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The actor/comedian legend Robin Williams is gone. He was 63. It seems that Williams committed suicide yesterday morning. I am heartbroken. I am a fan. Have been since the first time I saw "Mork & Mindy." It was a weird show and I was a weird child who grew into a weird woman. My love of his greatness grew more with every movie. I specifically remember the day I saw his "Hook." It was during a class field trip with my Speech and Debate Coach Mr. Block. I loved it. Loved. I still feel the same way about it every single time I watch it. It is one of my favorite movies from my childhood. Then, there was the hilarious "Mrs. Doubtfire." A movie about a man who would do anything including don a dress, makeup and wig, to be with his kids. That touched a special part of me. I think the movie that affected me the most has to be "Dead Poets Society." As a writer/poet, it made me want to be more, explore more. The quotes from that movie still stick with me. I am sorry that Mr. Robin Williams battled with a depression so deep that he he took the only way out he knew how. I hope that he has found his peace. Rest in paradise, Robin Williams.
I remember the first time I saw Paul Walker. His eyes made him unforgettable. He was playing Caleb Mandrake in "The Skulls." His boyish good looks, piercing blue eyes and amazing smile left an impression on me. I was sold. Paul Walker died yesterday in a fiery car crash at the age of 40. He has been my ultimate white boy crush for years. Actually, I've been teased about this from a certain someone for years. I did not care. I've seen all his movies and loved them. I am a huge fan of the "Fast & Furious" series because of him. It is so sad to hear of his passing. I did not expect to hear this last night. So sad. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Paul.
The man who blessed us with the innovative show "Soul Train" has passed. Don Cornelius was found dead this morning in his apartment. He was 75 and the victim of an apparent suicide. This news is beyond shocking and sad. He is most famously known as the heart and soul behind "Soul Train." Mr. Cornelius was the producer and creator of the groundbreaking show. "Soul Train" gave African American artists a place to showcase their talents during a time when no one else would. The show would live on for decades.
I remember vividly watching the show as a kid. I loved everything about it. The brightly colored set, the energetic dancers, the singers, the board and of course the host. To me, the show lost some of it's appeal after Mr. Cornelius stopped hosting it. "Soul Train" will always remind me of my childhood. It's a part of our history as is Mr. Cornelius. I'm still so saddened by his passing. He gave a lot to the entertainment industry. I hope that he is at peace now. May he rest in paradise.
Amy Winehouse is dead. She was only 27. I am saddened to read that this morning. I was a fan. Her voice was so soulful and full of pain. Her lyrics always spoke to me. I remember the first time I heard a song by her. It was "Fuck Me Pumps" off her first cd "Frank." I was hooked from that point on. "Frank" was a cd that wasn't released internationally but it made me a fan. Amy's voice gave me chills. "Stronger Than Me," "You Sent Me Flying," and "I Heard Love Is Blind" were some of my favorite tracks on her debut cd. I also really loved her rendition of "Moody's Mood For Love." Amy was a star in my eyes. As a musichead, I was beyond impressed with her.
When she finally broke into the US market with her smash hit "Rehab" I had huge expectations for her. "Back To Black" was everywhere and it seemed like Amy was on her way. "Back To Black" was full of those emo-type songs that Amy was good for. My favorite is still "Love Is A Losing Game." Then, came the reports of her addiction. It was hard to watch her fall deeper into it. I was still holding out hope for her triumphant return and new material. But, it seems that wasn't meant to be. Amy's addiction had a tighter hold on her than any of us could see.
Truth be told, Amy Winehouse killed Amy Winehouse. The world just watched her do it. Her first hit "Rehab" was a blatant slap in the face to people who tried to help her. Instead, we celebrated it. We listened to it on the radio. Her addiction was on display as she won five Grammys for BTB. She sold millions of records. The record company put millions of dollars in the hands of a known addict. Amy never had a chance. And, now her story is over. Dead at the age of 27 and clearly taken too soon. I will miss who she was and what she could've been. Here are some of my favorite Amy Winehouse tracks.
