Death Tracker

Manzarek breaks on through to the other side

Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s a slow-death-month so the pun-machine is rusty.

Founding member of the ’60s rock band The Doors, Ray Manzarek, died May 20th at the age of 74.

Chicago-born Manzarek attended film school at UCLA, and met the poet Jim Morrison in a chance encounter on Venice Beach. The pair instantly connected and founded The Doors, one of the most controversial rock bands of the ’60s, selling more than 100 million albums worldwide.

After Morrison’s death in 1971, Manzarek went on to become a best-selling author, Grammy-nominated recording artist, and produced albums for a number of musicians.

To quote Billy Idol, “Cheers mate, say hi to Jim.”

The doctor is out

Renowned television psychologist, columnist, author, and former actress, Joyce Brothers, died on May 13th from respiratory failure.

Brothers, a former academic psychologist, bridged the gap between ’50s style advice columnists, like Dear Abby, and ‘70’s style self-help advocates, like Leo Buscaglia, giving firm and pragmatic guidance to audiences via radio, television, and writing for decades. 

Fun fact: Dr. Joyce Brothers was the only woman to ever win the TV quiz show The $64,000 Question.

We’ll miss you, Doctor.

RIP “Angel of Death”

Jeff Hanneman, American guitarist and founding member of thrash metal band Slayer died on May 2nd from liver failure. The Grammy-winning musician was 49 years old, and leaves a wake of distraught diehard fans. 

 ”One of the best shredders ever to walk Earth. RIP, good sir,” comments one. Apparently God is another.

Mac Deaddy

Chris Kelly, one half of ’90s hip-hop/rap duo Kris Kross, died on May 1st of a possible drug overdose. Kelly, known as Mac Daddy, leaves behind his backwards-clothes-wearing partner Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith and a rumored reunion tour. He was 34.

I guess it’s true what they say…

…about too much masturbation.

Oh come on. You’re here, aren’t you?

Chrissy Amphlett, lead singer of Australian rock band Divinyls, died on Sunday, April 21st at age 53. She lost a double battle to breast cancer and multiple sclerosis but will always be remembered as a passionate, sexy, and strong performer and woman. And how can we ever forget her hit 1991 single, “I Touch Myself.”

Now everyone go do the same in her honor. RIP Chrissy.

Pat Summerall died Tuesday. He was 82.

That’s apparently how Pat Summerall, legendary sportscaster and former voice of the NFL, wanted his obituary to read: short and to the point. So there you have it.

It’s a sad, sad, sad, sad day

Beloved comedian Jonathan Winters died on April 11th of natural causes at the age of 87.

Winters was known for his comic irreverence and quick improvisational wit and was a major influence among comedians of all ages. He was a genius in the entertainment world, and will always be remembered for his hilarious performances in movies, celebrity roasts, and my personal favorite, as Mork from Ork’s son who hatched from a giant egg. 

RIP Jonathan.

Bye-bye beach bunny

Original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello died on April 8th at age 70 from complications of multiple sclerosis.

The American sweetheart began her musical career at the age of 12 when she joined The Mickey Mouse Club, then launched her pop music career releasing handfuls of albums and singles, and finally landed alongside Frankie Avalon as an actress and innocent icon in numerous lighthearted films like Beach Party and Beach Blanket Bingo.

Since there isn’t much occasion to quote Britney Spears (nor should there be), here is her goodbye tweet to Annette. “I am DEVASTATED to hear about the passing of Annette Funicello. She was a role model for me during my days as a Mouseketeer. #Heartbroken.”

The Iron Lady falls

Britain’s first and only female Prime Minister, Margaret Hilda Thatcher, died on April 8th at age 87 after suffering a stroke.

Thatcher was a “towering figure in postwar British and world politics,” who won three general elections for the Conservative Party, and shaped UK politics for a generation. She was dubbed the “Iron Lady” for her personal and political strength, and made an amazing mark in her journey as a political professional, a partner to world leaders, and a pioneer for women.

RIP, Baroness.

Prepare for a colorful funeral

Nantucketers, East Hamptonites, and South Floridians alike are clutching their palm tree prints in sorrow for the loss of their fashion guru this weekend. Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau, iconic fashion designer and socialite, built an empire around brightly colored, preppy clothing loved for decades by a coastline of spirited vacationers.

Pulitzer died on April 7th in Palm Beach, Florida, of unknown cause.
She was 81.

So long to an icon. We’ll always remember her campy slogan:
Love, Lilly, and the Pursuit of Happiness.