we have learned is that he was born on March 4, 1997, and was raised in the Houston, Texas area. The U.S. Sun reports that Frosty broke wide with 2018’s “ADHD Freestyle.” Frosty released two full-length projects, A Playlist, and Playground, in 2018 and 2019 respectively. His last two songs, “Beavis & Butt-head” with DC The Don and “Dopamine Freestyle,” were released in 2021. Sad Frosty was 24. — Photo: Instagram
James Mtume, R&B & Jazz Musician, Has Reportedly Died
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: David Corio / Getty James Mtume, a jazz musician who went on to form the R&B band Mtume, has reportedly died. Mtume was behind the massive “Juicy Fruit” hit, famously sampled by The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy” smash. As confirmed by Pitchfork, Mtume, who recently celebrated his birthday according to an Instagram post, passed over the weekend but the reason was not disclosed. Via Twitter, Lisa Lucas, the daughter of Mtume’s partner Reggie Lucas, took to social media to comment on the loss of the man she referred to as an uncle. Mtume was born James Heath on January 3, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pa. He was the son of jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath and was raised by stepfather James Forman, a jazz pianist. In interviews, Mtume remarked on instances as a y...
Bob Saget, Full House Star and Stand-Up Comedian, Dies at 65
Bob Saget, best known for his role as Danny Tanner in the late ’80s/early ’90s sitcom Full House, has died at the age of 65. According to a statement from the Orlando County Sheriff’s Department, Saget was found in his room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando. Here’s the statement: Earlier today, deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for a call about an unresponsive man in a hotel room. The man was identified as Robert Saget & pronounced deceased on scene. Detectives found no signs of foul play or drug use in this case. Saget’s cause of death is unknown. TMZ was first to report the news of the comedian’s death. He was in Central Florida as part of a stand-up tour that was supposed to run through May. Born in Philadelphia on May 17, 1956, Saget got his start on CBS’ ...
Michael Lang, Woodstock Co-Founder, Dies at 77
Michael Lang, the promoter who is best known for creating Woodstock, has died at the age of 77. According to Billboard, Lang died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at New York City’s Sloan-Kettering Hospital. His friend Michael Pagnotta also confirmed the news in a tweet late Saturday evening. Born in Brooklyn on December 11, 1944, Lang’s first event that he produced was the 1968 Miami Pop Festival. That lineup included future legends like Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker and Mothers of Invention. After moving back to New York, Lang, along with John Rosenman, Artie Kornfeld and John P. Roberts, conceived what would become Woodstock. The event, which took place in August 1969, came to define a generation and was the iconic cultural moment of the 1960s. Woodstock featured now-legendary sets from Jimi...
‘The Mack’ Actor Max Julien Dies At 88
HipHopWired Featured Video Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Max Julien, an actor who made a star turn as Goldie in the Blaxploitation classic The Mack, has died. Beyond acting, Julien was also a designer and sculptor among many other creative pursuits. The news was broken by comic book writer, illustrator, and journalist David F. Walker via his Instagram account. Walker shared that he first met Julien back in 1996 and forged a strong friendship as a result. From Walker’s Instagram post: Jan. 1, 1945 – Jan. 1, 2022 I met Max back in 1996. He was a great human being, and we had so many amazing conversations. He was brilliant and hilarious and charismatic… R.I.P}} Julien was born Maxwell Banks in 1933 and was raised in Washington, D.C. His acting career began in New York City via Off-Bro...
Betty White Dead At 99, Twitter Reacts #BettyWhite
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: CBS Photo Archive / Getty Betty White, one of the most beloved figures of all time in entertainment, has enjoyed support from a fanbase that spans decades. On New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), the veteran actress passed away at the age of 99. As reported by TMZ, reps for White say that she wasn’t battling any known illnesses and kept close to home in the midst of the pandemic. Betty Marion White was born in Oak Park, Ill., on January 17, 1922. As a baby, the family relocated to Los Angeles where she later discovered a passion for writing. Inspired by the careers of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, White pursued the craft of acting. While her film career began in 1945, it was in the 1950s that White found her fame in television, including her own self-tit...
NFL Hall Of Fame Legend & Broadcaster John Madden Dead At 85
HipHopWired Featured Video CLOSE Source: Focus On Sport / Getty John Madden, who made his mark as an NFL coach and later a notable broadcaster, has died. The Hall of Fame figure led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl championship and is perhaps best known for the award-winning video game series that carries his name. According to a report from the NFL, Madden was not battling any known illnesses and died unexpectedly. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement honoring the coach and broadcaster. From NFL.com: “On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, ...
