The first thing that strikes me when looking back at 2016, is that some of the stuff I said I was going to write about didn’t happen…. This is due to too much else going on, and thus some announced articles are still in the can, but will be published in due time.
The musical year 2016 has already been called the worst ever; nothing to do with records published but due to the fact that we have lost so many great talents these last 365 days.
January got off to a terrible start – when I woke up to the news that Natalie Cole has passed away last new years eve. During this year we lost musical greats such as David Bowie, Prince, Glenn Frey, Leonard Cohen and George Michael… The movie and entertainment business wasn’t spared either – during the last two weeks of December, three great ladies all left us: Zsa Zsa Gabor (at age 99), then Carrie Fisher and the next day her mother Debbie Reynolds….
Glenn Frey: Founding member of the Eagles and solo artist
I was especially heartbroken by news of Natalie, Glenn and George – they were all artists I have listened to for years, I own every record they ever made, and I am so sorry there will be no more music from any of them.
Gone way too early; George Michael (1963-2016)
Despite growing up in the 1970s, I was never a big fan of sci-fi movies, and so I have actually never seen Star Wars, and my affection for Carrie Fisher is based on all other aspects of her career except Princess Leia. Her mother, Debbie Reynolds is much more up my alley – a classic pop singer who acted in movies, shows and made some really great records in the 50s and 60s.
Mother & daughter, they died one day apart: Debbie Reynolds (1932-2016) & Carrie Fisher (1956-2016)
As for Zsa Zsa Gabor (1917-2016) – she’s in a league all of her own. Her beauty, quick remarks and her 9 husbands are all part of her legacy, she is a celebrity of the highest order, and known much more for being just that than for any of the many movies she appeared in.
The glamorous Gabors: Eva, Magda, mother Jolie and Zsa Zsa
She certainly has the genes of the rest of her family; her glamorous mother Jolie (1896-1997) lived to be a hundred. Her equally glamorous sisters Magda (1915-97) and Eva (1919-95) both lived long and gilded lives. These three sisters and their mother have made more headlines than any other acting family ever, and they continue to be a source of humour and joy years after their passing… They just don’t make’em like that anymore!
I hereby wish all my readers a Happy New Year – keep checking back in during 2017 also!
stianeriksen 