2024

Aston Family Man Barrett died February 3, 2024.

Aston Family Man Barrett was born Aston Francis Barrett on November 22, 1946, in Kingston, Jamaica, and emerged from humble beginnings to become a pivotal figure in the reggae music scene. As a member of the Barrett family, Aston grew up in a musical environment that nurtured his talents and instilled in him a deep appreciation for the rhythms and melodies that characterized Jamaican music. Raised in a Rastafarian household, Barrett’s early influences included not just the vibrant sounds of ska and rocksteady but also the spiritual teachings of Rastafari, which would inform his artistic journey throughout his life. Barrett’s…
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Actor and singer Bill Hayes died January 12, 2024.

William Foster Hayes III, known professionally as Bill Hayes, was an American actor and recording artist whose career spanned over seven decades. Born on June 5, 1925, in Harvey, Illinois, Hayes left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his versatile talents in acting and singing. Hayes’ early years were marked by a profound engagement with music and performance. He attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he honed his singing skills, graduating with a double major in music and English. His education was briefly interrupted by his service in the United States Navy during World War II, where…
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Scorpions drummer James Kottak died January 9, 2024.

James Kottak (December 26, 1962 – January 9, 2024) was an American drummer renowned for his tenure with the German hard rock band Scorpions. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Kottak’s career in music was marked by both his technical proficiency and his charismatic stage presence. His contributions to the Scorpions were pivotal during his nearly two-decade-long association with the band, cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in rock drumming. Kottak’s early life was steeped in music. He began playing drums at an early age, demonstrating a natural aptitude that would shape his future career. Before joining the Scorpions, Kottak was…
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Singer and Starsky & Hutch actor David Soul died January 4, 2024.

David Soul, born David Richard Solberg on August 28, 1943, and passing away on January 4, 2024, was a distinguished American-British actor and singer who left a lasting impact on both the television and music industries. Renowned for his charismatic screen presence and vocal talent, Soul’s career spanned several decades, marked by a blend of popular success and critical acclaim. Early Life and Career Beginnings David Soul was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a family with a strong cultural and academic background. His father, Dr. Richard Solberg, was a Lutheran minister, professor, and an executive at the Lutheran World Federation,…
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