Category : Industry Passings
Industry Passings honoring radio, music, and media professionals whose contributions shaped the business, documenting their careers, leadership, and lasting impact on the industry.
The Warriors’ actor Roger Hill dies at 65
Roger Hill, who played gang leader Cyrus in the 1979 cult classic 'The Warriors,' died at age 65. He delivered the iconic 'Can You Dig...
Jackson, MS Mayor Chokweo Lumumba Dies
Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Lumumba has died, according to Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham Stewart. Lumumba was elected mayor in 2013....
R.I.P – Andre 3000’s Dad Dies from Heart Attack
Andre 3000's father Lawrence Walker died from a heart attack on February 12, 2014, after chopping wood during Atlanta's ice storm when he lost power....
Bizzle Gets Death Threats Over “Same Love” Response
Christian rapper Bizzle receives death threats and hateful responses after releasing his answer to Macklemore's gay rights anthem 'Same Love.'...
Comedian James Hannah Dies
Comedian and writer James Hannah has passed away, as reported by industry comedy site Humor Mill. Hannah was known for his comedy work and writing...
Popular Industry Personal Security Man Marc Roberts Dies
Popular music industry security professional Marc Roberts has died after suffering a seizure in his sleep. The beloved bodyguard protected many artists including radio DJ...
Marvin’s Gaye’s Ex Wife Anna Gordy Passes
Anna Gordy Gaye, sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy and ex-wife of legendary singer Marvin Gaye, has passed away surrounded by family members including son...
Pete DJ Jones, Hip Hop Pioneer Dies
Hip-hop pioneer Pete DJ Jones has died at age 79. The Bronx party legend battled DJ Kool Herc in the 70s and appeared on WBLS...
Popular ATL Club DJ Nando Murdered
Popular Atlanta club DJ Nando was shot and killed at his Morrow home. The Coalition DJs member was respected for breaking records for Atlanta artists....
Wiz Khalifa’s Uncle Shot and Killed at Shopping Center
Wiz Khalifa's 20-year-old uncle was shot and killed at Pittsburgh's Waterfront shopping center. The chart-topping rapper responded to the tragedy....
Activist and Playwright Amiri Baraka Dies at 79
Legendary activist, poet, and playwright Amiri Baraka died at age 79 after weeks of failing health. Known for influential works like 'The Black Mass' and...
Broadway Star Chuck Patterson Dies
Chuck Patterson, beloved actor from Robert Townsend's 'The Five Heartbeats' and Broadway pioneer, passed away before Christmas 2013....
Memorial Service for the Late Jerry Boulding Announced.
Memorial service for All Access Urban/UAC Editor Jerry Boulding scheduled for January 10, 2014 at West Angeles Church in Los Angeles. The radio legend passed...
New Orleans Music Industry Icon Larry McKinley Dies at 85
New Orleans music industry legend Larry McKinley, co-founder of Minit Records and key figure in the Jazz & Heritage Festival, died at 85 from complications...
Universal Music & Burger Records Tribute Velvet
Universal Music and Burger Records announce a tribute album celebrating the 45th anniversary of The Velvet Underground's influential White Light/White Heat....
Industry Icon Jerry Boulding Dies
Radio industry legend Jerry 'The Doctor' Boulding, 75, passed away on Thanksgiving evening after a brief illness. The Urban Network executive was known for his...
Miami DJ Betty Pino Dies from Cosmetic Surgery
Miami Spanish-language DJ Betty Pino, 65, died from sepsis complications after illegal silicone buttock injections caused severe infections requiring amputation....
Former WAOK DJ W. Ron Sailor Sr Dies
Former WAOK DJ and pastor W. Ron Sailor Sr. has died at age 61. The pioneering broadcaster won seven Emmys and was the first African...
DJ Jay Swift Dies in Labor Day Weekend Crash
DJ Jay Swift, popular Montgomery radio personality for 102.7 FM, died from injuries sustained in a Labor Day weekend car crash. The 39-year-old host was...
George Duke’s Death Shocks Fans
George Duke Passes at 67 George Duke died on August 5, 2013, in Los Angeles at age 67, following complications from chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He...
Brazilian Rapper Shot Dead During Live Performance
Brazilian rapper MC Daleste was fatally shot during a live performance in Campinas. The 20-year-old artist, born Daniel Pellegrine, was killed on stage over the...
Vet DJ and Production Man Soni D Dies in Car Accident
Legendary DJ and producer Soni D (Kevin Allen Sr.) was killed in a head-on car crash in California after attending his daughter's graduation. The 51-year-old...
Singer Puff Johnson Dies
R&B singer Puff Johnson has died from cervical cancer at 8pm. The music community mourns the loss of the talented artist who battled the disease....
Lil Snupe Murdered After Video Game Argument
Description: “Police in north Louisiana say a 36-year-old man is accused of killing the 18-year-old rapper known as Lil Snupe in an argument that broke...
Former Radio DJ Died Poor, Sold Peanuts to Survive
Former St. Louis jazz radio host LaVerne Holliday died penniless at 60 after losing her job at WSIE in 2002. She sold peanuts at Busch...