Ray King obit

Tributes paid to influential soul singer Ray King

 He was not on the list.

Tributes have been paid to Ray King, one of the most influential singers in the ska and 2 Tone music genres, following the announcement of his death.

Born Vibert Cornwall in St Vincent and the Grenadines, he came to the UK in 1961 and arrived in Northampton, before moving to Coventry two years later, after being told it was the place to become a singer.

Pete Chambers, the founder of the Coventry Music Museum, said King had a stage presence "like James Brown".

"He was the kind of guy who controlled the stage with just one look, one little movement of the arm or whatever. He was a real professional and such a lovely guy and an influential guy."

In an interview with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in 2010, King said his musical influences as a young man and performer ranged from Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley to Pat Boone and Doris Day.

He formed the Ray King Soul Band and performed throughout Coventry, with their first gig at The Walsgrave Club in the city.

The reputation of the band's professionalism and popularity led to a six-month residency at the Playboy Club in London, with the likes of Jimmy Hendrix and Paul McCartney joining the band on stage on an ad-hoc basis.

Among the musicians he influenced was Lynval Golding, one of the founders of The Specials.

"Ray King is such an amazing foundation for all of us musically, he's the roots. He's the guy we learn from" he told BBC CWR in a 2019 documentary about 2 Tone music.

In 2012, King was honoured with a plaque dedicated to him on the Wall of Fame at 2 Tone village in Coventry, part of the Coventry Music Museum, recognising the role he played in bringing musicians together to form bands that would become household names.

They included the likes of Golding and Jerry Dammers who formed The Specials, and Charley Anderson and Neol Davies, both founder-members of The Selecter.

Chambers said King's legacy could be found throughout the music scene in the city today.

"His legacy would be as a prime Coventry musician who did so much and cared so much about his home city."

Jim Lindsey obit

Jim Lindsey, Arkansas football icon and member of 1964 national champion team, has died

 He was not on the list.

Arkansas football legend Jim Lindsey, who helped lead the Razorbacks to the program’s only national championship in 1964 and later was an influential philanthropist for the program, died Sunday evening following a lengthy illness. He was 81.

Lindsey was born on Nov. 24, 1944, in Caldwell, Arkansas, and attended Forrest City High School, where he was a star football player and signed with Frank Broyles and the Razorbacks in 1962.

“I helped recruit him, and I was his position coach,” said Barry Switzer, who was a former player and assistant coach at Arkansas before winning multiple national championships at Oklahoma and a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. “He was a natural leader for our team and was a good player for us. We were close. I kept up with him during his time with the [Minnesota] Vikings. I just kept writing him letters of encouragement. I just told him if he played with the same effort as he gave us, he'd play a long time and his investments would pay off.”

At Arkansas, Lindsey rose to the ranks of captain and team leader in the heyday of Razorback football under Broyles. Lindsey played on teams that had a combined record of 26-6 from 1963-65 and won 22 straight games at one point, the longest winning streak for a college football program in the 1960s.

In 1964, the Razorbacks went 11-0 and defeated arch-rival and defending national champion Texas 14-13. Lindsey playing a key role in the win over the No. 1 Longhorns. He threw a key block on All-America linebacker Tommy Nobis that sprung Ken Hatfield free on his legendary 81-yard punt return for a touchdown.

The Razorbacks capped the perfect season with a 10-7 win against Nebraska in the Cotton Bowl, with Lindsey making two crucial catches on the game-winning 80-yard drive late in the fourth quarter.

His 10-yard reception to the Nebraska 43 converted a third down, then he caught a 28-yard pass to the Cornhuskers' 5 that set up Bobby Burnett's go-ahead touchdown on the following play.

The Razorbacks went 10-0 in the 1965 regular season before falling 14-7 to LSU at the Cotton Bowl.

Ironically, the game that launched the 22-game win streak almost wasn’t played. It was the regular season finale against Texas Tech in Fayetteville one day after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. The two teams played the game as a somber crowd watched Arkansas claim a 27-20 win. The Razorbacks did not lose again until the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 1966.

Lindsey was drafted by both the Vikings in the NFL and the Buffalo Bills in the AFL. He spent seven seasons with the Vikings as a running back under Bud Grant, including the 1969 season when the Vikings lost the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Although Lindsey’s playing career at Arkansas left a lasting legacy, he’s probably far better known as one of Northwest Arkansas’ top business leaders. He turned his NFL signing bonus into a real estate empire that has spanned more than 50 years.

"I recall him going to lunch with E.J. Ball,” Switzer said. “He was told to take his $75,000 signing bonus and buy the land between Fayetteville and Springdale. He did it. That was as good a use for a signing bonus as anyone has ever made."

He also launched a bid to become Arkansas' governor in 1976 and lost to incumbent David Pryor in the Democratic primary.

Lindsey was a noted philanthropist helping untold thousands of people in their times of need.

"The number of people he helped might have been in the thousands,” former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said. “He might take care of someone's funeral costs. He might send a pile of hundreds to someone — anonymously. He might send someone 20 pies from Neal's Cafe. He had the most giving heart of anyone I knew."

Jim Watson, a close friend of Lindsey’s, echoed Nutt’s sentiment about Lindsey’s giving heart to those in need.

“I'm told by Jim's secretary that there is no end to the gifts he gave to others that she knew about and there would probably be many more she didn't know about,” Watson said. “He always was a giver, even when he was just getting started in business as an NFL football player. But as he made more money, he gave more. He was always on the lookout for someone to help."

Lindsey's Celebration of Life will be held on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville.

As a 21-year-old, Lindsey used his $75,000 NFL signing bonus to purchase a tract of land in Northwest Arkansas, his starting point in buying and selling real estate, an occupation he pursued during his off-seasons, and which became his main occupation after retirement from football. As of 2013, Lindsey's company owned more than 37,000 apartment units and 42 golf courses.

Lindsey Golf courses are located in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Courses range from 9-18 holes, with many of them featuring a links style design. These courses tend to fill a niche for affordable public golf courses, but that are maintained at country-club level standards.

In 2011, production began on a documentary film covering Lindsey's life. Narrated by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, "The Jim Lindsey Story" details Lindsey's youth in the Arkansas Delta, role during the 1964 championship season, time in the National Football League, and rise in real estate. The film features interviews with College Football Hall of Fame coach Frank Broyles, former Arkansas head coach Ken Hatfield, former NFL players Fred Cox and Dave Osborn, and Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant. Executive produced by Emmy Award winners Larry Foley and Dale Carpenter, the documentary is presented by the University of Arkansas's Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism. "The Jim Lindsey Story" is scheduled for release in fall of 2013.

 

Personal information

Born    November 24, 1944

Caldwell, Arkansas, U.S.

Died    July 19, 2026 (aged 81)

Listed height   6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

Listed weight  210 lb (95 kg)

Career information

High school     Forrest City (Forrest City, Arkansas)

College            Arkansas

NFL draft        1966: 2nd round, 27th overall pick

AFL draft        1966: 2nd round, 17th overall pick

Career history

Minnesota Vikings (1966–1972)

Awards and highlights

NFL champion (1969)

National champion (1964)

Second-team All-SWC (1964)

Career NFL statistics

Rushing yards 566

Rushing average          3.2

Receptions       56

Receiving yards          632

Total touchdowns        11

Sylvia Bugg obit

Sylvia Bugg, PBS Programming Chief, Dies at 55

PBS CEO Paula Kerger announced the news on Sunday. 

She was not on the list.

Sylvia Bugg, PBS‘ chief programming executive and general manager for general audience programming, died “unexpectedly this weekend,” PBS CEO Paula Kerger announced. She was 55.

“Over decades in public media, including her leadership at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and three chapters of service here at PBS, Sylvia shaped the programming that defines our service to the American people,” Kerger said Sunday. “She brought forward landmark films across history, science and the arts and guided our America @250 slate through a defining year.”

Bugg will be “gratefully remembered for her commitment to ensuring public media’s programming reflects a broad range of voices and perspectives,” Kerger added. “She was a strong advocate for education, both in the programs she supported and in her own life, as shown by her multiple advanced degrees, including a recent doctorate.”

No cause of death was provided. This month, PBS received five Primetime Emmy nominations.

Bugg joined PBS for a third stint just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down. Previously, she was vp diversity and television content at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Bugg was PBS’ director of programming from April 2012-August 2014; her first turn came in the mid-to-late ’90s. Bugg also worked at Discovery Inc. for a dozen years.

“Our thoughts are with Sylvia’s family, friends and colleagues across public media, who are all devastated by this loss,” Kerger said. “Many have noted her grace and kindness, shown every day. She will be deeply missed.”

Bugg earned a doctorate in Education from USC and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Peter Lassally obit

Peter Lassally, Producer for Johnny Carson and David Letterman, Dies at 93

The "Host Whisperer" started out with Arthur Godfrey, spent 23 years with 'The Tonight Show' and engineered Dave's move to CBS. 

He was not on the list.

Peter Lassally, a concentration camp survivor who became known as the “Host Whisperer” for producing talk shows headlined by Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Craig Ferguson, has died. He was 93.

Lassally died Sunday of natural causes at a memory care facility in Los Angeles, his son, Tom Lassally, the partner, producer and manager at 3 Arts Entertainment, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Lassally had produced programs starring Arthur Godfrey and Mike Wallace before joining Carson on NBC’s The Tonight Show, then based in New York, in 1969. He served as the quiet behind-the-scenes guy in a producing partnership with the boisterous Fred De Cordova and remained with the show until Carson’s final broadcast on May 22, 1992.

After just one week off, Lassally jumped to Late Night With David Letterman as an executive producer for what would prove to be the NBC program’s final season. When Jay Leno was picked over Letterman to replace Carson, Lassally advised Letterman what to do next.

“I said to Dave, ‘If you’re going to follow Jay Leno at 12:30 when he gets The Tonight Show, you’re going to hate yourself, you’re going to be miserable,'” Lassally recalled in a 2009 chat for the Television Academy Foundation website The Interviews.

“You’re going to think, ‘Why am I following Jay Leno when I for 12 years hosted the 12:30 show … and my reward should be The Tonight Show?’ If you agree, I’ll try to get you an 11:30 show — not knowing when I said that just how I was going to do that.”

Lassally hooked Letterman up with powerful CAA agent Michael Ovitz, and the host fielded lucrative offers in syndication, cable and broadcast before deciding to move to CBS in 1993 to topline Late Show With David Letterman from the Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway at 11:35 p.m.

The deal included ownership of a 12:35 a.m. program, The Late Late Show, and Lassally returned to California to set up that program with host Tom Snyder. When Snyder left after four years in March 1999, Lassally disapproved of his replacement, the snarky Craig Kilborn — he had pushed for Jon Stewart — and stepped aside. But when Kilborn quit in a salary dispute in 2004, he got his man in the charming Scottish actor-comedian Ferguson.

“I always had a good relationship with the hosts that I worked with because I would tell them the truth. That has really worked well for me. That’s how I got the title the ‘Host Whisperer,'” the two-time Emmy winner said. “I’m not good at pumping sunshine up their rears. If I didn’t like it, I can’t fake it, I can’t pretend it was good. I’m very lucky the hosts respected that.”

Peter Eduard Lassally was born on Oct. 14, 1932, in Hamburg, Germany. His father, Paul, was an importer/exporter in the coffee business, and his mother, Elsa, was a housewife.

He and his family fled Germany in 1938 on the way to England to escape the Nazis but “didn’t go far enough,” settling in Amsterdam, where he went to the same grade school as Anne Frank. After his father died and the Germans invaded the Netherlands, his mother and older sister were confined to two concentration camps from 1943-45.

The second camp, Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, “was a very strange place,” Lassally told NPR in 2012. “That’s where the Nazis fixed up the camp with all sorts of phony, wonderful decor and invited the Red Cross to come and visit and see what wonderful things they were doing.”

In 1947, Lassally came to live with an uncle in Canton, New York, where he attended St. Lawrence University after graduating from high school in Queens. Back in New York City, he worked as an usher at Radio City Music Hall and as a page (alongside Regis Philbin) at NBC.

Lassally reviewed Broadway plays for a WOR radio program hosted by Ruby Mercer and went on to produce her show, then produced the NBC radio program Nightline, where he hired Mort Sahl, Shelley Berman and Nichols & May to do short comedy bits. “That’s where I found doing what I really love more than anything else, finding talent and developing them,” he said.

Lassally produced Godfrey-hosted shows on CBS radio and television — he eventually became president of Godfrey’s production company — and in 1961 moved to PM East, a syndicated talk show from Westinghouse that was hosted by Wallace. He regularly booked Barbra Streisand on that because she lived in an apartment above the studio; she hadn’t even begun her singing career yet.

Lassally got to know Carson’s second wife, Joanne, when she asked him to produce a TV pilot for her, and she helped him get a job on The Tonight Show. De Cordova came aboard a bit later, and they enjoyed a complementary relationship, he told Mark Malkoff on a 2014 episode of The Carson Podcast.

“He would be Mr. Jolly and schmooze with the guests, which I didn’t like to do, and I would do all the work. And that worked perfectly,” he said. The pair had lunch together every day for more than two decades, often throwing in a game of poker.

Lassally had final say on all Tonight Show guests — he recognized Garry Shandling‘s potential during an appearance on The Merv Griffin Show and pursued Steven Wright after seeing him do stand-up at a Chinese restaurant — and broke in the guest hosts who sat in when Carson was on vacation.

“The gift that I keep looking for in people, whether they’re hosts or guests, is likability,” he said. “I don’t care if you have the No. 1 record or the No. 1 movie; if you’re not likable, I’d rather not put you on because I don’t think the audience will stay up.”

Joan Rivers eventually became the permanent guest host, and she assumed Lassally would follow her when she landed her own late-night show at Fox in 1986. He stayed loyal to Carson, however.

After Carson retired, Lassally convinced him to send jokes to Letterman for his monologues. “He didn’t want to force Dave to use them because of who Johnny was,” he told Malkoff. “I said, ‘No, these jokes are wonderful, and Dave would be honored and proud to do them on his show.’ He finally gave in.”

Shandling also bounced talk-show ideas off him for HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show. “Shandling and his writing partner would ask me, ‘Could this have happened?’ I would say yes and no,” he said.

In his TV Academy Foundation interview, Lassally noted that Late Show originally was to spend just one year in New York before moving to Los Angeles. However, when the program came out of the gate beating Leno in the ratings, those plans were shelved, and Lassally stayed in New York for about 2 1/2 years, longer than he would have preferred.

He was serving as a consultant on Late Late Show when he was asked to oversee the selection of a new host after Kilborn’s exit. Four finalists — Ferguson, D.L. Hughley, Michael Ian Black and Damien Fahey — emerged from more than two dozen guest hosts (among them Stewart) before Ferguson, despite his heavy Scottish burr, got the job.

Lassally retired in 2014 as executive producer of Late Late Show when Ferguson left. He collected 13 Emmy nominations during his career, with wins in 1992 for The Tonight Show and 1994 for Late Show.

“When Johnny Carson and David Letterman needed counsel and an honest opinion, they immediately went to Peter Lassally, the professor of late night,” NBC said in a statement. “His relationship to each of these giants was immeasurable, and both of them would undoubtedly say his contribution to their success was so impactful that it would be difficult to put in words. [He was] a quiet man whose influence and stature spoke volumes; his brilliance was in shaping what we watch, how we watch and why late night was, and remains, vitally significant.”

In addition to his son, survivors include his daughter, Andrea, and his grandchildren, Walker, Eloise, Annabel and Owen. His wife of 60 years, Alice, predeceased him.

“I respect talent, I’m in awe of talent,” he once said. “If you are really talented, I will put up with your craziness. Because if you’re that talented, you’re not a normal person; there’s something wacky about you.”

Chen Gang obit

Chinese Composer Chen Gang has Died, Aged 91 

Gang was best known internationally as the co-composer of the famous “Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto” 

He was not on the list.

Born in 1935, the renowned Chinese composer Chen Gang was a longtime professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and best known as the co-creator of the Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto, which remains one of the most frequently performed Chinese works for violin and a Western-style orchestra.

Chen first studied music with his father, the songwriter Chen Gexin, and at the age of 10 began studying piano with a Hungarian pianist in Shanghai.

From 1955 to 1959, he studied composition at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with Ding Shande, Sang Tong, and Soviet music experts, before staying on to teach as a professor himself after graduating. His later students included the acclaimed Chinese-American composer Jing Jing Luo.

In May 1959 at age 24, Chen partnered with his classmate He Zhanhao to write the Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto, which premiered under the direction of Yu Lina, and went on to become a career highlight.

or over 60 years, The Butterfly Lovers concerto has remained one of the most recognized symbolic representations of Chinese music with its unique blend of folk opera melodies with the Western symphonic structure. The concerto went on to earn five Golden Record prizes and a Platinum Record honor.

In a 2021 interview, Chen reflected on the years since creating The Butterfly Lovers, saying that the work was a “coming-of-age” piece from his student days under a very creative environment.

“It has indeed become a classic, a product of that unique era and its specific creative environment; not a single note has been altered since it was first written,” Chen says in the interview. “Amidst the contemporary call for ‘nationalization,’ this subject matter — which was the least reflective of ‘reality’ and the least aligned with ‘politics’ — was nonetheless selected by Meng Bo, then Party Secretary of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. This choice gave rise to a Chinese symphonic work that fused the dramatic structure of the Western sonata form with the melodies and performance techniques of traditional Chinese opera.”

Chen’s other works that became staples of Chinese classical music include 1970s pieces such as Miaolin’s Morning, The Golden Steel Smelting Furnace, and Sunshine in Tashkurgan — a virtuosic solo violin work frequently performed across China today. In the 1980s, he penned another violin concerto, Wang Zhaojun.

Notably, he also composed China’s first harp concerto and its first oboe concerto, as well as symphonic poems, grand choruses, and chamber ensembles. Remaining an active composer until his passing, Chen had recently completed “Symphonic Overture: Blossoms” in 2025. His works are known for their blend of tradition with abundant contemporary compositional techniques.

Our condolences to Mr. Chen’s family, friends, students, and colleagues.

Hannah Rapp obit

Rapp, 26, dies after being hit by car while cycling

 

She was not on the list.

American boxer Hannah Rapp died on Saturday after being hit by a car while cycling in Texas.

Rapp, 26, was passed by a car which suddenly came to a stop then reversed into her, according to the Brazos County sheriff's office.

The driver has been arrested and charged with manslaughter.

Rapp challenged for the WBC women's featherweight championship in June, losing to Tiara Brown in Orlando, which left her with an 8-1-1 record.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement: "She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family."

Brown called Rapp the "best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro" and said Rapp asked for her autograph in the lead-up to the fight.

"It filled my heart because we were getting ready for war, yet she was still asking for my autograph," said Brown. "We fought a great fight. It was my honor to share the ring with her."

Rapp, from Indiana, competed in athletics before transitioning to boxing. She turned professional in 2024 while maintaining a full-time job as a fire and life safety inspector.

Her promoter, Most Valuable Promotions, said in a statement: "Hannah made a lasting impression on everyone who had the opportunity to meet her.

"She was a gifted athlete, a valued member of the boxing community, and someone who was deeply respected by those around her.

"We are grateful to have shared a part of her journey and will honour her memory in the weeks ahead."

Tim Murphy obit

Tim Murphy, former Pittsburgh-area congressman, dies at 73

 He was not on the list.

Tim Murphy, a former Pittsburgh-area congressman, has died. He was 73 years old.

Murphy, a Republican, served as the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district from 2003 until his resignation in 2017. He also served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1996 until 2003.

The Republican Committee of Allegheny County shared the news of Murphy's death in a social media post on Sunday, adding that Murphy would be remembered as someone who served "with conviction and commitment."

Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman, who served as Murphy's field director from 2003 to 2005, also issued a statement on Murphy's death.

"I was devastated to hear the completely unexpected news of Congressman Tim Murphy's passing. Twenty years ago, Tim was my boss. In the years since, he became a dear friend and one of my most influential political mentors.

"Tim was a true statesman who cared deeply about the people he represented. Whether you agreed with his policies or not, no one could deny his unwavering commitment to his constituents or the tireless work ethic he brought to public service every single day. He was one of the hardest-working people I've ever known."

The circumstances of Murphy's death were not immediately known.

The psychologist who served as the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district from 2003 until his resignation in 2017. The district included several suburbs south of Pittsburgh. A member of the Republican Party, he also represented the 37th Senate district in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1996 to 2003. Murphy consistently carried the 18th district with at least 58% of the vote, including unopposed re-election bids in 2014 and 2016.

Edward Stourton obit

Broadcaster and journalist Edward Stourton dies aged 68

 

He was not on the list.

Broadcaster and journalist Edward Stourton, whose career spanned more than 40 years including a decade on Radio 4's Today, has died aged 68.

Stourton, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014, died on Saturday surrounded by his family, the BBC announced in a statement.

The presenter's friend and former Today co-host James Naughtie praised Stourton's "generosity of spirit", adding he was "a journalist of enormous capability and experience".

Another former Today presenter, Evan Davis, said Stourton was "a very important figure for all of us on the daily news programmes on Radio 4".

"One of those people you're really glad to have around," Davis reflected. "All substance, minimum ego, deeply knowledgeable, totally reliable.

"And he was one of the nicest of colleagues as well. He'll be missed."

Presenter Mishal Husain described Stourton as "a true gentleman and a broadcaster of immense capacity and intellect", while Justin Webb remembered him as "funny, self-deprecating and unpompous".

In his 2023 memoir Confessions, Stourton revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer nearly a decade earlier.

He had treatment but was later told it had become incurable and spread. Stourton continued to work until very recently.

Stourton's career began at ITN, where he helped launch Channel 4 News and became the programme's first Washington correspondent in the latter years of the Reagan presidency.

He joined the BBC as Paris correspondent in 1988, and after a period back at ITN as diplomatic editor, returned to present the One O'Clock News on BBC One.

His BBC work also included Panorama, Assignment, Correspondent, as well as a phone-in programme on Radio 4, Call Ed Stourton.

Stourton became a presenter of the flagship Today programme in 1999, where his immense experience as a foreign correspondent served him well while reporting from countries such as Lebanon and Afghanistan.

He was also one of the first correspondents to reach New York after the 9/11 terror attacks.

His departure from Today in 2008 was leaked to a newspaper before he had been told, upsetting Stourton and many of his colleagues.

But he remained at the BBC and went on to present several other news programmes, while remaining as a contributor to Today.

In recent years, as well as writing and presenting documentaries for Radio 4, Stourton fronted the network's religious affairs programme, Sunday, as well as regularly hosting The World At One and The World This Weekend.

Stourton was born in 1957 in Nigeria, where his father was working, and also spent time as a boy in Geneva. He was educated at Ampleforth College and read English Literature at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was President of the Union.

His Catholic faith was an important part of his life and Stourton fronted documentaries including Absolute Truth, a four-part BBC Two series about the Catholic Church.

It was also reflected in his writing - among Stourton's many books was John Paul II: Man of History, a revelatory biography of the former Pope.

His last book, written to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, was Made in America: the Dark History that Led to Donald Trump.

Paying tribute, Naughtie praised Stourton's "great integrity and humanity", adding that he "had a kind of infectious decency which lifted people up".

"He had a great effect on younger producers, who came away with enormous respect for the extent to which he tried to pass things on, and that he never patronised him,” Naughtie added.

"He was a man of wide cultural interests and experience and enthusiasm... His warm intelligence and wit were admired and enjoyed by generations with whom he worked.

"And as a friend, he was always a rock of support and kindness. His dignity and courage through his illness were an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He was, simply, much-loved."

The Today programme's current editor Rebecca Keating said she and colleagues referred to Stourton as the "Rolls Royce of broadcasting".

"His sharp mind and vast knowledge of the world brought to bear on any story with zero fuss," she wrote on X.

The BBC's interim news chief Jonathan Munro said it was "far too soon to lose Ed".

"I worked as his producer when he was ITN's diplomatic editor - unflappable then and ever after," he continued.

"Many years later, I was listening to his superb analysis of the new Pope for the BBC - another of his many areas of expertise. Not many broadcasters can present Today, BBC One's One O'clock News, The World at One and Sunday - but he did. He leaves a huge gap."

Today presenter Nick Robinson said Stourton "brought a ferocious intellect, boundless curiosity and a good deal of charm to all he did".

"He dealt with his cancer with resolution but without self pity," Robinson added. "He'll be badly missed."

Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya described Stourton as an "absolutely outstanding broadcaster", adding that he "brought intelligence, authority and an extraordinary hinterland to everything he did".

ITV's Julie Etchingham, who also presented Radio 4's Sunday programme, said she was "very sad to hear the news" of Stourton's death, remembering his "huge intellect and great heart".

Stourton, who had homes in south London and south-west France, is survived by his wife Fiona, who is a senior television producer, two sons, a daughter and a step-daughter.

Jim Gilstrap obit

TV’s “Good Times” theme singer, soul man Jim Gilstrap, dies

 

He was not on the list.

(July 19, 2026) He didn’t possess a household name, but his voice was a part of the lives of millions of people around the world. Today we mourn the passing of powerful singer Jim Gilstrap at age 79. His family announced his passing on social media this morning.

The Texas-born singer became one of the most dependable background vocalists of the 1970s, lending his smooth, expressive tenor to recordings by many of the era’s biggest stars. After serving in the military, Gilstrap began his professional career with the Doodletown Pipers and later joined Stevie Wonder’s celebrated backing group, Wonderlove. He appeared on the landmark albums Talking Book and Innervisions and memorably sang the opening lines of Wonder’s classic “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” He also shared lead vocals on the familiar theme song from the television series Good Times.

Gilstrap briefly stepped into the solo spotlight in 1975 with the infectious doo wop-influenced “Swing Your Daddy.” Written and produced by Kenny Nolan, the song became a Top 10 R&B hit in the United States and reached the Top 5 in the United Kingdom. His debut album of the same name mixed polished soul, pop and the emerging sounds of disco, and was followed two years later by Love Talk.

Though he never again matched the commercial success of “Swing Your Daddy,” Gilstrap continued to shine behind the scenes, singing with artists ranging from Quincy Jones and George Duke to Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Bill Withers. He quietly became one of the voices of some of the greatest music releases of the past half century.

According to his family, Jim Gilstrap was the last surviving member of a family of ten siblings. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Gilstrap, his children, grandchildren, and extended family. May he rest in peace.

Duane Ward obit

Blue Jays’ icon Ward passes away at 62

 

He was not on the list.

TORONTO — Duane Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died at 62.

The Blue Jays said Sunday that Ward died of natural causes in Toronto. He had arrived in the city Friday ahead of the team’s ceremony honouring its 1992 and 1993 championship teams but was absent from Saturday’s festivities at Rogers Centre.

“It is with profound sadness that the Toronto Blue Jays mourn the passing of pitcher Duane Ward, one of the most accomplished and beloved relievers in franchise history,” the Blue Jays said in a statement.

“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada.”

Ward ranks among the Blue Jays’ leaders in saves with 121 across his 452 games with the Jays from 1986 to 1995. His 45 saves in 1993 remain a single-season franchise record.

Longtime Blue Jays executive Paul Beeston, who helped build Toronto’s back-to-back championship teams, said he was stunned by the news.

“I immediately thought of all the good times we had together, and we did have a number of good times together,” Beeston said in a hallway behind the Rogers Centre press box, steps away from a framed photo of Ward on the mound.

“He was here when we were going well. Between him and Tom Henke, we only had to play seven-inning games.”

Beeston’s eyes watered as he highlighted Ward’s contributions to the Blue Jays and the game of baseball in Canada.

“He was the first guy who started the coaches clinic and player clinics across the country,” Beeston said. “He was committed to it. He loved Canada, he loved the Blue Jays.”

Ward was honoured with an induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.

The hard-throwing right-hander began his major-league career with Atlanta in 1986 after the Braves selected him in the first round of the 1982 MLB Draft out of Farmington, N.M.

The Blue Jays acquired Ward in July 1986 for pitcher Doyle Alexander. Ward would go on to spend the rest of his career in Toronto, forming a dominant bullpen tandem with Tom Henke before taking over as the club’s closer after Henke departed following the 1992 championship season.

Ward was the winning pitcher when Joe Carter hit his walk-off home run — immortalized with a statue unveiled Saturday — in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

“Whether setting the stage in the eighth inning or closing out wins, he will be remembered for the role he played in some of the greatest moments in Blue Jays history,” the Blue Jays said.

Ward missed the entire 1994 season with an arm injury and retired the following year after pitching in just four games during the 1995 season. He finished his career with a 3.28 earned-run average and a 32-37 record.

The Blue Jays honoured the reliever with a video tribute and a moment of silence before Sunday afternoon’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

“He was indomitable, and I thought he was one of those guys who would last forever because of all the things he did,” Beeston said. “The best way to describe him is that he was his own man. But it’s a tragic loss at a time when we’re having a celebration, and he was such a big part of it.”

Ward attended Farmington High School in Farmington, New Mexico, where he played baseball for the Scorpions. On the competitive amateur circuit he flourished in the American Amateur Baseball Congress leagues and starred in the Connie Mack World Series; his plaque hangs in the tournament's hall of fame at Ricketts Park in Farmington. Ward also helped lead the Scorpions basketball team to a 26–0 season and the state Class 4A championship in 1981–82.

The Atlanta Braves selected Ward in the first round, ninth overall, of the 1982 MLB draft, shortly after his senior season. He is tied with Jim Kremmel (1971) for the second-highest draft pick of players hailing from New Mexico, behind shortstop Alex Bregman, who was selected with the second pick in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft.

Primarily a starter during a four-season rise through the Braves' farm system — with stops in rookie ball and at Anderson, Durham, Greenville and Triple-A Richmond — Ward was converted to relief pitching by manager Chuck Tanner, who told him he saw "so much of Goose Gossage" in him. Ward made his major league debut with the Braves on April 12, 1986, pitching a scoreless eighth inning in a 4–3 road loss to the Houston Astros; the game matched his childhood idol, Nolan Ryan, against Braves starter Rick Mahler, with Ward's parents in attendance. After posting a 7.31 ERA in 16 innings, he was optioned to Triple-A Richmond in early June, and a month later, on July 6, the Braves traded the 22-year-old to the Toronto Blue Jays for veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander. Alexander was traded to the Detroit Tigers a year later in the deal that brought future Hall of Famer John Smoltz to Atlanta.

MLB statistics

Win–loss record          32–37

Earned run average     3.28

Strikeouts        679

Saves   121

Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Teams

Atlanta Braves (1986)

Toronto Blue Jays (1986–1995)

Career highlights and awards

All-Star (1993)

2× World Series champion (1992, 1993)

AL saves leader (1993)

Member of the Canadian

   Baseball Hall of Fame  

Induction         2020

Terence Donovan obit

Australian Acting Legend Terence Donovan Passes Away at 90

 

He was not on the list.

Beloved Australian actor Terence Donovan has passed away in Melbourne at the age of 90. Donovan, well-known for his roles in iconic television series including “Neighbours” and “Home and Away,” has left an indelible mark on the Australian entertainment industry.

The sad news was shared by his son, Jason Donovan, who is also an accomplished actor. Jason took to social media on Sunday to honor his father’s legacy, describing Terence as “larger than life” and a central figure in his family’s world. In his heartfelt tribute, Jason expressed both sorrow and a sense of celebration for a life well-lived.

“It is with great sadness but also a sense of celebration of a long full life that myself and my brother Paul announce our father Terence died peacefully last night here in Melbourne,” Jason wrote. He reflected on his father’s vibrant personality, noting, “Our dad was a huge character, larger than life.” The sentiment echoed the affection felt not only by his family but also by countless fans who cherished Donovan’s contributions to Australian television and film.

Jason also conveyed the comfort that he and his brother found in being by their father’s side during his final days, emphasizing the strong family bonds that defined their relationship. As fans, friends, and colleagues remember Terence Donovan, they can look back at a career that spanned decades, filled with memorable performances and heartfelt connections.

Actor

We All Have Our Demons

Abbie's dad

Pre-productionShort

 

Neighbours (1985)

Neighbours

5.7

TV Series

Doug WillisOnlooker

1986–2022

571 episodes

 

Neighbours: Hey Piper

TV Series

Doug Willis

2015

 

House Husbands (2012)

House Husbands

6.8

TV Series

Doug

2013

2 episodes

 

Puppy (2005)

Puppy

5.9

Dr. Holden

2005

 

MDA (2002)

MDA

7.3

TV Series

Eric Savage

2003

2 episodes

 

Tushka Bergen and Marcus Graham in Horseplay (2003)

Horseplay

4.6

Mr. Perlman

2003

 

Signs of Life

Travis

2002

 

Lisa McCune in Blue Heelers (1994)

Blue Heelers

7.1

TV Series

Ian Waldron

1999

3 episodes

 

Heartbreak High (1994)

Heartbreak High

7.8

TV Series

Warwick

1999

2 episodes

 

Flair (1990)

Flair

7.6

TV Mini Series

Sergeant Doogan

1990

2 episodes

 

Home and Away (1988)

Home and Away

5.1

TV Series

Al Simpson

1990

24 episodes

 

Penny Cook, Lorrae Desmond, Grant Dodwell, Shane Porteous, Syd Heylen, Anne Tenney, Brian Wenzel, and Shane Withington in A Country Practice (1981)

A Country Practice

6.8

TV Series

Joe BaxterT. J. RileyHarry Taylor

1983–1989

6 episodes

 

Jigsaw (1989)

Jigsaw

4.8

Jack McClusky

1989

 

The Flying Doctors (1986)

The Flying Doctors

6.8

TV Series

Jim Cardaci (as Terry Donovan)

1989

1 episode

 

Michael Craig and Denise Roberts in G.P. (1989)

G.P.

7.4

TV Series

Darcy Watts

1989

1 episode

 

Jane Badler, Peter Graves, Antony Hamilton, Terry Markwell, Phil Morris, and Thaao Penghlis in Mission: Impossible (1988)

Mission: Impossible

7.5

TV Series

Senator Tom Oxenford

1989

1 episode

 

E Street (1989)

E Street

6.7

TV Series

Ken Swanson

1989

1 episode

 

Joe Wilson (1988)

Joe Wilson

5.7

TV Mini Series

Mr. Walls

1988

1 episode

 

The Fremantle Conspiracy (1988)

The Fremantle Conspiracy

8.9

TV Mini Series

1988

 

Australians (1988)

Australians

TV Mini Series

Old Errol

1988

1 episode

 

Running from the Guns (1987)

Running from the Guns

5.8

Bangles

1987

 

Emma's War (1987)

Emma's War

5.3

Frank Grange

1987

 

A Single Life

7.6

TV Movie

Chris

1986

 

Winners (1985)

Winners

7.6

TV Series

Peter Trig

1986

1 episode

 

Death of a Soldier (1986)

Death of a Soldier

5.8

John Curtin

1986

 

Sons and Daughters (1982)

Sons and Daughters

6.1

TV Series

Tom Chaplin

1985–1986

18 episodes

 

Rachel Ward, Anna Crawford, Sean Garlick, Robin Mason, Bradley Meehan, Rebecca Rigg, and Richard Terrill in Fortress (1985)

Fortress

7.0

Det Sgt Mitchell

1985

 

Maggie Kirkpatrick in Prisoner (1979)

Prisoner

8.2

TV Series

Bob Taylor

1985

6 episodes

 

The Winds of Jarrah (1983)

The Winds of Jarrah

6.3

Timber Marlow

1983

 

The Man from Snowy River (1982)

The Man from Snowy River

7.2

Henry Craig

1982

 

Night of Shadows

Short

Harry VinsonBlackie Webb

1982

 

Cop Shop (1977)

Cop Shop

7.1

TV Series

Sen. Det. Sgt. Vic CameronVic BishopGeorge Langdon

1978–1981

167 episodes

 

Strange Behavior (1981)

Strange Behavior

5.6

Mr. Brown (as Terry Donovan)

1981

 

Smash Palace (1981)

Smash Palace

7.0

Traffic Officer

1981

 

Edward Woodward in Breaker Morant (1980)

Breaker Morant

7.8

Cpt. Simon Hunt

1980

 

Money Movers (1978)

Money Movers

6.5

Eric Jackson

1978

 

Hotel Story

TV Series

1977–1978

6 episodes

 

Susannah Fowle, Sheila Helpmann, Barry Humphries, and John Waters in The Getting of Wisdom (1977)

The Getting of Wisdom

6.5

Tom McNamara

1977

 

Going Home

TV Movie

Miles Newton

1977

 

Bellbird (1967)

Bellbird

7.8

TV Series

Neil Farrar

1977

3 episodes

 

Sascha Hehn and Andrew Keir in The Outsiders (1976)

The Outsiders

8.7

TV Series

Stan Frazer

1977

1 episode

 

Martin Vaughan in Power Without Glory (1976)

Power Without Glory

8.6

TV Mini Series

Frank Lammence

1976

19 episodes

 

Paul Cronin in Solo One (1976)

Solo One

7.0

TV Series

Bill Morgan

1976

1 episode

 

Homicide (1964)

Homicide

7.7

TV Series

Peter MahoneyGreg AdamsGerald Stone

1968–1976

3 episodes

 

Tandarra (1976)

Tandarra

7.5

TV Mini Series

Sean Daly (as Terry Donovan)

1976

1 episode

 

Division 4 (1969)

Division 4

8.1

TV Series

Sen. Det. Mick PetersDet. Mick Peters

1969–1975

288 episodes

 

Alwyn Kurts in The Last of the Australians (1975)

The Last of the Australians

6.4

TV Series

Mr. Walker

1975

1 episode

 

Rush (1974)

Rush

8.4

TV Series

Doctor Kirby

1974

1 episode

 

This Love Affair

TV Series

Charley

1974

1 episode

 

Hunter (1967)

Hunter

8.3

TV Series

Peter GrantBiggsWade

1968–1969

3 episodes

 

Alexandra Bastedo, Stuart Damon, and William Gaunt in The Champions (1968)

The Champions

7.5

TV Series

Radio Operator (uncredited)

1968

1 episode

 

Oliver Reed, Mark Lester, Ron Moody, Shani Wallis, and Jack Wild in Oliver! (1968)

Oliver!

7.4

Policeman 'Consider Yourself' (uncredited)

1968

 

Patrick McGoohan and Angelo Muscat in The Prisoner (1967)

The Prisoner

8.4

TV Series

Sailor

1967

1 episode

 

Man in a Suitcase (1967)

Man in a Suitcase

7.6

TV Series

Brent

1967

1 episode

 

Bat Out of Hell (1966)

Bat Out of Hell

7.0

TV Mini Series

Sloane (uncredited)

1966

1 episode

 

Armchair Theatre (1956)

Armchair Theatre

7.7

TV Series

Carrier

1966

1 episode

 

John Gregson in Gideon C.I.D. (1964)

Gideon C.I.D.

8.2

TV Series

Police Officer (uncredited)

1966

1 episode

 

Object Z (1965)

Object Z

6.5

TV Series

Captain Wade

1965

3 episodes

 

Chicago in the Roaring 20's

TV Movie

(as Terence J. Donovan)

1965

 

Songs of the Wild West

TV Movie

(as Terence J. Donovan)

1965

 

Songs of the American Civil War

TV Movie

(as Terence J. Donovan)

1965

 

Thursday Theatre

5.4

TV Series

1st Newspaper boy (as Terence J. Donovan)

1965

1 episode

 

The Indian Tales of Rudyard Kipling (1963)

The Indian Tales of Rudyard Kipling

7.0

TV Series

Private Jenkins (as Terence J. Donovan)

1964

1 episode

 

Julie Samuel in It's a Woman's World (1964)

It's a Woman's World

TV Series

Jim

1964

1 episode

 

Zia Mohyeddin and Elizabeth Weaver in The Hidden Truth (1964)

The Hidden Truth

6.6

TV Series

Reporter

1964

1 episode

 

Nude with Violin (1964)

Nude with Violin

TV Movie

Clinton Preminger

1964

 

Consider Your Verdict (1961)

Consider Your Verdict

5.2

TV Series

Keith Upton

1961–1963

3 episodes

 

Writer

Division 4 (1969)

Division 4

8.1

TV Series

from an idea by

1970

1 episode

 

Soundtrack

Neighbours (1985)

Neighbours

5.7

TV Series

performer: "Ol' Man River"

1991

1 episode

 

Ernie Sigley in The Ernie Sigley Show (1974)

The Ernie Sigley Show

6.8

TV Series

performer: "Loose Ends" (as Terry Donovan)

1974

1 episode

 

Self

Money Movers: Roundtable Discussion (2022)

Money Movers: Roundtable Discussion

Video

Self - Actor

2022

 

Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite (2015)

Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite

4.7

TV Movie

Self

2015

 

Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha, Ruth Langsford, and Charlene White in Loose Women (1999)

Loose Women

2.1

TV Series

Self

2014

1 episode

 

Who Do You Think You Are? (2004)

Who Do You Think You Are?

8.0

TV Series

Self

2010

1 episode

 

Declan Donnelly and Anthony McPartlin in I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! (2002)

I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

5.9

TV Series

Self

2006

1 episode

 

Count Your Toes: The Making of 'Money Movers' (2004)

Count Your Toes: The Making of 'Money Movers'

Video

Self

2004

 

Rove McManus in Rove Live (2000)

Rove Live

6.4

TV Series

Self

2003

1 episode

 

Australian Story (1996)

Australian Story

7.7

TV Series

Self

2001

1 episode

 

Noel's House Party (1991)

Noel's House Party

6.3

TV Series

Self

1994

1 episode

 

Screenplay (1986)

Screenplay

6.5

TV Series

Self

1992

1 episode

 

The Great Picture Chase

TV Series

Self

1989

1 episode

 

Michael Parkinson in Parkinson in Australia (1979)

Parkinson in Australia

6.4

TV Series

Self

1982

1 episode

 

The Saturday Show (1978)

The Saturday Show

TV Series

Self

1982

1 episode

 

Peter Regan's Musical World

TV Special

Self

1979

 

Celebrity Squares (1975)

Celebrity Squares

TV Series

Self

1975

2 episodes

 

Ted Hamilton's Musical World

TV Series

Self

1974

1 episode

 

Ernie Sigley in The Ernie Sigley Show (1974)

The Ernie Sigley Show

6.8

TV Series

Self (as Terry Donovan)

1974

1 episode

 

Jeff Phillips and The Lido Dancers in Sounds Like Us (1969)

Sounds Like Us

TV Series

Self (as Terry Donovan)

1970

1 episode

 

Graham Kennedy in In Melbourne Tonight (1957)

In Melbourne Tonight

7.8

TV Series

Self

1969

2 episodes

 

Archive Footage

A Quick Trip Back to Crawfords in the early 70's

Video

Self (archive footage)

2013

 

South Australia: Ocean to Outback

Video

Self - Actor (archive footage)

2003

 

Peter O'Brien in Neighbours: A 10th Anniversary Celebration (1995)

Neighbours: A 10th Anniversary Celebration

8.4

Video

Self - Doug Willis (archive footage)

1995

 

Murder Most Horrid (1991)

Murder Most Horrid

7.2

TV Series

Acting Role (archive footage, uncredited)

1994

1 episode

 

The Olden Days (1993)

The Olden Days

8.7

TV Movie

Casting Agent (archive footage)

1993

 

Tony Thorpe obit

Muscian and celebrated guitarist Tony Thorpe has died

 

He was not on the list.

A celebrated guitarist and musician who found fame as a member of The Rubettes in the seventies has died.

Tony Thorpe was a regular on Top Of The Pops and the band had nine Top 40 singles including a number one, Sugar Baby Love.

After four years touring the world, guitarist Tony called it a day and left behind the music business to settle in Burnley and later retired to Poulton-le-Fylde.

He first became a journalist and then a tutor on the access to music course at Blackburn College.

Tony was 80 and was due to turn 81 this month.

An official announcement read: “It is with great sadness that we officially announce the passing of Anthony John Thorpe. He was a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians young and old.

“His recently failing health did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humour. He will leave an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew him, or his music.

“Our love and thoughts go to his son Clayton.”

His autobiography released in Summer 2014. 'A Bride's Nightie' chronicled the tales from the road with the Rubettes, Firm and his session days.

An official biography reads: “Tony began playing the guitar and drums aged just eleven and turned pro at 16 after getting the gig with Wee Willie Harris.

“Previously, Tony had played with semi-pro bands such as the 'Royal Blue Dance Band' and the 'Carefrees' with whom three original songs were published and recorded including B-side 'We Love You Beatles.'

“More recently, Tony has played with the Vibratones, a small, three-piece, semi-pro group featuring guitarist Jordan Westwell and bassist Gregory Harper that was originally one of Tony's first musical ventures over 40 years ago.

“Besides being the guitarist and bandleader with Wee Willie Harris (other members of the group included Tony Crombie, Brian Gregg, Jeff Lawrence, Roger Sutton and Tony Bell), Tony also worked with the Coventry Theatre Orchestra accompanying the likes of Cilla Black, Jilly Tarbuck, Harry Seacome, Roy Castle and many, many more.

“Tony then went on to arrange and play for teen idol Tommy Steele, and later became guitarist, singer and writer with pop group The Rubettes.”

Tony's work is detailed on his official website which also includes a section on throughts.

One reads: "Genius may be 1 per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration but without the inspiration, the rest is just pointless sweat."