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.
Gospel Announcer Donna Creer Dies in Possible Arson Attack
Gospel radio announcer Donna Creer and her husband Donald died in a suspected arson attack at their Little Rock home. The influential gospel music figure...
Island Records mourns Millie Small’s passing
Jamaican ska legend Millie Small, who introduced ska to the world with her 1964 hit 'My Boy Lollipop,' has died at age 72 in London....
Natalie Cole’s Son Found Dead in LA’s San Fernando Valley
Natalie Cole's son Robert Yancy, 39, was found dead in his San Fernando Valley apartment from an apparent heart attack. The tragic loss follows a...
Colonel Abrams has Died
R&B singer Colonel Abrams, best known for hits 'Trapped' and 'Not Gonna Let,' died at age 67 on Thanksgiving night after battling illness and financial...
Singer Nancy Wilson has Died
Legendary singer Nancy Wilson died December 13, 2018 from kidney cancer. Known for sophisticated style and hits like 'Guess Who I Saw Today,' Wilson was...
DJ Dies After Beating in Hollywood Nightclub
DJ Steez (Jose Silva) died at age 20 after being beaten by a group at Hollywood's Cashmere nightclub in 2015. The attack happened after midnight...
Singer George Michael Found Dead on Christmas Day
Singer George Michael was found dead on Christmas Day 2016 at age 53 from heart failure. The Wham frontman and solo artist died peacefully in...
Dennis Edwards, Former Temptation, Dies Before Birthday
Former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards died from meningitis complications at age 74, just one day before his 75th birthday....
Legendary Balladeer James Ingram has Died
Legendary 80s singer James Ingram has died at age 66 after battling brain cancer. The Grammy-winning artist was known for hit duets and powerful vocals....
GRAMMY-NOMINATED GOSPEL SINGER TROY SNEED PASSED
Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed passed away April 27th from COVID-19 complications at age 52. Known for hits like "My Heart Says Yes" and entrepreneur...
Industry Icon Irene Johnson-Ware has Died
Industry icon Irene Johnson-Ware, a beloved gospel radio legend who started her career in the early 1960s, has passed away. The veteran air personality was...
Actor Bernie Casey Passes Away at 78 After Brief Illness
Actor Bernie Casey, former NFL player turned acclaimed actor, has died at age 78 after brief illness. Known for roles in James Bond, Star Trek,...
Benztown Audio Tribute: Soul Icon Bill Withers Dies at 81
Soul icon Bill Withers, known for timeless hits like "Lean On Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine," died at 81 from heart complications. Benztown created an...
Joey Robinson Jr. dies at Sugar Hill Records
Joey Robinson Jr., son of hip-hop pioneer Sylvia Robinson and key figure at Sugar Hill Records, has died. He was involved in discovering the Sugar...
That Time Lil Mama Crashed Jay Z’s Stage (vid)
Lil Mama infamously crashed Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' 2009 MTV VMAs performance despite Beyonc� trying to stop her. Jay-Z was reportedly furious backstage....
Singer/Rap Pioneer Sylvia “Pillow Talk” Robinson Dies
Sylvia Robinson, the pioneering businesswoman behind the first commercial rap hit "Rapper's Delight" and founder of Sugar Hill Records, died at 75 from heart failure....
Former Urban/KMOJ DJ Killed After Police Taser Him
Former KMOJ Radio DJ Quincy Smith, 24, died after Minneapolis police used a Taser during his arrest for domestic assault. Five officers were placed on...
WVAQ DJ Loray Robinson Found Dead, Midday Host for 20 Years
WVAQ radio DJ Loray Robinson was found dead at her home during a welfare check. The longtime midday host served listeners for over 30 years...
Colonel Abrams Health Crisis: Crowdfunding Launched
House music legend Colonel Abrams, known for hits like 'Trapped,' faces serious health issues and homelessness. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help the...
Atlanta Radio Pros Gather for Kenny Diamond Memorial
Atlanta radio legends gathered to honor Sidney Wood aka Kenny Diamond, who recently passed away. The memorial brought together iconic radio personalities to pay tribute...
RIP Gary Jackson (Urban Network, HITS and BRE Magazine)
Gary Jackson, veteran music industry executive known for his work with Urban Network, HITS and BRE Magazine, has passed away. He was a key figure...
104.5 MeTV FM In Rip City launch new Portland Affiliate
104.5 MeTV FM launches in Portland, Oregon, targeting baby boomers with classic hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond on KXXP-FM....
Jessye Norman Homecoming Service Set for 4 Days
International opera star Jessye Norman's homecoming service will be held October 12, 2019 in Augusta, GA, featuring four days of celebrations with tributes from Audra...
LaShawn ‘Big Shiz’ Daniels Dies At 41
Grammy Award-winning songwriter LaShawn 'Big Shiz' Daniels has died at 41. He wrote hits for Michael Jackson, Destiny's Child, Brandy and Monica throughout the 90s...
Hasbro’s eOne Deal Signals Growth
Hasbro's acquisition of Entertainment One includes Death Row Records, the iconic 90s hip-hop label. The toy giant plans to collect royalties while expanding its entertainment...