music

Iowans Choose School Choice, Left Downplays Kavanaugh Threat, Grammys Get More Woke

June 9, 2022 by GregC

Listen to “Iowans Choose School Choice, Left Downplays Kavanaugh Threat, Grammys Get More Woke” on Spreaker.

“Political Beats” host Scot Bertram is in for Jim today. Scot and Greg cheer Iowa voters for ousting four Republican lawmakers who opposed legislation to give parents more options on how to educate their children. They also hammer Democrats and the media for greatly downplaying the arrest of a man attempting to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh not far from Kavanaugh’s home. And they groan as the Grammys try to attract more viewers by adding new awards, including one for “Best Song for Social Change.”

In Memoriam 2021: Film, Television, & Music

December 23, 2021 by GregC

Listen to “In Memoriam 2021: Film, Television, & Music” on Spreaker.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve bid farewell to some of our favorite entertainers. From music to television to film, these performers created songs or characters that will remain with us long after they’ve departed.

In this podcast, we look remember figures from the world of entertainment. We remember Hollywood legends, TV stars, and some of our favorite musicians.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics, media, and business and in sports.

In Memoriam 2019: Music, Television, & Film

December 21, 2019 by GregC

Listen to “In Memoriam 2019: Music, Television, & Film” on Spreaker.

In this podcast, we look back legends from the world of entertainment. We remember one of the iconic singers and actresses from Hollywood’s golden age, groundbreaking music acts from rock and roll to pop to opera. We’ll also look back at television stars from Sesame Street to phenomenal comedic and dramatic actors in television and the movies.

Join us for this remembrance. And please look for our other tribute segments focusing on famous figures from politics and business and from media and sports.

Famous Passings – Television, Film and Music

December 22, 2017 by GregC

Each year brings the passing of those whose work we loved in the arts and entertainment. From television to the movies to music and more, we bid many final farewells to our favorite stars in 2017.

In television, one of the biggest hits of the 1960’s was “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and a critical factor in that success was Mary Tyler Moore’s portrayal of Laura Petrie. Four years after that show ended, Moore rocketed to superstardom as the star of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” The program was a smash hit throughout the seventies, with Moore playing Mary Richards, who tried to maintain sanity at a Minneapolis television station. Mary Tyler Moore, who turned the world on with her smile, died at age 80.

Another iconic program from the sixties was “The Andy Griffith Show,” and one of the great ensemble characters was Gomer Pyle, played by singer and actor Jim Nabors. Pyle was so popular, Nabors started in the spinoff “Gomer Pyle USMC.” Nabors also recorded many albums and famously sang “Back Home in Indiana” each year before the Indianapolis 500. Nabors was 87.

There’s never been a comedian like Don Rickles. After all, how many people feel honored to be insulted? Rickles was known for his good-natured haranguing of celebrities and audience members for decades. Also the star of TV’s “CPO Sharkey,” Rickles was 90 when he died in April.

Perry Mason wouldn’t have won so many cases without the help of his faithful assistant Della Street. Street’s character in the original television series was the work of actress Barbara Hale. She was 94.

“Batman” was only on television for a couple of seasons, but Adam West made a career out of portraying the caped crusader in the campy sixties series and for millions of fans will always be the true Batman. West was 88.

David Cassidy rose to fame as as Keith Partridge on the classic 1970’s television series, “The Partridge Family.” But Cassidy quickly became a teen heartthrob and branched out into a very successful music career most famous for songs like “I Think I Love You.” Cassidy was 67.

Robert Guillame also shot to stardom in the seventies, playing Benson DuBois, first in a supporting role on the racy sitcom “Soap,” and then starring as a government official on “Benson.” Among the first leading black actors on a primetime sitcom, Guillame was 89.

Joe Mannix was one of America’s favorite private eyes in the sixties and seventies. Actor Mike Connors starred as “Mannix.” Connors died in January. He was 91.

Richard Hatch became a household name for his role as Captain Apollo in the original “Battlestar Galactica” series. Hatch was 71.

Erin Moran was America’s little sister in the seventies as she portrayed Joanie Cunningham on “Happy Days.” After a long and successful run on that program, Moran starred in the spinoff “Joanie Loves Chachie.” Moran died of cancer in April. She was 56.

On “Magnum P.I.,” Thomas Magnum was the free-wheeling private eye and Higgins was the exact opposite. The uptight character was the work of actor John Hillerman. He was 84.

Anyone who was “Touched By An Angel,” was touched by the acting excellence of Della Reese. Also an accomplished singer, the beloved Della Reese died in November. She was 86.

Jay Thomas was a highly respected comedy actor in the eighties and nineties. Known for his recurring guest appearances on “Cheers” and “Murphy Brown,” Thomas also starred for three seasons on the sitcom “Love and War.” Thomas was 69.

Two legendary game show hosts left us in 2017. Monty Hall usually had a trinket in his pocket and set the stage for contestants to win big or leave the show embarrassed. It was all part of the appeal of “Let’s Make A Deal.” Hall was 96 when he died in September.

Chuck Barris hosted the “Gong Show,” which hosted legitimately talented acts and some real stinkers – who would get gonged off the stage. Later in life, he claimed to have been a CIA assassin for years prior to his time as a game show host. Barris was 87.

Long before there was Judge Judy or any other reality tv court programs, Judge Joseph Wapner ruled over “The People’s Court.” A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge for 18 years prior to his television years, Wapner settled small claims issues in the hugely popular syndicated series. Wapner died in February. He was 97.

June Foray was a voice actor for some of our most beloved animated characters, including both Rocky the flying squirrel and Natasha on “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” as well as Cindy Lou Who from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” June Foray was 99.

At the movies, Jerry Lewis was famous for 60 years. Known for his comedic partnership with Dean Martin and film roles such as “The Nutty Professor,” Lewis later became known for hosting the annual Labor Day telethon for Jerry’s kids at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Jerry Lewis was 91.

No character on the big screen has ever been as smooth as British agent James Bond. In seven installments of the long-running franchise, including “Live and Let Die” and “The Man With the Golden Gun,” Bond was played by actor Roger Moore. Moore died in May. he was 89.

“The Exorcist” remains one of the most terrifying movies ever made. The film was based on the book written by William Peter Blatty. Blatty died in January. He was 88.

Bill Paxton starred in a number of blockbusters, ranging from “Apollo 13” to “Twister” to “Titanic.” Paxton died from surgical complications in February. He was 61.

One director said John Hurt was simply the greatest actor in the world. Best known for his work in “Alien” and “A Man for All Seasons” among many other acclaimed performances, John Hurt died of cancer in January. He was 77.

Martin Landau was a fixture in American cinema for several decades. Highly regarded for his performances in “North by Northwest” and “Tucker: A Man and His Dream,” Landau also won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for “Ed Wood.”

Stephen Furst did a lot of projects throughout his acting career, including stint on TV’s “St. Elsewhere.” But he’ll always be known as Flounder in “Animal House.” Furst was 62.

Glenne Headly turned heads for her acting ability in films such as “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” and “Dick Tracy.” Glenne Headly was 63.

Robert Osborne was best known for talking about movies as extolled the legendary films on Turner Classic Movies. Osborne died in March. He was 84.

In music, rock and roll has had few figures more influential or more famous than Chuck Berry. Known for his stellar guitar playing, his duck walk and classics like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and the Christmas favorite “Run, Run Rudolph,” Berry was 90 when he died in March.

Fats Domino was another figure who transformed the music scene in the early days of rock and roll. Known for classics like “Blueberry Hill,” “Ain’t That A Shame,” and “I’m Walkin’”, Domino later narrowly survived the ravages of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He died in October. Fats Domino was 89.

Tom Petty’s versatility knew no bounds. Regarded as one of the greatest guitar players in the business, Petty thrilled fans for four decades as the leader of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and also for his work with the Traveling Wilburys. Tom Petty was 66.

One of the greatest country music legends also died this year. The Wichita Lineman himself, Glen Campbell, succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 81. During his decades-long career, Campbell was also known for hits like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Galveston.”

One of the most popular country duos in modern times is Montgomery Gentry. Nashville was stunned in September when Troy Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash. He was 50 years old.

The Allman Brothers drew a huge following in the 1970’s for their easily recognizable sound and hits like “Whipping Post,” “Melissa” and “Midnight Rider,” all of which were written by the talented Greg Allman. Also known for his brief marriage to Cher, Allman was 69 when he died in May.

On the heavy metal scene, no group is as easily distinguishable as AC/DC. Guitarist Malcolm Young was a critical part of the band’s success. Young died in November. He was 64.

Another fan favorite in the early 1980’s was the J. Geils band with hits like “Centerfold” and “Freeze Frame.” Guitarist John Geils was the man behind the band’s name. He died in April age age 71.

That’s a look at the famous people we lost in television, film, and music. Please look elsewhere on this site to remember those who passed away in politics, the media, and sports.

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“Putin on a Blitz”

July 7, 2017 by GregC

Greg Corombos of Radio America and Elaina Newport of The Capitol Steps laugh at the unending media coverage of Presidents Trump and Putin meeting in Germany Friday. They banter about other recent media upheavals and viral photos mocking politicians. To wrap up, they enjoy listening to a tweaked version of “Puttin on the Ritz” sung by the Capitol Steps’ outstanding performers.

Film, Television and Music Stars Lost in 2016

December 23, 2016 by GregC

2016 witnessed the passings of legends in all walks of life. And entertainment was certainly no exception. From television to music, famous performers took their final bows this year. For the next few minutes, we’ll take a look back, beginning on the big screen.

Gene Wilder worked often with Mel Brooks and the combination led to some of cinema’s greatest comedies. Known for ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein.” Also famous separately for “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” among many other roles, Gene Wilder died in August. He was 83.

George Kennedy usually found himself in dramatic roles, whether for ‘Cool Hand Luke,’ ‘The Dirty Dozen,’ ‘Airport,’ or ‘The Eiger Sanction. But he could also make a comedic turn as he did in three “Naked Gun” films. Kennedy died in February. He was 91.

Alan Rickman could play virtually any character, but he was best as a deliciously evil villain, such as in the action classic ‘Die Hard.’ Also known for his work in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies and as the sheriff of Nottingham in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,’ Rickman died of cancer in January. He was 69.

Anton Yelchin was a young actor with a world of promise ahead of him. Best known for playing Chekov in the recent ‘Star Trek’ reboots, Yelchin was tragically killed when his vehicle crushed him as he was getting his mail. Yelchin was just 27.

Charmian Carr will forever be sixteen going on seventeen. Immortalized as the eldest Von Trapp daughter, Liesl, in ‘The Sound of Music,’ Carr died in September at age 73.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the ‘Rocky’ series is the passion shown by actor Tony Burton whether he’s in the corner for Rocky or archrival Apollo Creed. Burton died in February. He was 78.

And Zsa Zsa Gabor died in December. One of three famous Gabor sisters, the Hungarian-born actress best known for ‘Moulin Rouge’ later became known for her nine marriages and playing herself dozens of times. Gabor died at age 99 after many years of poor health.

In television, one of America’s most beloved TV moms died this year. Florence Henderson will always be known as Carol Brady – the lovely lady bringing up three very lovely girls – on ‘The Brady Bunch.’ Henderson died in November. She was 82.

A more recent TV mom who left us this year was Doris Roberts, immortalized for her depiction of Marie Barone – the hovering and opinionated mother and mother-in-law on “Everybody Loves Raymond.’ Roberts was 90.

Patty Duke began as a star on Broadway and the big screen with her portrayal of Helen Keller in ‘The Miracle Worker.’ She then played identical cousins on ‘The Patty Duke’ show. Active in show business for decades to follow, Duke was 60 when she died in March.

Alan Young was famous for talking to a horse – and even more impressively the horse talked back. Young was the star of ‘Mr. Ed.’ He was 96 when he died in May.

Hugh O’Brian served our nation in World War II and cleaned up the streets of Dodge City in ‘The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp.’ Inspired by Albert Schweitzer, O’Brian later devoted himself to helping young people develop into leadership roles through the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program. O’Brian was 91.

Robert Vaughn became a household name as Napoleon Solo, also known as ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ Vaughn was also acclaimed for his work on the silver screen in classics like ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and ‘Bridge at Remagen.’ Vaughn died just shy of his 84th birthday in November.

By the time the 1970s rolled around, Americans were already nostalgic for the ‘50s. ‘Happy Days’ captured the era perfectly, and the smash hit series was the work of director Garry Marshall. Also the brains behind successful spinoffs like ‘Laverne and Shirley’ and ‘Mork and Mindy,’ Garry Marshall was 81.

‘One Day at a Time’ was a CBS sitcom about a single mom raising two daughters. The only regular male character was also the comic relief found in apartment superintendent Schneider. Schneider was the work of actor Pat Harrington, who died of Alzheimer’s disease in January. He was 86.

‘Alice’ was seen on the same night as ‘One Day at a Time’ and also focused on the working class. Actress Beth Howland was always good for a laugh as the spacy but endearing Vera. Howland was 74.

Another 70s hit was the police comedy ‘Barney Miller.’ The ensemble cast of detectives included Ron Glass as Harris. Harris died in November. He was 71.

Joining ‘Barney Miller’ as a hit ABC comedy was ‘Benson,’ as viewers followed the exploits inside the governor’s mansion of a fictional administration. Gov. Gene Gatling was well-intentioned but not very sharp. Gatling was portrayed by actor James Noble. Noble died in March at age 94.

The 1980s were full of memorable TV dads. Alan Thicke was one of the most recognizable. Thicke’s portrayal of Dr. Jason Seaver on ‘Growing Pains’ helped make the show a smash hit. Known in later years as the father of singer Robin Thicke, Alan Thicke was 69 when he suffered a heart attack while playing hockey and later dying at the hospital. Thicke was 69.

George Gaynes is known to fans of the 80s for two roles, first as Commandant Eric Lassard in the ‘Police Academy’ movies and later as adoptive dad Henry Warnimont on ‘Punky Brewster.’ George Gaynes was 98 when he died in February

Garry Shandling was a stellar stand-up comedian who eventually became a frequent guest host for Johnny Carson. In the late 1980s, Shandling starred in the aptly titled ‘It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.’ In the ‘90s, Shandling starred as Larry Sanders on the acclaimed HBO series, ‘The Larry Sanders Show.’ Shandling died suddenly in March. He was 66.

‘Law and Order’ was a staple of prime time television for nearly 20 years. For more than half that time, the role of curmudgeonly, deal-making district attorney Adam Schiff was the work of actor Steven Hill. Hill was 94.

In music, country music lost one of its greatest legends. Merle Haggard was one of the original outlaws and had lived a rough life before he pursued and achieved stardom. One of the great writers in Opry history, Haggard was 79.

Holly Dunn scored multiple hits during her country music career. Known for ‘Daddy’s Hands’ and ‘you Really Had Me Going,’ Dunn was 59.

Music had never seen anything quite like David Bowie in terms of his sound or his look. Known best for classic songs like ‘Under Pressure,’ Bowie broke every conventional mold and always found a huge audience. Bowie died in January. He was 69.

In April, the music world was stunned by the unexpected death of Prince. A guitar whiz and the man behind ‘Purple Rain,’ ‘Little Red Corvette,’ ‘When Doves Cry,’ ‘1999’ and so many other hits, Prince died of a drug overdose at his Minnesota home. He was 57.

There was no bigger act in the late 70s than the Eagles, and Glen Frey was one of the biggest reasons for the massive success. Frey died in January. Frey was 67.

Paul Kantner was a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, which later transformed into Jefferson Starship. Also playing lead guitar for the band, Kantner was 74 when he died in January.

George Martin was known as the fifth Beatle. The powerhouse producer helped launch the Fab Four from Liverpool to the most famous music act in the world. Martin was 90.

Emerson, Lake and Palmer was a unique group in the 70s, finding a way to translate classical music into rock and roll. Both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake died this year. Emerson was 71. Lake was 69.

Just about everyone has heard Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ in some form. Cohen died in November at age 82.

George Beverly Shea sang the solos at the Billy Graham Crusades but some of the largest choirs ever assembled at those gatherings were directed by Cliff Barrows. Barrows served as music director for the crusades for many decades. He was 93.

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