Jay Silva obit

Former UFC Fighter Jay Silva Dead at Age 45

 

He was not on the list.

Former UFC fighter Jay Silva has passed away at the age of 45, according to Fame MMA, the last promotion that he competed for.

Fame MMA announced the sad news via its social media accounts on Monday morning.

No cause of death was announced at this time.

“With immense sadness, we inform you of the death of FAME athlete Jay Silva. Jay brought great joy, positive emotions, and the professionalism of a true athlete through his performances. He will forever remain a part of our federation’s history! We extend our deepest condolences to Jay’s loved ones, family, and friends. Rest in peace!” Fame MMA wrote on Instagram.

Jay Silva Fought Twice in the UFC

Silva is most remembered by MMA fans for his two-fight stint in the UFC. In 2009, he made his UFC debut when he lost a decision to CB Dollaway, and he followed that up with another decision loss to Chris Leben, which led to his release from the organization.

The Angola native was well-traveled in MMA, however, as he fought for many different promotions all across the world.

He competed in Bellator MMA, KSW, and Golden Boy MMA. He fought notable names such as Hector Lombard, Kendall Grove, Sam Alvey, Mariusz Pudzianowski, and Michał Materla, whom he picked up a massive upset KO win over in 2013 while competing for KSW.

Silva also fought Plinio Cruz in his third career MMA bout in 2009, who later turned out to be one of the coaches of UFC superstar Alex Pereira.

Overall, Silva finished his MMA career with a 12-14-1 record. He also competed in kickboxing.

Jay Silva Finished his MMA Career With Fame MMA

At the end of his MMA career, Silva finished up his time fighting for Fame MMA in Poland.

His final MMA bout was a decision loss to Denis Labryga at Fame 25 in April 2025. He also fought in kickboxing for the promotion, with his final combat sports event being a kickboxing match against Tomasz Sarara at Fame 29 in January 2026, which he lost via decision.

Fame MMA promoter Michal “Boxdel” Baron also released the following statement on his social media this morning after his promotion revealed that Silva had passed away.

“You were a great man, Jay. Thank you for the cheerful moments on the shows, the good fights, and the private chats. We will all miss you very much,” Baron wrote on his X.

At this time of writing, no cause of death is known, though fans all over social media are wondering what happened to Silva, who turned 45 years old last week. It’s shocking and upsetting news for everyone in the MMA community, as Silva was known for being very well-liked in every organization that he fought for. It’s a big loss for the sport, and everyone who knew Silva, who watched him fight, and who trained with him, is going to miss his presence in this world.

We at Heavy extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Jay Silva during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Bruce P. Crandall obit

 

Congressional Medal of Honor Society Mourns the Passing of Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient Bruce P. Crandall

He was not on the list.

Colonel Bruce Perry Crandall, United States Army (Ret.), a devoted husband, proud father, spirited storyteller, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at his residence at Mirabella at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He was 93 years old. Now, there are only 63 living Medal of Honor Recipients.

Though recognized nationally for his heroism during the Vietnam War, those who knew Bruce best remember the warmth of his wit, the depth of his humility, and the fierce loyalty he gave to the people and communities he loved.

Bruce was born in Olympia, Washington, in February 1933. He grew up with a love for baseball and a strong sense of duty that would guide his life. An All-American high school athlete, he earned a scholarship to the University of Washington with hopes of one day playing professional baseball for the New York Yankees. That dream changed in 1953 when he was not drafted by the Yankees, but by the United States Army.

Bruce had already joined the Army National Guard at just 15 years old. After completing basic training at Fort Lewis, only a short distance from his hometown, he attended Engineer Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, followed by fixed-wing and helicopter flight training. Commissioned as an Army officer in 1954, his first assignment placed him with a topographical mapping unit in San Francisco, contributing to surveys of the Alaskan frontier.

His first overseas assignment came in 1956 at Wheelus Air Force Base in Libya, where he served as a flight instructor and unit test pilot while helping map the North African desert. Subsequent assignments took him to Panama and Costa Rica, where he flew thousands of miles of aerial mapping missions over previously unmapped regions of Central and South America. Later, as a platoon commander with the 11th Air Assault Division, he helped develop and refine the air assault tactics that would forever change Army aviation.

In early 1965, Bruce served with the Dominican Republic Expeditionary Force before deploying to Vietnam as a flight commander with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Known by the call sign “Ancient Serpent 6,” he quickly became affectionately known among his Soldiers as “Old Snake.”

On November 14, 1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang, Bruce led a flight of sixteen helicopters carrying Soldiers into Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. As enemy fire intensified, follow-on aircraft were ordered to abort their mission. Recognizing that the infantry battalion on the ground desperately needed ammunition and that wounded Soldiers remained trapped under fire, Bruce made a decision that would define his legacy.

Though resupply and medical evacuation were not part of his assigned mission, he voluntarily returned to the embattled landing zone. With complete disregard for his own safety, he organized volunteer crews and repeatedly flew his unarmed helicopter into one of the most dangerous battlefields of the Vietnam War. Throughout the day and into the evening, he completed 22 flights through relentless enemy fire, delivering critical ammunition, evacuating wounded Soldiers, and inspiring fellow aviators to continue flying missions into the fight.

His actions saved countless lives, strengthened the resolve of the Soldiers on the ground, and became one of the most celebrated acts of courage in Army aviation history. For his extraordinary heroism, Bruce was awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush in 2007.

Bruce’s actions during the Battle of Ia Drang were later chronicled in the bestselling book We Were Soldiers Once… and Young by Lieutenant General Hal Moore and Joseph Galloway and portrayed in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers.

Crandall continued serving throughout the Vietnam War, including a second combat tour, and ultimately flew more than 900 combat missions. During Operation Masher in 1966, he earned recognition for rescuing 12 wounded Soldiers under fire. After being severely injured when his helicopter was shot down in 1968, he recovered and continued his Army career in a series of leadership and engineering assignments before retiring from the Army in 1977 as a lieutenant colonel.

His military decorations include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, 24 Air Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, and numerous other awards and commendations.

In retirement, Bruce remained a tireless ambassador for Army aviation, the Medal of Honor, and the men with whom he served. He was honored by the Air Force’s Gathering of Eagles in 1994, inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2004, and recognized through the naming of the headquarters building of the 1st Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in his honor.

Despite the many accolades he received, Bruce never sought recognition for himself. He consistently redirected attention to the Soldiers he served beside and the sacrifices made by those who never returned home. To the end of his life, he viewed the Medal not as a personal achievement, but as a reminder of duty, service, and the bonds forged in combat.

In the final decade of his life, Bruce was rarely seen without his beloved canine companion, Huey – appropriately named after the iconic UH-1 “Huey” helicopter he flew in combat. Faithful and inseparable, Huey accompanied Bruce through countless days, offering companionship, comfort, and no shortage of smiles. For those who knew Bruce, it was hard to imagine one without the other.

Above all else, Bruce was a family man, a loyal friend, and a humble servant whose life reflected courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, citizenship, and patriotism. Even as health challenges increased in his later years, he remained deeply committed to the Medal of Honor community and the fellowship of his fellow Recipients, making every effort to attend the 2025 Convention in Chattanooga and National Medal of Honor Day events in Washington, D.C., in 2026. His presence, humor, and friendship were cherished by those privileged to stand alongside him.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he saved, the Soldiers he inspired, and the generations who will continue to learn from his example. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

. His actions in the battle of the Ia Drang valley were portrayed by actor Greg Kinnear in the Mel Gibson film, We Were Soldiers.

Ronald LaPread obit

Ronald LaPread, former Commodores bass player, dies in Auckland aged 75

Ronald LaPread, the former bass player for the American soul band The Commodores, has died in Auckland at the age of 75.

 He was not on the list.

LaPread spent the last 40 years of his life living in New Zealand after falling in love with a Kiwi woman, Farideh, on a flight from Sydney to Auckland.

His daughter, music producer Soraya LaPread, confirmed the news on social media on Sunday.

"It's with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my father Ronald LaPread has passed," she said on Instagram.

LaPread was renowned for his bass lines on classic hits including 'Brick House', 'Three Times a Lady' and 'Easy', performing alongside well-known musicians including Lionel Richie.

The Alabama native was a member of the group from 1970 to 1986 and played on 11 of its albums.

LaPread later reunited with The Commodores and Lionel Richie when they toured New Zealand in recent years, including a performance at Spark Arena last year.

He attended the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards on Thursday night.

While he left the group after moving to New Zealand, LaPread remained close with his former bandmates.

In 2011 Richie invited LaPread and fellow former Commodore Thomas McClary on stage during a sold-out concert at Auckland's Vector Arena.

During a 2014 interview with Auckland-based music website 13th Floor, Richie joked that LaPread was always "practising" for a reunion whenever The Commodores or Richie visited New Zealand.

He would continue to make appearances alongside The Commodores and Richie whenever they came to tour in later years.

Away from the international spotlight, LaPread became a familiar figure in Aotearoa's music community. In a 2025 interview with World Equal magazine, he described New Zealand's music scene as diverse and collaborative, with a relaxed culture.

LaPread is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter Soraya.

Steve Barrow obit

Steve Barrow Tribute – A Tale of Three Tower Blocks

 

He was not on the list.

Geoff Sullivan introduced me to Steve Barrow in 1979. Of course, I knew of him due to Daddy Kool’s record shop a few years earlier.

It wasn’t long before Steve had moved from Manor Park to a tower block in Upton Park, right near the old West Ham football ground.

Not only was Steve seriously into Reggae music, he was also a left-winger. We got on very well.

At the time, Steve was well into Mikey Dread and Dread At The Control. From time to time, Mikey would release 12” on Black & White labels, and Steve would colour them in.

When we reached 1984, Steve had moved from Upton Park to Hume Point aka Small Axe HQ in Custom House.

It was then that I introduced him to Colin Moore. On the very first meeting, Steve suggested we create a book of listings on reggae rhythms. To be called ‘Chapter & Version’.

Over the next five years, many meetings between myself, Colin, and Steve took place. One of the most enjoyable was when Steve acquired a stack of white label 7” releases. He played the tunes at full blast, and kept shouting, “I can hear a vocal,” sticking his head right close to the speaker! Having been ‘decanted’ from Hume Point, Steve was now living in a Tower Block in Pelly Road, Plaistow.

One of the greatest successes of people power was the Newham Tenants Tower Block campaign, where nine blocks were demolished due to safety concerns. Steve had shared his concern about ‘Single Issue Politics’, but respected my involvement.

In 1989, with the ‘Chapter & Version’ book coming up to something like well over 300 rhythms. I asked Tero Kaski of Black Star in Finland if he would be interested in publishing it. Tero thought about it, but said it would cost too much to print.

I suggested to Steve a series of smaller books. He wasn’t keen on the idea. It was then that I said, “Would it be OK for me to use my research? To create ‘Rhythmwise’.” He agreed to this. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Rest In Peace – Ray Hurford – 30th May 2026

Kelly Curtis obit

Kelly Curtis, Actress and Sister of Jamie Lee Curtis, Dies at 69

The daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh starred in the foreign films ‘Magic Sticks’ and ‘The Devil’s Daughter’ and was a documentarian. 

She was not on the list.

Kelly Curtis, an actress, documentarian and daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, died Saturday morning, her younger sister, Jamie Lee Curtis, announced. She was 69.

Curtis died “in her home. In nature. At peace,” her sister wrote on social media. “She was my first friend and lifelong confidant. She was jaw droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress. She played a mean game of hearts, collected turtles, loved her family, nature, music, thrifting, travel, Facebook, and Pokémon Go. She was proud of her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry and was a devoted American patriot.”

She died in Bellevue, Idaho, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. No cause of death has been revealed.

Kelly Curtis appeared in a small role with her sister in Trading Places (1983) and starred in the 1987 German comedy movie Magic Sticks and the 1991 Italian horror film The Devil’s Daughter, co-written and produced by Dario Argento.

She also had a recurring role as Lieutenant Carolyn Plummer on the first season of the 1996-99 UPN series The Sentinel and showed up on episodes of such shows as The Equalizer, Hunter, Silk Stalkings, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Judging Amy.

Born in Santa Monica on June 17, 1956, Kelly Lee Curtis made her first appearance on the screen in the adventure film The Vikings (1958), which starred her parents.

She graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a degree in business in 1972 and worked as a stockbroker, then studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute (she was a member of The Actors Studio). In 1982, she appeared onstage in Say Goodnight, Gracie.

She also directed the 2018 documentary Marby Jets Are Go, about an Australian high school track team, and served as an assistant to her sister on Freaky Friday (2003), Christmas With the Kranks (2004) and You Again (2010).

Her parents married in 1951, and after Jamie Lee was born in 1958, they divorced in 1962, when her mother wed financier Robert Brandt. They were together until Leigh’s death in 2004 at age 77. Brandt died in 2009 at 82.

Tony Curtis, who was married six times and died in 2010 at age 85, received an Oscar nomination for his turn in The Defiant Ones (1958) and starred in such classics as Sweet Smell of Success (1957) and Some Like It Hot (1958). Leigh also was nominated for an Oscar, for her performance in Psycho (1960), and she had memorable performances in Touch of Evil (1958) and The Manchurian Candidate (1962) as well.

Jamie Lee Curtis won an Oscar for her work in Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).

Kelly and her dad (birth name Bernard Schwartz) helped raise money to refurbish and restore the historic Dohàny Street Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary, through the Emanuel Foundation, named after Tony’s father, Emanuel Schwartz.

In addition to her sister, survivors include her second husband, John Marsh, a filmmaker, producer and professor emeritus at the College of Southern Nevada (the couple partnered on the documentary production company Liberty Films); her brother-in-law, actor-director Christopher Guest; and half-siblings Alexandra, Allegra, Ben and Nicholas.

Actress

Judging Amy (1999)

Judging Amy

7.1

TV Series

Leslie Wirth

1999

1 episode

 

LateLine (1998)

LateLine

6.7

TV Series

Shelly

1999

1 episode

 

June

Short

1998

 

Mixed Blessings

6.3

Annie Weaver

1998

 

Richard Burgi in The Sentinel (1996)

The Sentinel

6.5

TV Series

Carolyn Plummer

1996

7 episodes

 

River of Rage: The Taking of Maggie Keene (1993)

Search and Rescue

6.5

TV Movie

Susan

1994

 

Ex-Cop (1993)

Ex-Cop

6.3

Officer

1993

 

Michael Dorn, Terry Farrell, Colm Meaney, Nana Visitor, Avery Brooks, Armin Shimerman, Rene Auberjonois, Cirroc Lofton, and Alexander Siddig in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

8.1

TV Series

Miss Sarda

1993

1 episode

 

Silk Stalkings (1991)

Silk Stalkings

6.6

TV Series

Sarah Lawton

1992

1 episode

 

Robert Wagner and Donna Mills in False Arrest (1991)

False Arrest

6.4

TV Movie

Mary Durand

1991

 

The Sect (1991)

The Sect

6.0

Miriam Kreisl

1991

 

Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer in Hunter (1984)

Hunter

6.9

TV Series

Amy Rivers

1991

1 episode

 

Thanksgiving Day (1990)

Thanksgiving Day

5.3

TV Movie

Barbara Schloss

1990

 

Kojak: Ariana (1989)

Kojak: Ariana

6.3

TV Movie

Whitley

1989

 

The Equalizer (1985)

The Equalizer

7.8

TV Series

VickiPaula Whitaker

1986–1988

2 episodes

 

Checkpoint (1987)

Checkpoint

8.3

Joyce

1987

 

George Kranz in Magic Sticks (1987)

Magic Sticks

4.4

Shirley

1987

 

Trading Places (1983)

Trading Places

7.5

Muffy

1983

 

Patrick Swayze, Tracy Scoggins, Fausto Bara, Randy Brooks, Paul Mones, Robert Thaler, and Brian Tochi in The Renegades (1983)

The Renegades

7.1

TV Series

Cynthia Holtson

1983

1 episode

 

Kirk Douglas, Ernest Borgnine, Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh in The Vikings (1958)

The Vikings

7.0

Young Girl (uncredited)

1958

 

Director

Curling in Stanley (2019)

Curling in Stanley

Director

2019

 

Marby Jets Are Go (2018)

Marby Jets Are Go

Director

2018

 

Jamie Lee Curtis and Jonathan R. Ayers in The Night She Came Home!! (2013)

The Night She Came Home!!

6.7

Video

Director

2013

 

Additional Crew

Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Kristen Bell, Betty White, and Odette Annable in You Again (2010)

You Again

5.8

assistant: Jamie Lee Curtis

2010

 

Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen, and Erik Per Sullivan in Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Christmas with the Kranks

5.6

assistant: Ms. Curtis

2004

 

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday (2003)

Freaky Friday

6.4

assistant: Jamie Lee Curtis

2003

 

Producer

Curling in Stanley (2019)

Curling in Stanley

executive producer

2019

 

Soundtrack

The Sect (1991)

The Sect

6.0

performer: "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" (uncredited)

1991

 

Thanks

Tales from the Mist: Inside 'the Fog' (2002)

Tales from the Mist: Inside 'the Fog'

6.4

Video

special thanks

2002

 

Self

Biography (1987)

Biography

7.7

TV Series

Self

2001–2003

2 episodes

 

Hollywood Greats (1977)

Hollywood Greats

7.6

TV Series

Self

2002

1 episode

 

The 24th Annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards

TV Special

Self

1999

 

Celebrity Profile (1998)

Celebrity Profile

6.8

TV Series

Self

1998–2001

1 episode

 

The 10th Annual American Cinema Awards

TV Special

Self

1994

 

Paul Newman, Harvey Keitel, Sally Kirkland, Gene Wilder, Ellen Burstyn, Elia Kazan, Sydney Pollack, Rod Steiger, Shelley Winters, Lee Grant, Arthur Penn, Maureen Stapleton, and Eli Wallach in Hello Actors Studio (1988)

Hello Actors Studio

7.2

TV Series

Self

1988

1 episode

 

Mike Douglas in The Mike Douglas Show (1961)

The Mike Douglas Show

7.0

TV Series

Self

1973

1 episode

 

Matt Brown obit

 

Matt Brown Dies: ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Was 43

He was not on the list.

Matt Brown, a member of the family featured in Discovery’s Alaskan Bush People, has died. He was 43.

On Saturday night, Matt’s brother Bear Brown announced that his body was identified hours before in a nearby river, having died from an apparent suicide.

“This is an update about Matt,” he said in a TikTok video. “They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt. Noah [Brown, their brother] was with him and helped pull him out of the water, and Noah identified him.

“I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly. He struggled for a long time, as I’ve mentioned. I was so worried he was gonna end up OD’ed or something like that, I didn’t think that he would hurt himself. It does look as though the injury is self-inflicted. Obviously, the coroner still has to look at him and stuff, but I thought that y’all guys should know that it is him,” added Bear.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that they received a 911 call Wednesday from someone reporting that a man was sitting in the shallow waters of the Okanogan River just south of the city of Oroville, WA. The caller turned away for a bit, heard a sound and then saw the man “face down in the water drifting away in the current.” The sheriff’s department said a firearm was recovered from the water where the man was last seen. A search for the man had been suspended at 4pm Thursday due to severe weather.

Bear previously shared that Matt had been struggling with drugs and alcohol “for a very long time” and that he had been getting increasingly worried about him.

In Saturday’s video, Bear asked his followers to “please be respectful to my family and to my mom. And please, watch the comments that you leave, guys. Sometimes, words can hurt more than fists can.”

“A lot of people have logged negative comments on Matt’s stuff too. One of his last videos, he was actually talking about how negative people were on his posts. And y’all should keep in mind that people on the other side of the screen, people that you’re watching a video of, they’re real people too.”

Appearing on Alaskan Bush People for the first eight seasons from 2014 to 2019, Matt Brown was the oldest child of Billy and Ami Brown, who built a life off the grid in the with their family in the docuseries. Billy died of a seizure at age 68 in 2021.

Hours later, Noah Brown confirmed in his own social media video that he was part of the search-and-rescue group that retrieved the body of his oldest brother, who had his ID and Social Security card on him.

"Say your prayers and tell people that you love that you love them while you can," Noah concluded.

Bear pointedly asked followers to "please, please be respectful to my family and to my mom, and please watch the comments that you leave, guys."

Joe Negri obit

Joe Negri, jazz guitar virtuoso and Mr. Rogers’ ‘Handyman,’ dies at nearly 100

‘Joe Negri radiates life as an art form’ 

He was on the list.

Joe Negri, one of America’s best jazz guitarists and a key part of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” died Saturday, just days short of turning 100.

Lisa Negri, his oldest daughter, said that her father died of natural causes. He and his family, along with many in Pittsburgh’s music world, were preparing to celebrate his legacy for his 100th birthday, June 10.

Negri, a Pittsburgh native, was a musician from childhood. He began to play guitar at age 8 and was touring nationally with swing bands by 16. Except for a brief stint in New York City, Negri spent his life in Pittsburgh, as a musician, educator and TV performer.

On “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” he was Handyman Negri, the fix-it man in the Land of Make-Believe, as well as proprietor of Negri’s Music Shop, where he’d perform and showcase music. Negri was on the show for its entire three-decade run.

As an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University for decades, Negri instructed generations of musicians in the art of jazz guitar. At Duquesne, he founded the jazz guitar program and taught there until 2022. He retired from Pitt in 2019, after nearly 50 years of teaching.

“Joe Negri radiates life as an art form,” said Pitt professor of music Deane Root, then chair of the department. “He crosses generations and he brings out the best in the musicians he plays with.”

A 2016 TribLive article previewed a performance of “Mass of Hope: The Mass in the Jazz Idiom,” a composition by Negri. “My love and my passion for music continues to dominate my daily life,” he said.

As a performer, he played widely, from the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and Pittsburgh Symphony to jazz clubs large and small.

In 2019, Negri received a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award from the state of Pennsylvania, part of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.

He appeared as himself and as "Handyman Negri" in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe segments on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He appeared on the 1959 children's television program Adventure Time with Paul Shannon and with Johnny Costa on the 1954 TV series 67 Melody Lane hosted by Ken Griffin.

Negri taught jazz guitar for 49 years at the University of Pittsburgh, where jazz guitar was first offered as a discipline in higher education. He taught for 46 years at Duquesne University, as well as at Carnegie Mellon University.

At the age of three, Negri began performing on radio, playing the ukulele and singing. He joined the local musicians' union and began playing professional engagements. In the 1940s, he toured nationally and was a member of the Shep Fields and His Rippling Rhythm Orchestra from 1943 until 1944, when he served in the U.S. Army for two years.

After returning home, he performed in Pittsburgh with his brother, pianist Bobby Negri. In the 1950s, he enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University, concentrated on music composition, spent the majority of his time playing locally around the Pittsburgh area and often worked with pianist Johnny Costa on KDKA television. His trio, with accordionlist Dom Trimarkie and bassist Lou Mauro, were the regular band on the live KDKA variety show Buzz and Bill, hosted by the team of Buzz Aston and Bill Hinds. Around 1960, WTAE, Pittsburgh's ABC television outlet, hired him as its music director, assuming the role for over 20 years. Negri played on various live programs and composed theme music. He met Fred Rogers at WTAE, when Rogers hosted a short-lived children's show. In 1968, Negri began appearing as Handyman Negri on the children's program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood until Rogers ceased production of new episodes in 2000. Though many assume Negri was part of the musical ensemble on the show, in fact he only occasionally joined the show's band on special occasions. Most of his work on the program involved his Handyman Negri character or portraying himself as owner of "Negri's Music Shop" when Rogers presented musical guests.

Negri taught guitar and later helped Duquesne University establish a jazz guitar program. Over the years he taught many students including Ralph Patt, the inventor of major-thirds tuning. Negri and Patt recorded together in 1989.

In 2010 he recorded the album Fly Me to the Moon with Michael Feinstein and performed with him during the following year at the Newport Jazz Festival. Negri was the subject of a profile in the September 2010 issue of Vintage Guitar magazine written by Rich Kienzle.

Joe Negri died on May 30, 2026, at the age of 99, 11 days before his 100th birthday.

 

Discography

As leader

Guitar, With Love (True Image Recordings, 1960)

Afternoon in Rio (MCG Jazz, 1998)

Guitars for Christmas (MCG Jazz, 2003)

Uptown Elegance (MCG Jazz, 2004) with Buddy DeFranco

Dream Dancing (Noteworthy Jazz, 2010)

As sideman

Michael Feinstein, Fly Me to the Moon (DuckHole, 2010)

Other works

A Common Sense Approach to Improvisation for Guitar (Mel Bay, 2002)

 

Actor

Lenny Meledandri and Fred Rogers in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

8.8

TV Series

Handyman NegriJoe NegriFather Elephant ...

1968–2001

331 episodes

 

Kismet (1967)

Kismet

7.6

TV Movie

Courtier (uncredited)

1967

 

Fred Rogers in MisteRogers (1961)

MisteRogers

8.9

TV Series

Handyman NegriJoe NegriMr. Negri

1964–1966

9 episodes

 

Music Department

Lenny Meledandri and Fred Rogers in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

8.8

TV Series

musician

1998

1 episode

 

Old Friends... New Friends (1978)

Old Friends... New Friends

8.2

TV Series

musician

1980

1 episode

 

Morgan Freeman in Drink, Drank, Drunk (1974)

Drink, Drank, Drunk

TV Special

arranger (segment "There's a Tavern in the Town")

1974

 

Summer Sounds

TV Movie

musician: guitar

1966

 

Composer

Summer Sounds

TV Movie

Composer

1966

 

Soundtrack

Official Alongside Night Movie Poster

Alongside Night

2.9

Soundtrack ("Gypsy Jam")

2014

 

Lenny Meledandri and Fred Rogers in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

8.8

TV Series

performer: "Let's Think of Something to Do While We're Waiting", "A Man Who Manufactures"performer: "Let's Think of Something to Do While We're Waiting", "I'm a Man Who Manufactures"performer: "Once Upon Each Lovely Day" (uncredited) ...

1970–2000

22 episodes

 

Summer Sounds

TV Movie

Soundtrackmusic: "Pittsburgh, Pa.}performer: "Pittsburgh, Pa.}, "The River is Wide", "Lazy Afternoon", "The Things We Did Last Summer" ("Got a Lot of Living to Do", "Once in a Lifetime", "Cruisin' Down the River", "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", "(You Gotta Have) Heart", "On a Picnic We Will Go")

1966

 

Self

Fred Rogers in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)

Mister Rogers: It's You I Like

8.3

Self

2018

 

We Knew What We Had: The Greatest Jazz Story Never Told (2018)

We Knew What We Had: The Greatest Jazz Story Never Told

Self

2018

 

Fred Rogers in Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

8.3

Self - 'Handyman Negri'

2018

 

Speedy Delivery (2008)

Speedy Delivery

8.6

Self

2008

 

Christmastime with Mister Rogers

8.8

TV Special

Self - Handyman Negri

1977

 

Summer Sounds

TV Movie

Self - Host, performer

1966

 

Fred Rogers in MisteRogers (1961)

MisteRogers

8.9

TV Series

SelfSelf - Handyman Negri

1965

2 episodes

 

Archive Footage

Lenny Meledandri and Fred Rogers in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

8.8

TV Series

Joe Negri (archive footage)

1976

1 episode

 

Dennis Hull obit

Blackhawks legend Dennis Hull dies at 81

 He was not on the list.

Former Chicago Blackhawks player Dennis Hull has died. He was 81.

In a statement from Blackhawks Chairman & CEO Danny Wirtz, he says the hockey legend died Saturday morning.

"The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning. Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career built on his scoring ability and consistency, leaving lasting contributions not only to the Blackhawks franchise, but to the game itself.

Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it. He often drew on his sharp wit and sense of humor to keep the locker room loose, while his warmth and humility made everyone he met feel welcome.

On behalf of the Wirtz family and the entire Blackhawks organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, friends and teammates, and the many fans who adored him."

Hull played for the Blackhawks for eight seasons, from 1964 to 1977. He received the nickname "the Silver Jet." His brother Bobby Hull, also a Blackhawks player, got the nickname "the Golden Jet."

Dennis Hull, who played alongside his brother Bobby during his 13 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and helped Canada win the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, died Friday. He was 81.

Hull, a forward, had two goals and two assists in the eight-game Summit Series held in September 1972, which Canada won 4-3 with one tie. With Canada trailing 3-1 in the series through five games, Hull had a goal in Game 6, an assist in Game 7 and an assist in Game 8 as Canada won the final three games by one goal each to win the series.

The Blackhawks released a statement from chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz:

"The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning. Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career built on his scoring ability and consistency, leaving lasting contributions not only to the Blackhawks franchise, but to the game itself.

“Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it. He often drew on his sharp wit and sense of humor to keep the locker room loose, while his warmth and humility made everyone he met feel welcome.

“On behalf of the Wirtz family and the entire Blackhawks organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, friends and teammates, and the many fans who adored him.”

In 1964, Hull joined older brother Bobby with the Blackhawks and the two played eight seasons together through the 1971-72 season. He remained with Chicago through the 1976-77 season before playing one season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Over his 14 seasons, Hull had 654 points (303 goals, 351 assists) in 959 regular-season games for the Blackhawks and Red Wings. He had 67 points (33 goals, 34 assists) in 104 playoff games, missing the playoffs just once. He appeared in five NHL All-Star Games.

Hull played in three Stanley Cup Finals with Chicago, but the Blackhawks lost to the Montreal Canadiens in seven games in both 1965 and 1971, and then again to the Canadiens in six games in 1973. Hull had 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in the playoffs in 1973, second among all players behind Montreal’s Yvan Cournoyer.

He was the brother of Bobby Hull and uncle of Brett Hull and Bart Hull.

 

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season                        Playoffs

Season Team   League GP       G         A         Pts       PIM     GP       G         A         Pts       PIM

1960–61          St. Catharines Teepees            OHA   47        6          4          10        33        6          0          1            1          2

1961–62          St. Catharines Teepees            OHA   50        6          12        18        29        2          0          0            0          0

1962–63          St. Catharines Black Hawks   OHA   50        19        29        48        73        —        —        —            —        —

1963–64          St. Catharines Black Hawks   OHA   55        48        49        97        123      12        4          11            15        50

1964–65          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    55        10        4          14        18        6          0          0          0            0

1965–66          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    25        1          5          6          6          3          0          0          0            0

1965–66          St. Louis Braves          CHL    40        11        16        27        14        5          2          1          3            0

1966–67          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    70        25        17        42        33        6          0          1          1            12

1967–68          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    74        18        15        33        34        11        1          3          4            6

1968–69          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    72        30        34        64        25        —        —        —        —            —

1969–70          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    76        17        35        52        31        8          5          2          7            0

1970–71          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    78        40        26        66        16        18        7          6          13            2

1971–72          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    78        30        39        69        10        8          4          2          6            4

1972–73          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    78        39        51        90        27        16        9          15        24            4

1973–74          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    74        29        39        68        15        10        6          3          9            0

1974–75          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    69        16        21        37        10        5          0          2          2            0

1975–76          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    80        27        39        66        28        4          0          0          0            0

1976–77          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    75        16        17        33        2          2          1          0          1            0

1977–78          Detroit Red Wings      NHL    55        5          9          14        6          7          0          0          0            2

NHL totals       959      303      351      654      261      104      33        34        67        30

 

Accomplishments and awards

OHA-Jr. First All-Star Team (1964)

NHL Second All-Star Team (1973)

Played in NHL All-Star Game (1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974)

Foster Sylvers obit

Foster Sylvers Dies at 64 Following Battle with Metastatic Prostate 

Cancer 

Leon Sylvers III confirmed the death of his younger brother, whose voice helped make The Sylvers one of the most beloved family groups in R&B history. 

He was not on the list.

*Foster Sylvers, the former child star whose youthful voice and magnetic stage presence helped propel The Sylvers to national fame in the 1970s, has died. He was 64.

His brother, Leon Sylvers III, confirmed the news to EURweb on Saturday, May 30.

According to Leon Sylvers III, Foster had been battling prostate cancer that had metastasized to other parts of his body.

The loss marks the passing of one of the most recognizable members of the famed Sylvers family, whose contributions to R&B, soul and funk music helped shape an era and influence generations of artists that followed.

Leon Sylvers III Confirms Foster’s Death

Speaking directly with EURweb, Leon Sylvers III confirmed that his younger brother died on May 30. He was 64.

Leon also shared the first known details about Foster’s health, saying the singer had been battling prostate cancer that had spread to other parts of his body.

Additional details regarding his death were not immediately available. Family members are mourning the loss, and further information may be forthcoming from sister Pat Sylvers.

As news of his passing spreads, tributes from friends, family members and longtime fans are expected to follow.

Geoffrey Keating obit

 

Geoffrey Keating obituary

He was not on the list.

My husband, Geoffrey Keating, who has died aged 88, was a director of music at various schools, including Cheadle Hulme in Cheshire and Millfield in Somerset.

His arrangements of songs for his various schools, along with many of his own compositions, were often picked up and rearranged by others.

Geoff had established his reputation as an arranger/composer in the early days of his career during the mid-1960s, when as assistant director of music at Abingdon school in Oxfordshire he joined up with three colleagues to establish the Master Singers.

The Highway Code by the Master Singers, for Geoffrey Keating other lives obituary

Recording a series of songs that gained national popularity by setting unlikely texts – such as wrestling regulations and extracts from weather forecasts – to psalm chants, their version of The Highway Code reached No 22 in the UK charts in 1966 and their Weather Forecast song got to No 45 the same year. Later Cliff Richard asked Geoffrey to arrange some Christmas carols for him, while he also did some arrangements for the King’s Singers.

Geoff was born in Middlesbrough to Alfred, a policeman, and Grace (nee Taylor), who was in service at a country house. His family was non-musical, but by the age of eight he was showing promise with his singing, and his parents paid for him to have piano lessons, which led him at 13 to begin playing the organ for early services at the local church.

After leaving Acklam Hall grammar school he secured a place to study music at Queen’s College, Oxford, but first had to do two years national service with the army at Catterick camp in North Yorkshire. I was a fellow student at Oxford, and we met in the music faculty on the first day of our first terms, after which we were married in 1961.

After Geoff’s first job at Abingdon school he became musical director at Clayesmore school in Dorset, then Cheadle Hulme and finally Millfield. He was at Millfield for 17 years until dizziness problems (later successfully addressed) forced him to retire early at 50. Later we moved to Gatehouse of Fleet in Kirkcudbrightshire, and there set up the Solway Sinfonia, an orchestra for amateur and ex-professional players from all round the Solway Firth, which will be celebrating its 30th birthday next year.

Outside music, one of Geoffrey’s main interests was sailing. Over his life he had a variety of boats – 14 in all – and taught a number of people to sail, including our son, Graham, who got a sailing blue at Oxford and spent six years sailing round the world.

Geoff is survived by me and by our children, Hilary and Graham.

Larry W. King obit

Larry King, ex-husband of Billie Jean King who helped with growth of women’s pro tennis, dies at 81

 He was not on the list.

GRASS VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Larry W. King, the former husband of Billie Jean King who partnered with her on the creation of the WTA Tour and the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, died Friday. He was 81.

King died at his home of prostate cancer, said his wife, Nancy Bolger King.

Larry King and Billie Jean King met at Cal State-Los Angeles and married in 1965. Billie Jean King credited him as “one of the unsung heroes in the establishment of women’s professional tennis in the early 1970s.”

“Larry’s intelligence, love, commitment and humor helped me navigate my career for more than 20 years,” Billie Jean King added in a statement, saying: “We were married for 22 years and in business together for decades. He was involved behind the scenes when the Original 9 signed our $1 contracts and he and I co-owned several tournaments on the Virginia Slims Tour.”

Together, Larry and Billie Jean King founded World TeamTennis, after Billie Jean was long interested in a team format for the sport. Larry King designed the colorful courts and revamped scoring system that helped popularize the sport.

He played a major role in a breakthrough for women’s tennis in 1973. The WTA Tour was formed that year, before King went on to beat Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” which remains the most-watched tennis match in history.

“Larry King didn’t just champion equality from the sidelines — he embodied male allyship at a defining moment for sports, culture, and society,” WTA chair Valerie Camillo said. “Standing with Billie Jean and sharing her mission for positive change, his moral advocacy and vital contributions as a lawyer and businessman set the stage for the WTA Tour as we know it.”

Larry and Billie Jean King divorced in 1987. He later married Nancy Bolger King, whom he met on the women’s tour in the late 1980s. They moved a few years later to Grass Valley, where he co-founded Roller Hockey International, a professional roller hockey league played on inline skates; and Bridge Pro Tour, a professional bridge tour.

Besides his wife, King is survived by son Sky King and daughter Katie King, and their families.