Artist Joe Messerli, b. 1930, died on June 23, 2010 in his home of
Fairfield CT. Last Christmas he mentioned that he was battling cancer.
Messerli had a long and varied career that encompassed film,
television and publishing. He was an animator and background artist at
the UPA Studios in the 1950s, and while at UPA, he designed THE
TWILIGHT ZONE's title logo for Rod Serling. At NBC Burbank, he created
the title artwork seen on every episode of BONANZA (1959 - 1973), and
in the mid-1970s he drew/painted interstatial artwork for THE TONIGHT
SHOW.
Most of his career was spent in publishing, working on Looney Tunes,
Hanna-Barbera, Disney, etc. titles for Western Publishing, and later
for brief periods at DC and Marvel. These titles, particularly at
Western, included comic books, coloring books, Little Golden Books,
licensed products, etc.
While at Western Publishing, he was one of the primary artists on The
Three Stooges comic books from 1959 - mid-1960s, distributed by Dell,
and then Western's in-house Gold Key label; inventoried work and
reprints kept his artwork in issues into the early 1970s.
The home page of Joe Messerli's website provides much more detail on
his career credits...
http://www.joemesserli.com/
Allyn Ferguson dies at 85; prolific Hollywood composer
The Emmy-winning composer co-wrote the themes for "Charlie's Angels" and "Barney Miller" and wrote music for many other programs and movies. He was also an arranger and conductor.
June 28, 2010By Dennis McLellan, Los Angeles Times
Bob Chamberlin, Los Angeles TimesAllyn Ferguson, a prolific, Emmy-winning composer who co-wrote the themes for the popular TV series "Charlie's Angels" and "Barney Miller," has died. He was 85.
Ferguson, who also was known as an arranger and conductor, died of natural causes June 23 at his home in Westlake Village, said his daughter, Jill Ferguson.
Teamed with composer Jack Elliott in a television scoring partnership, Ferguson and Elliott wrote the themes for "Charlie's Angels" and "Barney Miller" in the 1970s as well as scores for episodes of numerous other series, including "The Rookies," "Starsky and Hutch," "Police Story" and "Banacek."
'Camelot' visual effects supervisor dies
Passed away in Ireland while shooting Starz series
By Mike Barnes
June 28, 2010, 06:51 PM ET
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3iee6a0d1f3...
Visual effects supervisor Steven Hodgson died June 16 while on the set
of the upcoming Starz TV series "Camelot" in Ireland. He was 50.
Hodgson, who had been battling cancer for several years, also worked on
the recent films "Hot Tub Time Machine" (2010), "The Uninvited" (2009),
"Vantage Point" (2008) and the July 30 release "Charlie St. Cloud" and
on the 2008 miniseries "Impact."
"Camelot," which focuses on the King Arthur legend, began production
Monday for a debut next year on Starz.
Hodgson was nominated for a Gemini Award -- Canada's highest honor for
work in TV -- for his efforts on "Impact" and on 2004's "The Collector."
Hodgson was born in Scotland and based in Vancouver. Survivors include
his wife, Patricia; children Michael, Lawrence, Madison and Elizabeth;
and his brother, Craig Hodgson.
Corey Allen, the last remaining cast member of "Rebel Without a Cause," died June 27 in Hollywood of natural causes. He was 75.
Allen played "Buzz," the tough in a black leather jacket who fatally challenges James Dean's character to a chicken race in the iconic "Rebel." After graduating from UCLA, he appeared in the short "A Time Out of War," which won an Oscar in 1954. Allen started performing in legit in plays around L.A., where he was seen by "Rebel" helmer Nicholas Ray, who cast him as Buzz.
Other film roles followed in such pics as "Private Property," "Party Girl," "Darby's Rangers" and "The Chapman Report." He also acted in television on series including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Perry Mason," "Bonanza" and "Gunsmoke."
Meanwhile, Allen branched into directing and helmed Equity plays as well as TV series beginning in 1969 such as "The New People," "Mannix," "Hawaii Five-O," "Barnaby Jones," "Police Woman" "Quincy Jones" "The Rockford Files."
In 1983 he won an Emmy for helming "Hill Street Blues." He was nommed by the DGA for "Hill Street Blues" and "The Streets of San Francisco."
His last outing was 1994's "The Cosby Mysteries." Over the course of 25 years he directed more than 75 series, including "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "The Paper Chase," for which he won an ACE cable kudo. He helmed some 20 telepics, among them "The Ann Jillian Story," which earned its eponymous star a Golden Globe in 1989.
Allen was also a teacher and instructed at the Actors Workshop, Margie Haber Studio and Columbia U., where he set the curriculum for the acting and directing courses.
Survivors include his daughter Robin Duncan, who ran Allen's business affairs for many years; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother.
MY NOTE: At least one other actor Jack Grinnage, who played Moose, is still alive.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Carpenters lead guitarist Tony Peluso dies
Later became a successful Motown, Latin music producer
By Mike Barnes
Hollywood Reporter
June 10, 2010
Tony Peluso, the lead guitarist for the Carpenters in the 1970s and
'80s who became a successful Motown and Latin music producer, died
June 5 of heart disease in Los Angeles. He was 60.
Peluso began as musical director for Bobby Sherman, played guitar for
Paul Revere and the Raiders, produced records for the likes of Smokey
Robinson and Michael Jackson and collaborated with Gustavo Santaolalla
on the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning "Brokeback Mountain."
Peluso's career brought him numerous gold and platinum records
representing sales of more than 150 million units and four Grammy
Awards out of 11 nominations.
As a child of the leading soprano for the Metropolitan and San
Francisco Opera companies and the music director for NBC Radio West
Coast, Peluso was inundated with music from an early age. It was not
uncommon for his Peluso family to entertain the likes of Les Paul or
Jascha Heifetz.
At 21, Peluso accepted an invitation to join the Carpenters, which
turned into a 12-year gig. He traveled the world touring with Richard
and Karen Carpenter and recorded many albums as their lead guitarist.
Perhaps his most memorable work with the Carpenters was on the 1972
power ballad "Goodbye to Love," where he conceived and played the
masterful, melodic solo and outro.
The Carpenters will be honored at the Hollywood Bowl on June 18, the
opening night of the season, and Richard Carpenter will perform.
After Karen Carpenter's death in 1983, Peluso explored producing and
engineering. He partnered for a decade with the head of A&R at Motown
Records and co-produced dozens of records for such artists as
Robinson, Jackson, the Temptations, the Four Tops and Sam Harris, the
first winner of television's "Star Search."
During the 1980s and '90s, Peluso also produced and/or engineered for
artists such as Kenny Loggins, Seals & Crofts, Apollonia, Player,
Animotion, Stephanie Mills, the Fixx, Dave Koz and Boyz II Men with
Selena. He also was in demand as a session guitar player.
In 1992, Peluso began an association with two-time Academy Award
winner Santaolalla. They pioneered the Latin genre known as Roc en
Espanol, selling millions of records worldwide. Peluso also worked
with such acclaimed Latin pop acts as Ricky Martin, Molotov and Cafe
Tacuba.
In 2005, Santaolalla brought Peluso on board for the production of the
soundtrack to "Brokeback Mountain"; its theme song, "The Wings," won
the 2005 Oscar for best original score.
Peluso continued to work with some of the best up and coming Latino
singers and musicians.
Peluso is survived by sons Joe and Andrew. Services will be held at 11
a.m. on June 26 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Northridge,
Calif.
James Pugliano / Drummer for The Jaggerz
Dec. 4, 1946 - June 15, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
James "Pugs" Pugliano, who was behind the drums for one of Pittsburgh's
biggest hit songs, died Tuesday in his Harmony home at age 63 of unknown
causes. Results of an autopsy are pending.
Mr. Pugliano, an Ambridge High School graduate, was the drummer for the
Beaver Falls-based band The Jaggerz on the group's breakout hit, "The
Rapper," which went to No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1970.
"We both joined the band together," said singer-bassist Jimmie Ross,
after they were invited to audition by group leader Donnie Iris and
guitarist Benny Faiella.
"He was a great musician," Mr. Ross said, "very passionate about music.
He had no problem going up to a drummer and saying 'Man, you're not
playing it right.' "
Along with putting The Jaggerz on "American Bandstand," "The Rapper,"
from the band's second album "We Went to Different Schools Together,"
has endured as a classic-rock radio hit that keeps the current lineup on
the concert circuit.
Mr. Pugliano played on the band's four albums, including the 1998
reunion record "And the Band Played On." He was also part of a Jaggerz
side project backing legendary deejay Wolfman Jack on a novelty album
that included "The Rapper."
Beyond the Jaggerz, the drummer toured with Tony Orlando, Willie Nelson,
Mel Tillis and John Davidson. He also served in the Air Force National
Guard.
Mr. Ross said when he wasn't drumming, he loved to hang out on the South
Side and had a passion for Italian cooking. "He made some wonderful
Italian sauces."
Mr. Pugliano is survived by his wife, Debra Garrison of Eugene, Ore.,;
his father, James V. Pugliano of Leetsdale; and a sister, Jeanne
Fitzgerald of Economy.
FORMER CZW CHAMPION, ROH HEADLINER TRENT ACID PASSES AWAY
By Mike Johnson on 2010-06-18 14:27:46
I am extremely sorry to report that Philadelphia-based Northeastern independent wrestler Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi was found dead this morning. He was only 29 years old.
Under his Trent Acid ring name, Verdi was one of the "can't miss" prospects of the Philadelphia independent scene during the early part of the decade, first as one half of the Backseat Boyz with long-time friend and partner Johnny Kashmere and then later as a singles competitor.
Acid held just about every title there was in Combat Zone Wrestling, which was really his home promotion in many respects and later on main evented for Ring of Honor in a great feud against Homicide.
In watching him at that point, there was no doubt he was going to go on to make a lot of money for a larger promotion, but personal problems bogged him down and he never seemed to overcome them.
Acid was arrested and jailed on several drug charges, being given probation. When that probation was violated, he ended up serving time in jail. During that time period, he noted to everyone how he wanted to get clean and get back to his two loves, music (he idolized Eddie Vedder) and pro wrestling.
Unfortunately, his personal issues continued upon his release, including recently being arrested for attempting to take dates with Big Japan Wrestling, which would have violated his probation yet again.
The early belief is that Verdi's death was drug-related, but nothing official has been ruled at this time. I know in recent weeks, he had been trying to get his life in order yet again. When I last spoke to him a few months back at a JAPW event, he was really excited about finally being "clear-headed" and wanted to do an interview discussing everything that had gone on in his life over the last few years.
I'll be writing a lot more about Verdi and his career (he really was one hell of a star locally during the hottest time period the Philadelphia indy scene ever had) in the days to come, but I just don't have the heart to look back on his career right now.
Verdi was someone who, deep down, had a great heart for the business and his friends - all of whom, myself included - were pushing for him to get back to being the performer he used to be and to find some happiness in his life. It really, truly breaks my heart that it's never going to happen on a level I can't even begin to convey in writing.
I am sure a lot of people are going to write about his drug issues and arrests in recent years and use that to paint a picture of who he was, but to me, I'd prefer to remember the Trent Acid who made so many independent shows fun with his antics and in-ring work, the "How is Gee" chants that no one but the old NYC bus trip crew got, the incredible series against Teddy Hart, his CZW feud with Ruckus, the Backseats' great turn in Phoenix Championship Wrestling and the Homicide feud.
I'd like to remember that time period where Trent Acid was poised to take on the world. That's the Michael Verdi I want to remember and the Michael Verdi I'll personally miss like hell.
Like I wrote, I'll have more on this in the days to come, but right now, I just don't have the heart to write anything more.
Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
Page last updated at 14:30 GMT, Friday, 18 June 2010 15:30 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version Neame directed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie starring Dame Maggie Smith Poseidon Adventure director Ronald "Ronnie" Neame has died in hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 99.
The British film-maker, who died on Wednesday, never recovered after suffering from a fall, said family friend and BBC correspondent Peter Bowes.
London-born Neame also worked as a cinematographer on films including Blithe Spirit and In Which We Serve.
He directed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, starring Dame Maggie Smith.
She won the best actress Oscar in 1969 for her portrayal of the inspirational teacher of six young girls.
Continue reading the main story They try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera
Ronald Neame on modern film-making
Neame also co-wrote screenplays including Great Expectations and Brief Encounter.
Classic disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, released in 1972 and co-directed with Irwin Allen, starred Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters and was mauled by critics.
Speaking to the BBC in 2006, he said he was surprised by its enduring appeal adding that he "never believed that it was more than just an average picture".
He was also critical of modern film-making saying movies had "become too frenetic, partly because the stories are not good enough".
"So they try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera," he added.
"And I think that's a pity."
Tom Prichard June 19 at 12:20pm Reply
I am very sorry to pass on the news that Manute Bol died this morning at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. Please hold his family in your prayers.
If you would like to leave messages for his family here, we will see they get them.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Sudan and all the world will miss you.
http://starkfuneral.com/Obituary.asp?ID=327
Obituary For
Craig D. Webb
07/31/1950 - 03/01/2010
Stark Funeral Service
Webb, Craig D.
Wyandotte, MI
Age 59, passed away Monday, March 1, 2010 at home. He was born July 31, 1950 in Ypsilanti, the son of Clyde and Dorothy (Collins) Webb.
He enjoyed watching sci-fi movies and loved to play guitar. He played lead guitar with Frijid Pink in the 1970s. The group was most famous for "House of the Rising Sun," a song previously recorded by The Animals. Frijid Pink produced four albums and six singles. From 1978-1989, he was a member of the local band Springwell and they played the local bar circuits. Cash Box printed an article highlighting Craig, his guitar-playing and how talented he was.
Later became a successful Motown, Latin music producer
By Mike Barnes
Hollywood Reporter
June 10, 2010
Tony Peluso, the lead guitarist for the Carpenters in the 1970s and
'80s who became a successful Motown and Latin music producer, died
June 5 of heart disease in Los Angeles. He was 60.
Peluso began as musical director for Bobby Sherman, played guitar for
Paul Revere and the Raiders, produced records for the likes of Smokey
Robinson and Michael Jackson and collaborated with Gustavo Santaolalla
on the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning "Brokeback Mountain."
Peluso's career brought him numerous gold and platinum records
representing sales of more than 150 million units and four Grammy
Awards out of 11 nominations.
As a child of the leading soprano for the Metropolitan and San
Francisco Opera companies and the music director for NBC Radio West
Coast, Peluso was inundated with music from an early age. It was not
uncommon for his Peluso family to entertain the likes of Les Paul or
Jascha Heifetz.
At 21, Peluso accepted an invitation to join the Carpenters, which
turned into a 12-year gig. He traveled the world touring with Richard
and Karen Carpenter and recorded many albums as their lead guitarist.
Perhaps his most memorable work with the Carpenters was on the 1972
power ballad "Goodbye to Love," where he conceived and played the
masterful, melodic solo and outro.
The Carpenters will be honored at the Hollywood Bowl on June 18, the
opening night of the season, and Richard Carpenter will perform.
After Karen Carpenter's death in 1983, Peluso explored producing and
engineering. He partnered for a decade with the head of A&R at Motown
Records and co-produced dozens of records for such artists as
Robinson, Jackson, the Temptations, the Four Tops and Sam Harris, the
first winner of television's "Star Search."
During the 1980s and '90s, Peluso also produced and/or engineered for
artists such as Kenny Loggins, Seals & Crofts, Apollonia, Player,
Animotion, Stephanie Mills, the Fixx, Dave Koz and Boyz II Men with
Selena. He also was in demand as a session guitar player.
In 1992, Peluso began an association with two-time Academy Award
winner Santaolalla. They pioneered the Latin genre known as Roc en
Espanol, selling millions of records worldwide. Peluso also worked
with such acclaimed Latin pop acts as Ricky Martin, Molotov and Cafe
Tacuba.
In 2005, Santaolalla brought Peluso on board for the production of the
soundtrack to "Brokeback Mountain"; its theme song, "The Wings," won
the 2005 Oscar for best original score.
Peluso continued to work with some of the best up and coming Latino
singers and musicians.
Peluso is survived by sons Joe and Andrew. Services will be held at 11
a.m. on June 26 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Northridge,
Calif.
James Pugliano / Drummer for The Jaggerz
Dec. 4, 1946 - June 15, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
James "Pugs" Pugliano, who was behind the drums for one of Pittsburgh's
biggest hit songs, died Tuesday in his Harmony home at age 63 of unknown
causes. Results of an autopsy are pending.
Mr. Pugliano, an Ambridge High School graduate, was the drummer for the
Beaver Falls-based band The Jaggerz on the group's breakout hit, "The
Rapper," which went to No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1970.
"We both joined the band together," said singer-bassist Jimmie Ross,
after they were invited to audition by group leader Donnie Iris and
guitarist Benny Faiella.
"He was a great musician," Mr. Ross said, "very passionate about music.
He had no problem going up to a drummer and saying 'Man, you're not
playing it right.' "
Along with putting The Jaggerz on "American Bandstand," "The Rapper,"
from the band's second album "We Went to Different Schools Together,"
has endured as a classic-rock radio hit that keeps the current lineup on
the concert circuit.
Mr. Pugliano played on the band's four albums, including the 1998
reunion record "And the Band Played On." He was also part of a Jaggerz
side project backing legendary deejay Wolfman Jack on a novelty album
that included "The Rapper."
Beyond the Jaggerz, the drummer toured with Tony Orlando, Willie Nelson,
Mel Tillis and John Davidson. He also served in the Air Force National
Guard.
Mr. Ross said when he wasn't drumming, he loved to hang out on the South
Side and had a passion for Italian cooking. "He made some wonderful
Italian sauces."
Mr. Pugliano is survived by his wife, Debra Garrison of Eugene, Ore.,;
his father, James V. Pugliano of Leetsdale; and a sister, Jeanne
Fitzgerald of Economy.
FORMER CZW CHAMPION, ROH HEADLINER TRENT ACID PASSES AWAY
By Mike Johnson on 2010-06-18 14:27:46
I am extremely sorry to report that Philadelphia-based Northeastern independent wrestler Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi was found dead this morning. He was only 29 years old.
Under his Trent Acid ring name, Verdi was one of the "can't miss" prospects of the Philadelphia independent scene during the early part of the decade, first as one half of the Backseat Boyz with long-time friend and partner Johnny Kashmere and then later as a singles competitor.
Acid held just about every title there was in Combat Zone Wrestling, which was really his home promotion in many respects and later on main evented for Ring of Honor in a great feud against Homicide.
In watching him at that point, there was no doubt he was going to go on to make a lot of money for a larger promotion, but personal problems bogged him down and he never seemed to overcome them.
Acid was arrested and jailed on several drug charges, being given probation. When that probation was violated, he ended up serving time in jail. During that time period, he noted to everyone how he wanted to get clean and get back to his two loves, music (he idolized Eddie Vedder) and pro wrestling.
Unfortunately, his personal issues continued upon his release, including recently being arrested for attempting to take dates with Big Japan Wrestling, which would have violated his probation yet again.
The early belief is that Verdi's death was drug-related, but nothing official has been ruled at this time. I know in recent weeks, he had been trying to get his life in order yet again. When I last spoke to him a few months back at a JAPW event, he was really excited about finally being "clear-headed" and wanted to do an interview discussing everything that had gone on in his life over the last few years.
I'll be writing a lot more about Verdi and his career (he really was one hell of a star locally during the hottest time period the Philadelphia indy scene ever had) in the days to come, but I just don't have the heart to look back on his career right now.
Verdi was someone who, deep down, had a great heart for the business and his friends - all of whom, myself included - were pushing for him to get back to being the performer he used to be and to find some happiness in his life. It really, truly breaks my heart that it's never going to happen on a level I can't even begin to convey in writing.
I am sure a lot of people are going to write about his drug issues and arrests in recent years and use that to paint a picture of who he was, but to me, I'd prefer to remember the Trent Acid who made so many independent shows fun with his antics and in-ring work, the "How is Gee" chants that no one but the old NYC bus trip crew got, the incredible series against Teddy Hart, his CZW feud with Ruckus, the Backseats' great turn in Phoenix Championship Wrestling and the Homicide feud.
I'd like to remember that time period where Trent Acid was poised to take on the world. That's the Michael Verdi I want to remember and the Michael Verdi I'll personally miss like hell.
Like I wrote, I'll have more on this in the days to come, but right now, I just don't have the heart to write anything more.
Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
Page last updated at 14:30 GMT, Friday, 18 June 2010 15:30 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version Neame directed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie starring Dame Maggie Smith Poseidon Adventure director Ronald "Ronnie" Neame has died in hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 99.
The British film-maker, who died on Wednesday, never recovered after suffering from a fall, said family friend and BBC correspondent Peter Bowes.
London-born Neame also worked as a cinematographer on films including Blithe Spirit and In Which We Serve.
He directed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, starring Dame Maggie Smith.
She won the best actress Oscar in 1969 for her portrayal of the inspirational teacher of six young girls.
Continue reading the main story They try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera
Ronald Neame on modern film-making
Neame also co-wrote screenplays including Great Expectations and Brief Encounter.
Classic disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, released in 1972 and co-directed with Irwin Allen, starred Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters and was mauled by critics.
Speaking to the BBC in 2006, he said he was surprised by its enduring appeal adding that he "never believed that it was more than just an average picture".
He was also critical of modern film-making saying movies had "become too frenetic, partly because the stories are not good enough".
"So they try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera," he added.
"And I think that's a pity."
Tom Prichard June 19 at 12:20pm Reply
I am very sorry to pass on the news that Manute Bol died this morning at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. Please hold his family in your prayers.
If you would like to leave messages for his family here, we will see they get them.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Sudan and all the world will miss you.
http://starkfuneral.com/Obituary.asp?ID=327
Obituary For
Craig D. Webb
07/31/1950 - 03/01/2010
Stark Funeral Service
Webb, Craig D.
Wyandotte, MI
Age 59, passed away Monday, March 1, 2010 at home. He was born July 31, 1950 in Ypsilanti, the son of Clyde and Dorothy (Collins) Webb.
He enjoyed watching sci-fi movies and loved to play guitar. He played lead guitar with Frijid Pink in the 1970s. The group was most famous for "House of the Rising Sun," a song previously recorded by The Animals. Frijid Pink produced four albums and six singles. From 1978-1989, he was a member of the local band Springwell and they played the local bar circuits. Cash Box printed an article highlighting Craig, his guitar-playing and how talented he was.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/crispian-st-peters-pop-singer-whose-sixties-hits-included-the-pied-piper-1995948.html
Crispian St Peters: Pop singer whose Sixties hits included 'The Pied Piper'
Thursday, 10 June 2010
'Where it's at': St Peters, right, on stage in 1965
A respected singer-songwriter whose most enduring recordings were penned by others, Crispian St Peters remains an enigma of mid-1960s pop music. He scored two Top Ten entries in 1966; the second of these, "The Pied Piper", was also a huge success in North America. Moreover, an attendant album, Follow Me, elicited covers of St Peters compositions by such disparate artists as Ken Dodd, Darrell Glenn and, most spectacularly, Marty Kristian – whose "I'll Give You Love" (which St Peters also produced) was a hit in Australia.
Such distant triumphs had not belonged even to speculation when Peter Smith left Swanley Secondary Modern, Kent in 1954 to be an assistant cinema projectionist. The younger of musical parents' two sons, he was already an accomplished guitarist, making his own instruments for use on stage with The Hard Travellers, a skiffle outfit whose repertoire contained Smith originals.
Some of these survived when, after two years' National Service in the army he fronted Beat Formula Three, who were discovered in late 1963 by David Nicolson, an EMI publicist. He offered Smith – singled out as the trio's X-factor – his services as manager, and suggested a stage alias, Crispin Blacke, in keeping with a saturnine image similar to that of Dave Berry. This was dropped when, after much debate, Nicolson settled on Crispian St Peters and deducted five years from his client's age.
Thus packaged, St Peters was signed to Decca on a lease contract in 1965. This commenced inauspiciously with two flops, "At This Moment" and, despite heavy plugging on pirate radio, "No No No". Then Nicolson stumbled upon a sounder vehicle for a chart breakthrough in "You Were On My Mind", a US million-seller by We Five. In a frantic effort to find the cash to get a version by an initially disinclined St Peters on disc before We Five's left the runway in Britain, Nicolson decided to share his stake in Crispian with Ken Pitt, best recalled nowadays for managing Manfred Mann and David Bowie.
Nicolson's judgement about "You Were On My Mind" proved correct, and who could not empathise with the team's disappointment when its passage to No 1 was blocked only by The Overlanders' cover of the Beatles' "Michelle", just as St. Peters touched the ceiling of his domestic impact with a scream-rent slot in April 1966's New Musical Express Poll-winners Concert?
Conspicuously absent from this event was PJ Proby, fallen from grace after the famous trouser-splitting incident during a national tour. Briefly, St Peters was prime candidate to fill the void. The strategy backfired, however, when he was described as "the Cassius Clay Of Showbusiness" after his widely reported comments – a misconstruing of flippant remarks – about how he was going to be bigger than both Elvis Presley and The Beatles three years hence.
Though this coverage was to damage him in the long term, it seemed at first as if no harm had been done. Another US item, "The Pied Piper" by The Changin' Times, climbed almost as high as its predecessor after a lyrical adjustment: the "I'll show you where life's at" hookline became the trendier "I'll show you where it's at". Any signs of commercial danger were mitigated, too, by St Peters' popularity overseas, particularly in Australasia, the Far East and, crucially, the States, where a peak of No 4 with "The Pied Piper" was followed by the return of "You Were On My Mind" to the Top 40.
The decline began when "Changes" (a ballad by the protest singer Phil Ochs) was a relative miss at home. Attempts at relaunch included the 1967 A-side, "Free Spirit" – another from the Changin' Times' portfolio – and reinvention as a country-and-western performer, notably on a 1970 album, Simply... Crispian St Peters. Later, St Peters was well-received and fondly remembered on the Swinging Sixties nostalgia circuit, but a private life troubled by divorce and gathering infirmity motivated him to concentrate on writing and arranging for others. Yet, until retiring as a professional entertainer in 2001, he extended a sporadic recording career that embraced a 1990 remake of "The Pied Piper" in a voice drained of 1966's buoyant optimism.
Alan Clayson
Robin Peter Smith (Crispian St Peters), singer and songwriter: born Swanley, Kent 5 April 1939; married (marriage dissolved; one son, one daughter); died Swanley 8 June 2010.
We’ve just recently been informed that former child actress Carole Ann Campbell passed away on March 6, 2010 in Laguna Woods CA (just shy of her 66th birthday), from a return bout with cancer. She was born March 27, 1944 in Sherman Oaks CA, the sole offspring of Glenn and Edna Campbell, who both had had show business-related careers, behind the cameras.
She’s best known (and will probably be mostly remembered) for being personally chosen by the legendary Walt Disney to portray the wannabe girlfriend (Iola Morton) of Joe Hardy, the Tommy Kirk character in the Mickey Mouse Club mini-series, “The Hardy Boys,” during the mid-1950s. By her own choice, her acting career ended in 1958, and the year she graduated from Van Nuys High School (1962), she cut three single recordings (45s) for Kangaroo Records, before permanently leaving the performing arts.
She married Gerald W. Murphy (August 1965), eventually settling in Northridge CA, where she gave birth to two sons, and we offer our most sincere condolences to those who knew her best.
For more detailed information on her, please visit this website.Former NFL star Les Richter dies at age 79
June 12, 2010
01:47 PM EDT
BROOKLYN, Mich.Les Richter, who played significant roles in the evolution of both NASCAR and professional football, died Saturday morning at the age of 79. NASCAR president Mike Helton made the announcement during the Camping World Truck Series drivers' meeting at Michigan International Speedway.
Richter was born in Fresno, Calif., in 1930 and was a two-time football All-American at California. After a two-year stint in the Army, Richter was drafted by the New York Yanks, then traded to the Los Angeles Rams for 11 players. During a nine-year NFL career, Richter played linebacker, middle guard and also was the team's place-kicker. He was named to the Pro Bowl eight times.
After retiring from football, Richter worked as president of Riverside International Raceway, then became NASCAR's director of competition. Helton, who replaced Richter in that role in 1994, talked about the man everyone called "The Coach."
"Kind of backhandedly, he taught me to be firm but fair," Helton said. "It's obvious to me why Bill [France Jr.] had Les in that role. He passed on to me the principle of being firm but fair, but also how to go about doing that."
At the time of his passing, Richter was vice president of special projects for International Speedway Corp., based at Auto Club Speedway, where he played a dominant role in the development of that track.
Grizzly Smith, father of Jake "the Snake" Roberts, dies at age 78
Jun 12, 2010 - 6:38:40 PM
By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor
Aurelian "Grizzly" Smith, the father of former WWE star Jake "the Snake" Roberts, reportedly died today at the age of 78. Smith died following complications from Alzheimer's Disease, reports Chris Yandek.
Smith was best known during his career as one-half of the Kentuckians tag team with Luke Brown. The team feuded with the Assassins in several territories across the U.S. throughout the 1960s.
After retiring from the ring, Smith worked for Bill Watts in his Mid-South territory and as a backstage agent for WCW.
Smith is also the father to former 1980s WWF wrestler Sam Houston and former WWF Women's champion Rockin' Robin.
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