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.
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