Jerry Stovall obit

Jerry Stovall, former LSU head coach and Heisman Trophy runner-up, dies at 85

 

He was not on the list.

Legendary LSU figure Jerry Stovall passed away on Monday. Stovall not only played for the Tigers but he also took control of the program for four years. He grew up in the state of Louisiana and became an important piece of LSU history during his life.

“LSU has confirmed that former Heisman Trophy runner-up Jerry Stovall, who later became the school’s head coach for four years, died Monday,” Will Weathers of LouisianaSports.net said via X. “The native of West Monroe was 85.”

Stovall spent three seasons in Baton Rouge as a player at the running back position. He first saw the field in 1960, being deemed the replacement for Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon. From a rushing standpoint, 1961 was Stovall’s best year, going for 405 yards and three touchdowns.

But LSU will remember him for finishing as an All-American in 1962 and finishing second for the Heisman Trophy. In 10 games played, Stovall rushed for 368 yards. LSU used him through the air as well, adding 213 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions.

Oregon State quarterback Terry Baker wound up winning the Heisman Trophy. Stovall received the most second-place votes, just passing Minnesota offensive lineman Bob Bell.

Flash forward two decades, and Stovall was LSU’s head coach. Originally, his coaching career got started as an assistant under Charles McClendon. Going into the 1980 season, Stovall remained on staff after the Tigers hired Bo Rein. However, Rein suddenly died in an airplane during a recruiting visit.

LSU kept Stovall as the head coach for four seasons, getting a mixed bag of results. His best finish came in 1982, when the Tigers finished with an 8-3-1 record. Wins over top-10 opponents included Alabama, Florida, and Florida State. At one point, the AP poll had them ranked as high as No. 6 in the country.

Unfortunately, the season did end on a sour note. LSU earned a bid to the Orange Bowl, where the No. 3-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers were waiting. Tom Osborne’s team earned the win and finished the year with a 12-1 record. However, the Huskers did not win the national championship.

Following the 1983 season, Stovall was let go from his position as LSU head coach. He never got back into coaching but was the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs athletic director beginning in 1990, all the way until 1994.

Stovall was the second overall pick in the first round of the 1963 NFL draft, selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was also the third overall pick of the 1963 American Football League draft. The Cardinals converted him to full-time defensive back. He was regarded as one of the top rookies in the league in 1963. During his nine seasons with St. Louis, Stovall had 18 interceptions in 97 games, and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1966, 1967, and 1969 seasons.

After his NFL career, Stovall became a college football assistant coach. He eventually returned to LSU, as an assistant for head coach Charlie McClendon. Stovall became LSU's head coach as an emergency hire after new head coach Bo Rein died when his plane depressurized and disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean.

In Stovall's four years with the Tigers (1980–1983), LSU finished 7–4, 3–7–1, 8–3–1, and 4–7. Only one of Stovall's teams appeared in the final AP Poll: the 1982 team. That team finished the season ranked No. 11 after it beat No. 4 Florida, No. 8 Alabama, and No. 7 Florida State and earned a spot in the Orange Bowl, where LSU lost, 21–20, to a No. 3 Nebraska team led by Tom Osborne. As a result of his performance in 1982, Stovall was named the national coach of the year by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, as well as the SEC Coach of the Year.

In 1983, Stovall's success of 1982 came unraveled. The Tigers went 0–6 in the SEC, including a 45–26 loss at home to Mississippi State, leaving Stovall 0–4 for his career against the Bulldogs.

Stovall had a 2–2 record against Tulane. To date, the Tigers have only lost to Tulane on two other occasions since 1948, both under McClendon. After the Tigers had secured the Orange Bowl berth in 1982, they suffered their only home loss to Tulane since 1948. The Tigers have won 18 in a row in the series since but has only played the Green Wave six times since 1994, typically winning by comfortable margins.

Stovall's dismissal by athletic director Bob Brodhead was approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors on December 2, 1983.

Victor Miller obit

Victor Miller Dies: ‘Friday The 13th’ Screenwriter Was 86

 

He was not on the list.

Victor Miller, the screenwriter behind Friday the 13th, has died. He was 86.

Miller’s son Ian confirmed his father had died on Monday, August 31, but didn’t reveal the cause of death.

“Yesterday my father, Victor Miller, went to his final reward,” read the Instagram post in honor of the screenwriter. “He was almost always the smartest, funniest person in whatever room he was in. He inspired in me, and many others, a love of photography, music, and storytelling.”

The post continued, “He is survived by his wife, two sons, and his grandson. He had a helluva run and will be missed dearly.”

Ian said that a celebration of Miller’s life will be held in November, “on Friday the 13th, of course.”

Miller wrote the screenplay for the 1980 film directed by Sean S. Cunningham that would go on to spawn multiple sequels. Before the horror film, Miller co-wrote the family comedy Manny’s Orphans (1978) with Steve Miner, which Cunningham also directed. In 1978, worked with Cunningham, writing the sports comedy Here Come the Tigers under the pseudonym Arch McCoy.

The screenwriter would work with Cunningham once again after Friday the 13th on the thriller A Stranger Is Watching (1982). Other film credits include Getting In (1994), Jury Duty (1995), Rock, Paper, Scissors (2017), The Once and Future Smash (2022), and the short film Sweet Revenge (2025), among others.

Miller also wrote for television, becoming an Associate Head Writer on the daytime drama One Life to Live from 1982 to 1984. In 1984, he joined All My Children in the same role and later did the same with Guiding Light, Another World, and General Hospital. He won several Daytime Emmys for his work on All My Children in 1985, 1988, and 1998.

Miller’s legacy will live on in Crystal Lake, which is the A24 series based on the Friday the 13th franchise and a prequel to the film Miller wrote. The series will premiere on Peacock on October 15.

Writer

Friday the 13th

characters

Pre-production

 

Never Hike Alone: Ghosts in the Fog (2026)

Never Hike Alone: Ghosts in the Fog

Video

based on characters created by

2026

 

Conor Scott in A Day in the Life of Jason Voorhees (2025)

A Day in the Life of Jason Voorhees

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Friday the 13th: Origin of Evil - Part 4 (2025)

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2025

 

Neon Fear (2024)

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MultiVersus (2024)

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character: Jason Voorhees

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Vincent Guastaferro, Thom Mathews, Anna Campbell, Bryan Forrest, Vincente DiSanti, and Drew Leighty in Never Hike Alone 2 (2023)

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based on Friday the 13th

2023

 

Friday the 13th: Origin of Evil - Part 3 (2023)

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2023

 

Midnight Bloodshed (2023)

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2023

 

Kiara Cruz, Xavier Collazo, Cecilia Merlo, Malik Williams, and Brandon Collazo in Pages of the Cult (2022)

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TV Series

based on characters created by

2022

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Death Battle (2010)

Death Battle

7.5

TV Series

Jason Voorhees created by

2022

1 episode

 

Friday the 13th: Origin of Evil - Part 2 (2022)

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6.4

Short

characters

2022

 

Friday the 13th Across the Lake (2022)

Friday the 13th Across the Lake

Video

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2022

 

Friday the 13th: Origin of Evil (2022)

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6.6

Short

characters

2022

 

Jason Unleashed: A Friday the 13th Fan Film (2022)

Jason Unleashed: A Friday the 13th Fan Film

5.2

Video

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2022

 

Lavonte Morton, Izzy Bartscher, Ethan Spickler, and Taja Kartio in The Fall of Camp Blood (2022)

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2022

 

The Curse of Camp Blood (2021)

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Short

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2021

 

Never Hike Alone: The Ghost Cut - A 'Friday the 13th' Fan Film Anthology (2020)

Never Hike Alone: The Ghost Cut - A 'Friday the 13th' Fan Film Anthology

7.2

Video

characters

2020

 

Rock, Paper, Scissors (2017)

Rock, Paper, Scissors

4.1

written by

2017

 

Vincente DiSanti and Drew Leighty in Never Hike Alone (2017)

Never Hike Alone

6.8

characters

2017

 

Harry Manfredini, Sean S. Cunningham, Randy Greenback, Kane Hodder, Thom Mathews, Victor Miller, Tom McLoughlin, Tom Savini, Kristina Klebe, Jennifer Ann Burton, Cristina Valenzuela, Joe Zieja, Ronnie Hobbs, Queen Noveen, and Wes Keltner in Friday the 13th: The Game (2017)

Friday the 13th: The Game

7.3

Video Game

based on the characters of

2017

 

Jason Xmas (2014)

Jason Xmas

6.5

TV Mini Series

based on a character created by

2014–2017

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Friday the 13th: Wanted Legend (2015)

Friday the 13th: Wanted Legend

4.6

Short

characters

2015

 

Friday the 13th: The Revenge (2014)

Friday the 13th: The Revenge

5.3

Video

based on a character created by

2014

 

A Return to Crystal Lake (2013)

A Return to Crystal Lake

Short

based on characters created by (credit only)

2013

 

Horror Movie: The Movie (2012)

Horror Movie: The Movie

5.5

Short

characters

2012

 

An Unfortunate Friday the 13th Part 4 (2012)

An Unfortunate Friday the 13th Part 4

8.5

Short

characters

2012

 

John Stewart and Yuna Commault in An Unfortunate Friday the 13th Part 3 (2012)

An Unfortunate Friday the 13th Part 3

7.9

Short

characters

2012

 

Friday the 13th: Return of Jason (2011)

Friday the 13th: Return of Jason

6.9

Short

characters

2011

 

Adrian Garry, John McCarthy, and John Stewart in An Unfortunate Friday the 13th Part 2 (2011)

An Unfortunate Friday the 13th Part 2

7.6

Short

characters

2011

 

John Stewart and Yuna Commault in An Unfortunate Friday the 13th (2009)

An Unfortunate Friday the 13th

7.6

Short

characters

2009

 

Derek Mears in Friday the 13th (2009)

Friday the 13th

5.5

based on characters created by

2009

 

Friday the 13th: Mother's Day (2007)

Friday the 13th: Mother's Day

5.1

Video

based on characters created by

2007

 

Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan, Rebecca Budig, Cameron Mathison, and Darnell Williams in All My Children (1970)

All My Children

6.8

TV Series

associate head writerWriterbreakdown writer ...

1985–2006

200 episodes

 

Friday the 13th: Jason Conquers Germany (2005)

Friday the 13th: Jason Conquers Germany

5.1

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2005

 

Tony Lee and E.H. Jenkins in Michael Vs. Jason (2004)

Michael Vs. Jason

5.1

Short

characters

2004

 

Timothy Whitfield in The Cold Heart of Crystal Lake (2003)

The Cold Heart of Crystal Lake

5.8

Short

characters

2003

 

Jason vs. Leatherface (2003)

Jason vs. Leatherface

6.3

Short

characters

2003

 

Robert Englund and Ken Kirzinger in Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Freddy vs. Jason

5.8

characters

2003

 

Finola Hughes, Maurice Benard, Steve Burton, Genie Francis, Laura Wright, Donnell Turner, Tanisha Harper, Josh Kelly, Eden McCoy, Josh Swickard, and Tabyana Ali in General Hospital (1963)

General Hospital

6.7

TV Series

written bywriterscript writer

2001–2002

5 episodes

 

Lexa Doig and Kane Hodder in Jason X (2001)

Jason X

4.5

based on characters created by

2001

 

Guiding Light (1952)

Guiding Light

6.6

TV Series

Writerwriterbreakdown writer ...

1986–1997

137 episodes

 

Another World (1964)

Another World

7.1

TV Series

writerassociate head writerbreakdown writer ...

1990–1995

255 episodes

 

Rob Hedden and Kane Hodder in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan

4.5

based on character created by

1989

 

Friday the 13th: The New Blood (1988)

Friday the 13th: The New Blood

5.2

characters (uncredited)

1988

 

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

6.0

characters (uncredited)

1986

 

One Life to Live (1968)

One Life to Live

6.9

TV Series

Writerwriter

1983–1986

10 episodes

 

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning

4.8

characters (uncredited)

1985

 

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter

6.0

based upon characters created by

1984

 

Richard Brooker, Frank Mancuso Jr., and Steve Miner in Friday the 13th: Part 3 (1982)

Friday the 13th: Part 3

5.6

based upon characters created by

1982

 

A Stranger Is Watching (1982)

A Stranger Is Watching

5.4

screenplay

1982

 

Friday the 13th: Part 2 (1981)

Friday the 13th: Part 2

6.1

based on characters created by

1981

 

Friday the 13th (1980)

Friday the 13th

6.4

written by

1980

 

Manny's Orphans (1978)

Manny's Orphans

6.4

writer

1978

 

Here Come the Tigers (1978)

Here Come the Tigers

3.9

writer (as Arch McCoy)

1978

 

Carlos Estrada in The Black Pearl (1977)

The Black Pearl

6.3

Writer

1977

 

Actor

Campers Well

Mitch

Pre-production

 

Michael St. Michaels, Bill Weeden, Michael J. Epstein, and Sophia Cacciola in The Once and Future Smash (2022)

The Once and Future Smash

6.9

Victor Miller

2022

 

Victor Miller in Mother's Milk (2018)

Mother's Milk

Short

Victor

2018

 

Rock, Paper, Scissors (2017)

Rock, Paper, Scissors

4.1

Man in Overalls (uncredited)

2017

 

Unwelcome (2014)

Unwelcome

Short

Uncle Ghastly

2014

 

Deliverance from Evil (2012)

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2.6

2012

 

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#Touch

Video

Officer #1

2012

 

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RIchard

2011

 

Dream Weaver Chronicles Volume 1 (2011)

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2011

 

A Likely Story (2011)

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Short

JuryAudience

2011

 

Manny's Orphans (1978)

Manny's Orphans

6.4

Vice Principal

1978

 

Producer

Crystal Lake

executive producer

CompletedTV Series

2026

 

Warning Signs

executive producer

Production Unknown

 

Friday the 13th

co-producer

Pre-production

 

Sweet Revenge (2025)

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5.7

Short

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2025

 

Rock, Paper, Scissors (2017)

Rock, Paper, Scissors

4.1

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2017

 

Close Encounter of Mahjong (2011)

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7.1

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2011

 

Thanks

Friday the 13th Resurgence

Video

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2023

 

Something Wicked This Way Comes (2018)

Something Wicked This Way Comes

thanks

2018

 

The Monster Project (2017)

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4.5

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2017

 

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7.1

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very special thanks

2017

 

Nobody Gets Out Alive (2012)

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thanks

2012

 

Monica DiNatale in Voorhees (Born on a Friday) (2011)

Voorhees (Born on a Friday)

6.5

Short

special thanks

2011

 

Voltage

6.3

Short

special thanks

2011

 

Betsy Palmer in A Friday the 13th Reunion (2009)

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7.2

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special thanks

2009

 

Ari Lehman in Fresh Cuts: New Tales from Friday the 13th (2009)

Fresh Cuts: New Tales from Friday the 13th

7.1

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special thanks

2009

 

The Nightmare Ends on Halloween (2004)

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5.8

Short

special thanks

2004

 

Self

Whispers from the Shadows

Self - Host

Development UnknownTV Series

3 episodes

 

Slasher Scotty (2017)

Slasher Scotty

7.6

TV Series

Self

2018

1 episode

 

Something Wicked This Way Comes (2018)

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Self

2018

 

Genre Summit (2016)

Genre Summit

TV Series

Self (2016)

2016

 

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th (2013)

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8.4

Video

Self - Writer

2013

 

Midnight Matinee Psycho (2013)

Midnight Matinee Psycho

3.6

Video

Self

2013

 

GenreTainment

Podcast Series

Self

2012

1 episode

 

Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions (2009)

Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions

7.6

Video

Self

2009

 

His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th (2009)

His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th

6.9

TV Movie

Self - Screenwriter - Part 1

2009

 

Betsy Palmer in A Friday the 13th Reunion (2009)

A Friday the 13th Reunion

7.2

Video

Self

2009

 

Ari Lehman in Fresh Cuts: New Tales from Friday the 13th (2009)

Fresh Cuts: New Tales from Friday the 13th

7.1

Video

Self

2009

 

Betsy Palmer in Return to Crystal Lake: Making 'Friday the 13th' (2003)

Return to Crystal Lake: Making 'Friday the 13th'

6.7

Video

Self

2003

 

Archive Footage

Minty Comedic Arts (2015)

Minty Comedic Arts

8.6

TV Series

SelfSelf (archive footage, archive footage)

2021–2025

2 episodes

 

The Movies That Made Us (2019)

The Movies That Made Us

7.6

TV Series

Self - Screenwriter (archive footage)

2021

1 episode

 

Raffaele Annecchino obit

Raffaele Annecchino Dies: Former Viacom & Paramount International Boss Was 55

 

He was not on the list.

Raffaele Annecchino, the former international chief at Paramount and its predecessor Viacom, has died aged 55 from acute meningitis.

The Italian executive, known for his negotiating skills and business acumen, passed away suddenly over the weekend while in the Balearic Islands, according to his personal office.

The former President and CEO of Paramount International, Networks, Streaming and Studio, was a key figure in the rollouts of BET, MTV and Nickelodeon, and oversaw networks such as 5 in the UK and Ten in Australia. He is credited playing a major part in Paramount+’s international rollout, as well aiding the helping grow European SVoD SkyShowtime and free streamer Pluto TV. He was also on the boards Viacom 18 in India and SBS Media in South Korea.

In total, Annecchino spent more than 25 years at Paramount/Viacom. He had originally joined the Madrid office in a commercial role and rose through the ranks. Further back, he worked at Warner Bros. Discovery predecessor Turner Broadcasting System for the likes of Cartoon Network and CNN.

After leaving Paramount in 2022, he founded his own global media consultancy, Blue Ocean Media Partners, which he ran as President and CEO, with offices in Madrid and Dubai. Just this year, he joined Mediapro Middle East to provide strategic advice and support.

“Raffaele Annecchino was much more than a boss to me,” wrote Blue Ocean partner Joana Carrion Boulos on LinkedIn. “He was one of those rare people who knew how to lead without making you feel that you were being led. He trusted the people he worked with, gave them space, listened to their ideas and, above all, made them feel valued.”

“Such sad news,” wrote former Paramount President and CEO Bob Bakish, who worked closely with Annecchino for years, on social media. Raffa was a force of nature. Taken way too young. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.”

Further tributes came from the likes of former Paramount exec Michael Armstrong, JioHotstar’s Amit Malhotra and Michelle Alberti.

Paul LeDuc obit

Paul LeDuc Passes Away At 89

Paul LeDuc, one half of the LeDuc brothers and a former wrestler and promoter, has passed away at the age of 29.

 

He was not on the list.

Paul LeDuc, one half of the LeDuc brothers and a former wrestler and promoter, has passed away at the age of 89.

LeDuc would have a successful tag team career that began in 1957, alongside Jos LeDuc who was his wrestling brother, but a close friend in real life, capturing tag team championships in Grand Prix Wrestling, NWA Florida and more. LeDuc would feature in a wrestling wedding in Montreal in 1971 as well as owning his own promotion, The FLQ, which was founded in 2000 and remains open to this day.

On August 30th, it would be announced that Paul LeDuc had passed away at the age of 89 that morning, and is survived by his sons, Carl and Yan, as well as his daughter, Kim.

Sad news in the wrestling world.

Former wrestler and promoter Paul Leduc, one half of the famous Leduc Brothers, passed away this morning at the age of 89.

During his career, Leduc captured tag team championships in Grand Prix Wrestling, NWA Florida and NWA International. He also famously married in the ring in Montreal in 1971 and competed against the Vachon Brothers in front of the largest crowd ever recorded for a wrestling event in Quebec City.

In 2000, he founded his own promotion, the FLQ, which remained active for more than two decades.

My deepest sympathies go out to his sons, Carl and Yan, his daughter, Kim, and all his loved ones.

LeDuc’s last recorded match would take place in 2008, and was most prominent during his tag team run with Jos LeDuc from 1968 to 1974.

Anthony Mundine obit

‘Broken’: Anthony Mundine reacts to father and boxing great Tony Mundine’s death

 He was not on the list.

Australian boxing great Tony Mundine has died, aged 75.

The boxer, who is also the father of professional boxer and rugby league player Anthony Mundine, died at the weekend, sources close to the family have confirmed.

Mundine was the only Australian boxer to compete professionally across four weight divisions and held four different Australian titles.

On Sunday night, Anthony Mundine said he was “broken” in an Instagram post.

“Dad I love you man my Allah bless your soul. I’m on my way home to say goodbye one last time til we meet again... there’s only one Tony Mundine.”

In 2024, Anthony Mundine described his father as his “biggest inspiration” in and out of the ring.

“You’ve shown me what it means to be a man of strength and integrity, and for that, I’m forever grateful. I wouldn’t be who I am without your sacrifices, your wisdom, and your unwavering support,” he wrote at the time.

Tony Mundine retired from professional boxing in 1984 and became a member of the Order of Australia in 1986 for services to sport, particularly boxing and Aboriginal youth.

A Bundjalung man from Baryulgil, just north of the NSW town of Grafton, Mundine moved to Sydney in the mid-1960s with the hope of becoming a first grade footballer.

He played with the Redfern All Blacks and it was while doing some off-season training at a local boxing gym his talent was discovered.

Mundine had his first fight in Sydney in 1969 - competing in 96 bouts in a career that spanned till 1984 that also saw him travel the world and challenge unsuccessfully once for the World Middleweight belt in 1974.

Upon his retirement from boxing, Mundine was heavily involved in a gym in the neighbourhood known as The Block in Redfern, on the corner of Eveleigh and Vine Streets.

The gym had been set up inside an old shoe factory that had been acquired by the Aboriginal Housing Company and Mundine’s work had a positive impact on young Aboriginal people as the venue became a popular place for the community to spend time.

Frankie Miller obit

Country Music Star Frankie Miller Dead At 95

 

He was not on the list.

Sexton) Country Music entertainer Frankie Miller passed away at his home of natural causes on August 29 at the age of 95.

"Frankie had just completed work and released his biography, "The Blackland Farmer: Life Among Country Music Legends," written by Greg Wilson," shares Tracy Pitcox, President of Heart of Texas Records. "He remained active in the industry and continued to enjoy making music into his 90s. He even was a special guest and performed with his long-time friend Willie Nelson a few years ago at the Luck Reunion."

Miller, a native of Victoria, Texas, was born on December 17, 1930. He organized his first band, "The Drifting Texans," and began making regular visits to his local radio station, KNAL, in his teen years. He also did some guest spots at KLEE Houston, where he met Hank Locklin, who helped him get a contract with Gilt Edge Records, a subsidiary of Four Star.

Miller released five singles from a session made in 1951, and then military service halted his musical career for two years. Frankie served with distinction in the Korean conflict, receiving the Bronze Star and attaining the rank of sergeant.

Back from the war, Miller renewed his career by signing with Columbia Records. Between July 1954 and November 1955, he cut a dozen numbers in Jim Beck's Dallas studio, including "Hey Where Ya Goin?" and "It's No Big Thing." Miller continued to appear on the Cowtown Hoedown on Fort Worth radio and played shows in Texas, recording one single each for the Cowtown Hoedown and Manco record labels.

In 1959, Frankie Miller signed with Starday Records and released his first recording, "Blackland Farmer," backed by "True Blue." The song became one of Starday's biggest sellers, first appearing on the country charts in April 1959 and climbing into the Top 5. "Blackland Farmer" returned to the charts in 1961, reaching the Top 20 and also crossing over to the pop charts. The song went on to become Miller's signature recording and was later recorded by Sleepy LaBeef, who took it into the country Top 70 in 1971, and Elizabeth Cook, who included it on her 2010 album Welder. Miller said he wrote "Blackland Farmer" about an uncle, and the song would remain the recording most closely associated with his career.

A second Starday single, "Family Man", also made the Top 10. Two other releases, "Baby Rocked Her Dolly" reached the Top 15 in 1960 and "A Little South of Memphis" achieved Top 40 status in 1964. Over a period of seven years, Miller recorded nearly 50 songs released on Starday.

Cashbox Magazine selected him as "Most Promising Country Artist" in 1960, and for a time he appeared as a regular on the Louisiana Hayride and guested on both the Grand Ole Opry and the Ozark Jubilee. During the time, Miller toured with several artists that would become country music icons, including Johnny Cash, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb, Buck Owens, Lefty Frizzell and Willie Nelson."

By 1965, Miller had cut a pair of singles for United Artists, but decided to return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 1968, Stop Records released his last major single with "Pain" and "I Put The Blue In Her Eyes."

As a songwriter, his songs have been recorded by Webb Pierce, Jessie Colter, Pat Boone, Faron Young, Dwight Yoakam, and Wink Martindale. Frankie returned to the music business in the 1990s and started touring primarily throughout Texas but enjoyed great success overseas, including headlining the Rhythm Riot in England in November of 2003 and a very successful trip to Sweden in 2015, at the age of 85.

Frankie signed with Heart of Texas Records based in Brady, Texas, in 2005. "The Family Man" was released in 2006. The album contained a couple of rerecorded gems from Miller, including "Blackland Farmer," "Pain," and "Family Man," and newer material in the hardcore country style. It was followed by "Back When Gas Was 60 Cents A Gallon" in 2012 and his final full-length album "A Friend Remembered: My Tribute To George Jones" in 2020.

Survivors include his daughters Sandi Wilson and Lori Chaney, their husbands Greg Wilson and William Chaney, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

"The first major tour I worked following my move to Nashville in 1959 was across western Canada with several other new country artists...among them Frankie Miller. He had a hit record with "Blackland Farmer," and I had just come out with "Ninety-Nine Years." Most of the fans had no idea who either of us was, but we formed a friendship back then that has lasted to this day. He's been one of my favorite artists and favorite people for a long, long time." - Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson

"I had the good fortune to be signed as a songwriter to a company that published Frankie Miller's catalog when I was still in my 20s. We used to have these parties and play all the old vinyl. Every single time, it was a special point in the night when the needle got dropped on "Blackland Farmer," usually followed by "Baby Rocked Her Dolly". Frankie was truly a singular voice. I'm so glad I was introduced to his work." - Elizabeth Cook

Gene Bertoncini obit

Fingerstyle Jazz Guitarist Gene Bertoncini Dies At Age 89

 

He was not on the list.

Jazz Guitar Today pays tribute to a truly great guitarist, Gene Bertoncini. RIP

Guitar great Gene Bertoncini died in New York City on August 29, 2026.  He was born in New York City in 1937.  Gene started on the guitar at age seven and, by age sixteen, was occasionally appearing on television.  His first guitar teacher was the great Johnny Smith.  He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Architectural Engineering.  Later, while studying with another guitar great, Chuck Wayne, Chuck had Gene listen to classical guitarist Julian Bream; Gene fell in love with the sound of fingerstyle nylon-string guitar and devoted his life and musical approach to performing jazz on the nylon string.

Gene was an early member of the Tonight Show Band when it was broadcast from New York, and he has performed with literally a Who’s Who of great jazz artists. When one hears Gene perform, the logic of his “Architectural Mind” is tastefully reflected in his playing.

Jazz Guitar Today pays tribute to a truly great guitarist, Gene Bertoncini. RIP

Guitar great Gene Bertoncini died in New York City on August 29, 2026.  He was born in New York City in 1937.  Gene started on the guitar at age seven and, by age sixteen, was occasionally appearing on television.  His first guitar teacher was the great Johnny Smith.  He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Architectural Engineering.  Later, while studying with another guitar great, Chuck Wayne, Chuck had Gene listen to classical guitarist Julian Bream; Gene fell in love with the sound of fingerstyle nylon-string guitar and devoted his life and musical approach to performing jazz on the nylon string.

Gene was an early member of the Tonight Show Band when it was broadcast from New York, and he has performed with literally a Who’s Who of great jazz artists. When one hears Gene perform, the logic of his “Architectural Mind” is tastefully reflected in his playing.

I have interviewed Gene a couple of times in his Upper East Side apartment. One memorable time we also included a call to Johnny Smith on speakerphone.  What a treat it was to be part of a conversation with these guitar giants and long-time friends.  Over the years, Gene’s name has come up in several of my guitar interviews.  Here is what some of those guitar players told me about Gene’s playing:

Steve Abshire  (They recorded together)

Gene’s harmonic concepts are nothing short of awesome.  Of all the nylon string guitar players, no one gets the colors out of their guitar as Gene does.  I have recorded with Gene twice, and he is a great guy.  He is the nicest New Yorker I have met.  One was a tribute to Charlie Byrd and the second was with a vocalist in the area.  The second recording was especially fun.

I once was listening to Gene at the Smithsonian Jazz Café, and Gene was so good.  I was sitting there relaxed and mellow and just enjoying the moment, and Gene rudely awakened me by saying in the microphone, “My guitar is so lonely. Steve, would you come up on stage and play with me?” (laughter)

Jazz Guitar Today pays tribute to a truly great guitarist, Gene Bertoncini. RIP

Guitar great Gene Bertoncini died in New York City on August 29, 2026.  He was born in New York City in 1937.  Gene started on the guitar at age seven and, by age sixteen, was occasionally appearing on television.  His first guitar teacher was the great Johnny Smith.  He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Architectural Engineering.  Later, while studying with another guitar great, Chuck Wayne, Chuck had Gene listen to classical guitarist Julian Bream; Gene fell in love with the sound of fingerstyle nylon-string guitar and devoted his life and musical approach to performing jazz on the nylon string.

Gene was an early member of the Tonight Show Band when it was broadcast from New York, and he has performed with literally a Who’s Who of great jazz artists. When one hears Gene perform, the logic of his “Architectural Mind” is tastefully reflected in his playing.

I have interviewed Gene a couple of times in his Upper East Side apartment. One memorable time we also included a call to Johnny Smith on speakerphone.  What a treat it was to be part of a conversation with these guitar giants and long-time friends.  Over the years, Gene’s name has come up in several of my guitar interviews.  Here is what some of those guitar players told me about Gene’s playing:

Steve Abshire  (They recorded together)

Gene’s harmonic concepts are nothing short of awesome.  Of all the nylon string guitar players, no one gets the colors out of their guitar as Gene does.  I have recorded with Gene twice, and he is a great guy.  He is the nicest New Yorker I have met.  One was a tribute to Charlie Byrd and the second was with a vocalist in the area.  The second recording was especially fun.

I once was listening to Gene at the Smithsonian Jazz Café, and Gene was so good.  I was sitting there relaxed and mellow and just enjoying the moment, and Gene rudely awakened me by saying in the microphone, “My guitar is so lonely. Steve, would you come up on stage and play with me?” (laughter)

Roni Ben-Hur (They recorded together in 2008)

We work together quite a bit.  He mastered pick playing then switched to fingerstyle.  In Brazil, he is referred to as the Segovia of jazz guitar.  You watch him play and wonder, “What is he doing?”  He is such a master.  When we did the album Smile, it was such a wonderful process. He is such a master at how he puts his music together. He capitalizes on how classical composers wrote for the guitar.  He writes music and figures out how to play that music on the guitar.

Peter Bernstein They recorded together in 1999)

Gene was my first teacher.  Gene was teaching at Eastman.  He was so encouraging and helpful.  I am so amazed at his playing, his chords, his sound.  He is a huge influence on me.  His chord voicings are really unique.  He sort of takes what Jim Hall does and adds this classical guitar thing to it. When he plays, he sounds like he is caressing the guitar, not pounding it out.

John Pisano

Gene has been to the Guitar Night quite a few times and always stays at my house.  He studied with Chuck Wayne as well.  He is unique in how he creates space in his music.  He uses such inimitable voicings.  He has the most creative rendition of “Body and Soul.”

Kenny Poole (They recorded together in 1998)

You know that Gene has a degree in architecture. It comes out in his playing.  His chord structure is almost architectural.  I sometimes wonder what kind of buildings he would design?  Out of his mind come chord voicings that are so fresh and original.  This guy is really deep.

He appreciates my playing for different reasons.  He was in town, and that night I got off my gig early, so I stopped in to hear him.  He invited me up, and we did two sets together that night. Afterward, he came to me and said that we need to record an album together, which we did a few years later.  Listen to what he is doing there.  (pause) He is so good at playing the melody on the bottom and putting these great chord voicings above it.  

Rick Stone

It has a nice vibe to it.  Gene’s solo guitar albums have some of the most wonderful arrangements.  I love how he does things differently.  Like he would sometimes put the melody on the bottom and the chords on top. I am very conservative in my solo guitar playing.  But Gene’s arrangements are very well thought through.  When you hear him play a tune another time his solo arrangement sounds similar like he works out specific arrangements. They are always great arrangements

Wayne Martin obit

MSU Mourns the Passing and Celebrates The Life of Eagle Legend Wayne Martin

 

He was not on the list.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at First Christian Church, 24 E. Hickman St., Winchester. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., with Pastor Jerry Johns officiating. Burial will follow in Winchester Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church, 24 East Hickman Street, Winchester, KY 40391 and/or Morehead State University Athletics, c/o MSU Foundation, P.O. Box 628, Morehead, KY 40351, Morehead, KY 40351.

MOREHEAD, Kentucky — Former Morehead State men's basketball head coach Wayne Martin passed away on Aug. 29 at the age of 79.

A native of Winchester, Ky., Martin earned his bachelor's degree from Morehead State in 1968 and earned his Master's Degree from MSU in 1972.

He returned to his alma mater to lead the men's basketball program from 1978-87 where he guided the Eagles to Ohio Valley Conference Championships and NCAA Tournament berths in 1982-83 and 1983-84. He earned OVC Coach of the Year twice (1981-82, 1983-84). Martin was inducted into the Morehead State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995.

He coached three NBA draft picks, including the 1986-87 OVC Player of the Year Bob McCann. Martin helped mentor 12 All-OVC award winners. Seven members of Morehead State's 1,000 career point club were coached by Martin.

Martin's team won 130 games, which at the time ranked third among all men's basketball coaches in program history (now ranks fourth). His tenure was highlighted by the 1985-86 team which finished 25-6 and set the then-program record for wins in a season. That team won an NCAA Tournament game against North Carolina A&T.

His coaching foray also included serving as head coach and athletic director at Pikeville College (now University of Pikeville). He led the PC teams to three national tournament appearances. He worked as an assistant coach at Oral Roberts and began his career as the head coach and a business teacher at Pikeville High School.

In 1990, Martin moved into broadcasting, beginning his management career at WYMT-TV in Hazard, where he served successively as general sales manager and general manager. In 1993, he moved to sister station WKYT-TV in Lexington as vice president and general sales manager before being named president and general manager later that year. He served in that role for nearly two decades.

He rose through the corporate ranks of Gray Media, serving as regional vice president and president of Gray Kentucky Television Inc., which operates WKYT, WYMT, and WBKO in Bowling Green. Martin also served as president of WVLT in Knoxville, Tennessee, before retiring in 2012.

He received the MSU College of Business & Technology Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017. In 2025, the MSU Board of Regents presented Martin with the university's Founders Award for University Service.

Cementing his legacy, Morehead State broke ground in 2026 on Martin Hall, a new campus residence hall named in his honor, set to open in spring 2027. The university also established a new scholarship endowment in Martin's name, which has already raised more than $100,000 in support.

His commitment to the University continued through decades of service on the Morehead State University Board of Regents. Martin served three separate terms on the Board and held the position of vice chair from 2016 to 2020.

Martin's impact on Morehead State Athletics also extends to the next generation, as his son, Matthew, has served as the Eagles' head men's golf coach since 2014-15.

Wayne Martin's legacy reaches far beyond the wins, championships and accolades. It lives on in the players he mentored, the university he served, the community he impacted and, now, in a building that will carry his name for generations to come. For Morehead State, Wayne Martin was more than a coach and alumnus, he was an Eagle whose lasting impact will never be forgotten.

Information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available.

David Fair obit

David Fair of Half Japanese Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

David Fair, one half of the legendary indie rock outfit Half Japanese has died.

Along with his brother Jad, the two formed Half Japanese in the mid-seventies. Considered to be one of the greatest underground bands of all time, the Half Japanese journey began with the 1977 EP Calling All Girls and from there they went on to release classic albums like 1/2 Gentlemen/Not Beasts, Sing No Evil and Music To Strip By.

Along with Godley & Creme’s 1977 effort Consequences and Carla Bley’s Escalator Over The Hill (1971) Half Japanese are only one of a handful of artists to release a triple album as their debut. Low-fi, experimental and idiosyncratic, the music of Half Japanese eludes the cultural timeline and due to its DIY approach, remains fresh, vital and dynamic.

Over the course of their career, Half Japanese played with everyone from Nirvana to Neutral Milk Hotel. Fair released a series of records with his brother as well as a series of solo albums.

A filmmaker, an actor and an accomplished and renowned visual artist whose medium was both paper cuttings and sketches, the Michigan-born Fair’s artistic endeavors were the subject of Skizz Cyzyk’s 2015 documentary David Fair Is The King.

Producer and friend Don Fleming wrote of Fair’s passing on social media: “David Fair of 1/2 Japanese and Coo Coo Rockin’ Time died yesterday. His daughter Harper toasted him with a root beer float, and he passed soon after, peacefully. He had been getting treatments for cancer over the last couple of years. The sweetest guy, with a great sense of humor. He was a pure artist and musician, all from the heart. Goodbye David.”

Bill Doba obit

Long-time WSU football coach 

Bill Doba dies at 85, remembered with great affection

Palouse Posse in 1994, two Rose Bowls, a top 10 team in 2003 among his sterling crimson achievements

 He was not on the list.

PULLMAN, Wash. – Former Washington State Football Coach Bill Doba passes away at the age of 85.

Doba, a longtime defensive coordinator and five-year head coach of the Cougars (2003-07), worked 19 seasons at the Washington State coaching staff. Doba posted 30 wins including three Apple Cup victories his five seasons leading WSU.

“Coach Doba was a tremendous Coug and an incredible friend and mentor, who we will miss dearly,” WSU Vice President / Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow said. “Our thoughts are with Coach Doba’s loved ones and the entire Cougar family during this difficult time.”

Doba became Washington State’s 30th head football coach December 18, 2002, after serving as a Cougar assistant for 14 years. During that time WSU won two Pacific-10 Conference championships and made four bowl appearances, including two trips to the Rose Bowl. Doba’s appointment was the culmination of 40 years in the coaching profession at the high school and collegiate level.

In 2003, Doba’s first as WSU’s head coach, he won more games than any first-year coach in program history, reaching the 10-win plateau for the third straight season. No other Pacific-10 Conference school had back-to-back-to-back 10-win seasons since the early 1930’s and for the feat, Doba shared Pac-10 Coach-of-the- Year honors with USC’s Pete Carroll.

Doba joined WSU as an assistant coach in 1989 and served as linebacker coach for Mike Price’s Cougar teams for 14 years. His progression toward Price’s replacement as head coach at the end of the 2002 season included being named assistant head coach in 1991 and then defensive coordinator in 1994.

Throughout his tenure as an assistant at WSU, Doba tutored linebackers, including some super stars that went on to play in the National Football League. Mark Fields, Chris Hayes, James Darling, Rob Childs and Steve Gleason are among the NFL linebackers who took their game to the “A” level under Doba’s watchful eye and instruction at WSU. While serving as WSU’s defensive leader from 1994-2002, Doba mentored eight players named first team all conference, six All-Americans, and 2002 Outland Trophy Winner Rien Long.

It is hard to imagine a rookie head coach having more success than Doba did during the 2003 season. The Cougars finished second in the Pac-10 conference and then recorded the biggest bowl victory in the history of the program. WSU’s defeat of Texas in the Holiday Bowl was its first over a top five program since 1988 and without question was the school’s biggest bowl victory in the modern era of college football.

The 2003 Cougars featured a defense that led the nation in takeaways (48) and fumble recoveries (24), and finished second nationally in interceptions (24). WSU was also in the top 10 in pass efficiency defense and rushing defense. Doba’s guidance resulted in a No. 9 national finish in both the Associated Press and the ESPN/USA Today polls.

In 1994, Doba’s first season as defensive coordinator, the Cougs finished second in the nation in total defense, yielding a mere 229 yards per game, and third in rushing and scoring defense. The “Palouse Posse,” spearheaded by all-conference performers in linebacker Mark Fields, defensive end DeWayne Patterson, and defensive tackles Chad Eaton and Don Sasa, capped a 9-3 season by holding Baylor to just 151 yards total offense and three points in an Alamo Bowl victory.

The South Bend, Ind., native’s defensive units have always been highlighted by a penchant for speed and an attacking style. In 2001, the Cougars racked up 40 sacks and grabbed 26 interceptions, second only to national champion Miami. During the Cougars’ run to the roses in 2002, WSU broke the school record for sacks with 55, and led the conference in rushing defense, surrendering just 152 yards on the ground over the final five contests.

Doba entered the college ranks in 1977, joining former ESPN College Gameday host Lee Corso’s staff at Indiana University. He coached outside linebackers for five seasons and spent one season tutoring the quarterbacks and receivers. In 1979, the Hoosiers went 8-4 and knocked off Brigham Young in the Holiday Bowl.

Larry Christenson obit

Phillies World Series Champion 

Larry Christenson dies at 72

The former Phillies pitcher and 1980 World Series champion spent his entire MLB career in Philadelphia.

 

He was not on the list.

Larry Christenson, a workhorse pitcher for the Phillies in the 1970s and early 1980s, died unexpectedly Friday while on a fishing trip with family and friends in the state of Washington. He was 72.

A native of Everett, Washington, Christenson was the Phillies’ first-round draft pick in 1972. He pitched for the Phils from 1973 to 1983, spending his entire career in Philadelphia. After his playing days, he settled in the Philadelphia area, became successful in business and was active in local charity work. He was a tireless supporter of Phillies Charities, Inc.

“He was always helping people,” remembered former teammate Larry Bowa. “If you needed him, he was there. If there was a fundraiser, he’d be the guy who got everyone together.”

Christenson made it to the majors at age 19. He was a stalwart on three straight National League East championship teams from 1976 to 1978. Over that span, he went 45-28 with a 3.65 ERA in 616 innings. He won 19 games in 1977. He went 5-1 for the 1980 World Series Champion Phillies, but was limited to 14 starts because of injury.

Christenson was the Phillies’ starting pitcher on May 19, 1979 when the team wore burgundy uniforms. Management had intended to have the team wear the uniforms several times that season, but the Phillies lost to Montreal on the night the uniforms debuted and the players did not like them.

“We wore them once,” Bowa recalled. “After the game, Bull (Greg Luzinski) went upstairs and told (owner Ruly Carpenter) we we’re done wearing them.”

Christenson is forever captured in photographs wearing the burgundy uniform.

“He was a great teammate,” Bowa said. “He was a real good hitter for a pitcher. He had a great personality. He had a way of keeping the clubhouse loose, but he was tough and always prepared to pitch.

“I got along with him great. Sometimes when he gave up a long home run, I’d go to the mound and say, ‘How did you hold that pitch?’ He'd look at me and say, ‘Get the (bleep) out of here.’

“Just a great guy. He will be missed.”

Christenson attended Marysville High School in Marysville, Washington where he was noted more for his basketball than baseball skills. He struck out 143 batters in 72 innings and had an earned run average (ERA) of 0.28 in his senior year.

 

MLB debut

April 13, 1973, for the Philadelphia Phillies

Last MLB appearance

June 3, 1983, for the Philadelphia Phillies

MLB statistics

Win–loss record          83–71

Earned run average     3.79

Strikeouts        781

Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Teams

Philadelphia Phillies (1973–1983)

Career highlights and awards

World Series champion (1980)

John Walker obit

John Walker BSC (1943-2026)

 He was not on the list.

It is with great sadness that we learn that our friend and colleague, John Walker BSC, has died.

John began his career as a trainee at the BBC, working his way through the ranks to become a highly respected cinematographer. Over a long and varied career, he worked across some of British television's best-loved productions, including The Onedin Line, Doctor Who, Miss Marple (Pictured) and Only Fools and Horses, as well as Bergerac, Juliet Bravo, Lovejoy, Wycliffe and Hamish Macbeth.

His work brought him into collaboration with many distinguished directors, including Martin Campbell, Michael Winterbottom and John Glenister.

John was invited to join the British Society of Cinematographers in 1991, becoming part of a community to which he remained a valued colleague and friend.

John is survived by his wife, Mavis Rose Walker, and his children, Wendy and Gareth.

A memorial service will be held at Dunster Tithe Barn on Wednesday 30th September at 1:30pm, followed by a wake at the same venue. A livestream is also being planned for those who are unable to attend in person, and we will circulate a link when further information is available.

Our thoughts are with Mavis, Wendy, Gareth and all of John's family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.

John will be greatly missed.

Jackie Glass obit

Judge Jackie Glass Dead: ‘Swift Justice’ TV Host Was 70

 She was not on the list.

Judge Jackie Glass, the former Clark County judge who hosted the syndicated court show Swift Justice, has died. She was 70.

Glass died on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas, TMZ reported after Glass’ daughter Rachel Wolfson posted a tribute to her late mother on social media.

“RIP my rock,” wrote Wolfson on Facebook. “I don’t know how I’ll do this life without you, I love you so much mommy Jackie Glass, I’ll see you again someday.”

Judge Glass made headlines in 2008 when she sentenced O.J. Simpson to 33 years in prison for armed robbery in a Las Vegas hotel. Simpson was released on parole in 2017 before dying of cancer in Vegas in 2024.

In 2011, Glass took over for Nancy Grace as host of the small claims court show Swift Justice in Season 2, which moved production from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Glass hosted the syndicated reality series until it ended in April 2012.

Glass is survived by husband, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, and two daughters.