Music Legend Earl Scruggs Dies At 88

My first introduction to Earl Scruggs was the theme from the Beverly Hillbillies, The Ballad of Jed Clampett.  That was a time when TV theme songs laid out the premise of the show. We all remember black gold/Texas tea.  Scruggs performed the song along with Lester Flatt; it was sung by Jerry Scoggins. 

Steve Martin called him ''the most important banjo player who ever lived." Scruggs passed away at age 88 of natural causes.  His importance to music cannot be overstated. 

A Hollywood Icon and Humanitarian

By now, everyone is aware the Elizabeth Taylor died this morning.  Besides having the most perfect eyebrows and the most beautiful eyes, she was apparently was a beautiful soul.  She was loyal to her friends,  She stuck by Montgomery Cliff after his accident. She didn't leave Rock Hudson's side while he was dying of AIDS.  She remained friends with Michael Jackson until his death. She has seen a lot of her friends die before their time.

She appreciated those she worked with. I've heard stories of her sending cards or giving gifts to crew members of projects she worked on.  Liz was a tireless advocate for finding a cure for AIDS and raised lots of money for the cause. 

The BBC has a really nice interview with Liz Taylor, which I can't embed so I'll post the link. 

Last year I finally watched a Place In The Sun.  Liz is incredibly beautiful and persuasive in that film.  Apparently she was the same in the real world. 

RIP Pinetop Perkins

Pinetop Perkins one of the last of the original Mississippi bluesmen has died at age 97 in Austin, TX.  Know mostly for playing piano in Muddy Water's band, his solo career seemed to take flight in the 1980's and 1990's.  He received a Grammy in 2010 and therefore, became the oldest person to receive one.  He named himself Pinetop after his admiration for the music of Pinetop Smith.  He originally started on the guitar, but after being stabbed in the arm and incurring tendon damage, he moved to the piano.  Up until just last month he had been playing shows in Austin. 

Watch the full episode. See more Austin City Limits.

The Producers' Fuhrer

Kenneth Mars played one of my favorite film characters, Franz Liebkind. He was the author of Springtime for Hitler who cared for pigeons on the roof of this building.  Without him, there would be no Producers.  Kenneth passed away this past week.. His beloved portrayal of Franz is classic and I thank him for it.  To quote his character, "Not many people know it, but the Fuhrer was a terrific dancer!"