Industry Passings honoring radio, music, and media professionals whose contributions shaped the business, documenting their careers, leadership, and lasting impact on the industry.
Original “Wednesday Addams,” Lisa Loring has Died (video)
Lisa Loring, the original Wednesday Addams from the classic TV series, has died at age 64 after suffering a stroke. Her iconic character recently gained...
Rickey Smiley’s Son has Died (video)
Radio personality Rickey Smiley announced his 32-year-old son Brandon Smiley has passed away. The grieving father asked for prayers for his family....
Nashville Police Fatally Shoot Grammy-winning Sound Engineer
Grammy-winning sound engineer Mark Capps was fatally shot by Nashville police after being accused of kidnapping his wife and stepdaughter at gunpoint....
Jan Gaye, Marvin Gaye’s Ex-Wife, Dies After Book
Jan Gaye, Marvin Gaye's second wife, died Saturday in Rhode Island after publishing her tell-all memoir 'After the Dance: My Life with Marvin Gaye.'...
Houston Police Arrest Suspect in Takeoff’s Murder
Houston Police arrested Patrick Xavier Clark, 33, on murder charges in connection with Migos rapper Takeoff's death from a dice game shooting....
FAME Singer Irene Cara has Died
Irene Cara, the singer and actress who rose to fame with the 1980 hit "Fame" and "Flashdance... What a Feeling," has died at age 63...
Rickey Smiley Show: Takeoff’s Funeral Service
Da Brat shares emotional details from Takeoff's funeral at State Farm Arena, describing tributes from Cardi B, Drake, and Justin Timberlake....
Rickey Smiley on Hip Hop’s Demise and Takeoff
Rickey Smiley discusses his disillusionment with Hip Hop culture following Takeoff's death, as new details emerge about the Migos rapper's memorial service....
ROBERT LOUIS GORDY, SR. DIES AT 91
Robert Louis Gordy Sr., brother of Motown founder Berry Gordy, died at 91 from natural causes. The music executive ran Jobete Publishing for 20+ years....
Singer Joyce Sims Has Died
80s R&B singer Joyce Sims has died at age 63. Known for hits like 'Come Into My Life' and collaborations with Mantronix, the Rochester native...
Willie Spence, ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Dies in Car Crash
Willie Spence, the talented singer who finished second on American Idol's 2021 season, died tragically in a car crash near Chattanooga, Tennessee at age 23....
90s Rapper Coolio Found Dead at 59
90s rapper Coolio, known for hits like 'Gangsta's Paradise,' was found dead at 59 from an apparent heart attack at a friend's home....
PnB Rock Discussed Confrontations in LA Before His Death
PnB Rock discussed confrontations and violence in LA during an interview with DJ Akademiks before his tragic death. The rapper shared how he diffused hostile...
Singer Jesse Powell Has Died
R&B singer Jesse Powell has died at age 51 from cardiac arrest. The 90s vocalist was known for hits like "You" and his impressive 4-octave...
Comedian David A. Arnold Dies Suddenly at 54 (video)
Comedian David A. Arnold died suddenly at 54 from natural causes. The Netflix star and Nickelodeon showrunner was known for family-centered comedy....
Jazz Musician Joey Defrancesco Has Died (video)
Jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco has died at 51. The multi-instrumentalist was discovered by Miles Davis and released over 30 albums during his career....
Terrance Dean, Author of “Hiding in Hip-Hop” has Died
Terrance Dean, author of controversial book 'Hiding in Hip-Hop' about DL men in hip-hop, has died at 53. The former MTV producer turned professor was...
Elvis Actress Shonka Dukureh Found Dead
Shonka Dukureh, the actress who played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic, was found dead at age 44 in her Nashville home. Police...
Legendary Eartha Kitt Dies Christmas Day
Legendary singer and actress Eartha Kitt died Christmas Day at age 81 from colon cancer. The sultry performer was known for hits like 'Santa Baby'...
Breakfast Club Discusses Atlanta Rapper’s Tragic Death
The Breakfast Club discussed the tragic death of Atlanta rapper Trouble, who was killed in a domestic dispute while visiting a female friend....
Former U.S. Attorney Benjamin Whitfield Jr. Dies at 77
Former U.S. Attorney Benjamin Whitfield Jr., co-owner of successful Detroit gospel label Crystal Rose Records, passed away at 77. He balanced a distinguished legal career...
Master P’s 29-Year-Old Daughter Tytyana has Died (video)
Music mogul Master P announces the death of his 29-year-old daughter Tytyana, citing mental illness and substance abuse struggles. She previously appeared on Growing up...
Controversial Relationship Influencer Kevin Samuels Has Died
Controversial relationship guru Kevin Samuels has died at age 56. The YouTube influencer built a financial empire with his polarizing relationship advice....
Radio Vet and PD Bobby O’Jay has Died
Radio veteran Bobby O'Jay has died at age 68 while working at WDIA Memphis, where he spent 40 of his 42-year career. The Tennessee Radio...
Farewell Rory Wahid Bayyan Bell, Brother of Robert Kool Bell
Rory Wahid Bayyan Bell, youngest brother of Kool & the Gang co-founder Robert 'Kool' Bell, has died at age 62 from lung cancer. He worked...