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.
RIP Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor, ATCQ Co-Founder
A Tribe Called Quest co-founder Malik "Phife Dawg" Taylor has died at age 45 after battling diabetes and kidney issues. The legendary rapper formed the...
Steve Harvey: “All Of Our Children Were Murdered”
Steve Harvey hosts emotional town hall on Chicago gun violence featuring mothers who lost children. Raw, powerful conversation addresses the city's ongoing crisis....
Former 92Q Radio DJ “Reggie Reg” Dies
Former 92Q radio DJ Reggie Calhoun, known as 'Reggie Reg,' died of congestive heart failure in Baltimore. The beloved radio personality was remembered for his...
Legendary DJ Big Kap Found Dead – RIP
Legendary hip hop DJ Big Kap (Keith Carter) was found dead at age 45 in New York. Known for working with Notorious BIG, he performed...
Kris Kelley Funeral Information
Funeral arrangements announced for Kris Kelley (Lavonne Battle) on Friday Jan 29th at 11am at Sharon Baptist Church in Philadelphia....
Industry Friends Support Colonel Abrams Tribute in NY
Industry friends unite for Colonel Abrams tribute concert in NY featuring performances by Joyce Sims, First Choice, and more. The benefit supported the legendary artist...
David Bowie, Iconic Music Legend, Passes Away at Age 69
Iconic musician David Bowie has passed away at age 69 after an 18-month battle with cancer. The revolutionary artist, known for hits like 'Fame' and...
PBS Arts Fall Festival: Latin Michael Jackson Tribute
PBS Arts Fall Festival launches with Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson, hosted by Sheila E. The concert features classic MJ hits reimagined by...
Sax Man Wilton Felder Passes
Crusaders saxophonist Wilton Felder died September 27, 2015. The founding member helped pioneer jazz-rock fusion and played bass on Jackson 5's hit....
Industry Vet Larry Doc Elliott in Hospice Care
Industry veteran Larry 'Doc' Elliott, beloved radio DJ known for his 40-year career spanning stations from KBLX to WHUR, passed away in hospice care on...
Radio Personality Jim Lynam Suffers Unexpected Death
Radio host Jim Lynam of WFXF-FM/103.9 The Fox and former Q101 Morning Fix personality died Tuesday at age 42 from sudden aortic dissection during emergency...
Aunt Believes Nick Gordon Involved in Bobbi Kristina’s Death
Bobbi Kristina Brown's aunt Leolah publicly accused Nick Gordon and family member Pat of involvement in her niece's death after walking out of funeral services....
DGA Honors Director Tim Story at Special Tribute Event
The DGA's African American Steering Committee honored director Tim Story at a special tribute event. Story has directed six #1 box office films grossing over...
Teddy Riley Tribute to Johnny Kemp at Tom Joyner Cruise
Teddy Riley delivers heartfelt tribute to Johnny Kemp at Tom Joyner Fantastic Cruise where the late R&B singer was scheduled to perform....
GOSPEL 360 PRESENTS WEEK LONG TRIBUTE TO ANDRA� CROUCH
Gospel 360 presents a week-long tribute to late gospel icon Andra� Crouch from January 19-23, featuring his legendary music and artist reminiscences....
The Manhattans Winifred Blue Lovett Passes
Winfred 'Blue' Lovett, founding member and bass singer of legendary R&B group The Manhattans, has passed away at age 74....
Annie Lee, “Faceless Paintings” Artist, Dies
Internationally acclaimed artist Annie Lee, known for her unique 'faceless paintings' celebrating African American culture, passed away at age 79 in Henderson, NV....
Rap Pioneer Big Bank Hank from Sugarhill Gang Dies
Big Bank Hank of the Sugarhill Gang, pioneers of rap music, died at 57 from cancer. The group created the historic 1979 hit 'Rapper's Delight.'...
Radio Host Murdered During Broadcast
Mexican radio host Atilano Roman Tirado was shot and killed by gunmen during his live broadcast in Sinaloa. Listeners heard the fatal gunshot that killed...
Legendary DJ to be Honored by Friends and Peers
WBAB's legendary DJ Fingers celebrates 31 years of his Metal Shop radio show with performances by Twisted Sister members, Doro Pesch, and more rock icons....
Industry Vet Musician Dies Suddenly
Industry veteran Augie Johnson, founding member of R&B group Side Effect known for hit 'Always There,' was found dead by his fianc� over the weekend....
Urban DJ Dies
Elton Bernard Anderson, known as DJ Beezy from 103.7 The BEAT in Shreveport, died at age 35 following a tragic car accident where he was...
R.I.P Joe Sample
Jazz legend Joe Sample, founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, died at age 75 from lung cancer complications. The pianist worked with Miles Davis, BB...
Four Men Indicted in Death of New Orleans Rapper
Four men have been indicted for the 2010 murders of New Orleans rappers Magnolia Shorty and Jerome Hampton. All suspects are held on $1 million...
Industry Radio Vet Dies
Service Broadcasting Operations Manager Michael Erickson has died after battling cancer. The respected radio industry veteran led KRNB/KKDA and was known for mentoring broadcasters throughout...