State Champ Radio deaths
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Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer David Crosby, has died, sources confirm to Billboard. He was 81. Cause of death is unknown.
Crosby was a seminal figure in the folk-rock scene for more than six decades as a member of The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash and then Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He also had a prolific solo career, especially in recent years, releasing new music at an almost frenetic pace.
Crosby, a Los Angeles native and son of Academy Award-winning cinematographer Floyd Crosby, joined the Byrds in 1964 and in 1965, the band, known for its jangling guitars and layered harmonies, took two songs to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100: the Bob Dylan-penned “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn!Turn!Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season).”
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Due to infighting with his bandmates Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman,” Crosby left the Byrds in 1967. In 1968, after meeting Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, the trio formed Crosby, Stills & Nash, appearing at Woodstock in August, 1969, for only their second gig.
Their self-titled debut album spawned two top 40 Hot 100 hits — “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” (No. 21) and “Marrakesh Express” (No. 28) — and the trio won the Grammy for best new artist in 1969. Neil Young was an informal fourth member for occasional live performances, when the group would go by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The core trio stayed active through 2016.
In 2019, Cameron Crowe produced a documentary about the cantankerous rock icon called Remember My Name. In an interview about the warts-and-all doc, Crosby explained to Billboard why it made sense that his Byrds bandmate Roger McGuinn called him “insufferable.”
“I can be contentious. Opinionated. I’m comfortable with that,” Crosby conceded. “When you’re in a relationship like that in a band, it’s like a marriage… you start out, you love each other, you love each other’s music. You’re thrilled that you’re doing this, and every time you play music, you feel brotherhood with the other guys. In CSNY with Neil [Young] and Graham [Nash] and Stephen [Stills], we were a competitive band. Not cooperative/competitive. We were also very shitty to each other over and over and over again, unkind and disloyal.”
Crosby earned 10 Grammy nominations in his lifetime — including a best music film nod for Remember My Name — but the CSN best new artist prize was his lone win.
Elvis star Austin Butler is remembering the “bright light” of Lisa Marie Presley, a day after the singer/songwriter and only child of Elvis Presley died Thursday at age 54.
“My heart is completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie,” Butler said in a statement, acknowledging Lisa Marie’s three surviving children — 33-year-old actress Riley Keough and 14-year-old twins Finley and Harper Lockwood — as well as mother Priscilla Presley, 77. “I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared. Her warmth, her love and her authenticity will always be remembered.”
Butler nabbed the coveted role of Elvis Presley in director Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic of the music icon and had the opportunity to spend time with the Presley family, who gave the film their blessing. The actor had just thanked Lisa Marie and Priscilla onstage at Tuesday’s 2023 Golden Globe Awards as he accepted the best actor in a drama award for Elvis.
“Thank you for opening your hearts, your memories, your home to me,” he said to the mother-daughter duo in the audience. “Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever.”
Luhrmann also shared his condolences via Instagram on Friday, posting a photo of Lisa Marie with Butler and writing, “Over the last year, the entire Elvis movie family and I have felt the privilege of Lisa Marie’s kind embrace. Her sudden, shocking loss has devastated people all around the world. I know her fans everywhere join me in sharing prayers of love and support with her mother, Priscilla, and her wonderful daughters Riley, Finley and Harper.”
Lisa Marie was reportedly rushed to the hospital early in the day Thursday after going into cardiac arrest. Priscilla Presley shared the news of her daughter’s death on Thursday evening.
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Her death at age 54 was confirmed Thursday by her mother, Priscilla Presley.
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Editor’s note: This story contains details of a suicide.
Stephen “tWitch” Boss, former DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died at age 40 on Wednesday (Dec. 14). Following the news, authorities have now revealed the details of Boss’ autopsy and have concluded his death was a suicide via gunshot wound to the head.
The medical examination, shared publicly by the Los Angeles Country Medical Examiner’s office, revealed that Boss was found in a hotel room when authorities arrived on the scene. No other details were revealed in the report.
Boss’ wife, dancer Allison Holker Boss, was the first to share the news of her husband’s death through a statement to People. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she wrote. “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.
“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” continued Boss, 34. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children. Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
The DJ first rose to prominence on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project in 2003 before earning the runner-up spot on So You Think You Can Dance in 2008. He joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show as a guest DJ in 2014 and later ascended the ranks to become a co-executive producer in 2020 and remained with the show until it wrapped in 2022.
DeGeneres shared her condolences via Twitter on Wednesday. “I’m heartbroken,” she tweeted alongside a photo of her hugging the dancer and DJ. “tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24 hours, at 1-800-273-8255.
Salsa singer Lalo Rodríguez, known for the 1998 hit “Ven devórame otra vez,” has died. He was 64 years old.
Rodríguez was found dead on Tuesday (Dec. 13) at a public housing project in his native Puerto Rico, police said, according to The Associated Press.
Authorities stated that there were no visible signs of violence, and that an autopsy would be performed to determine the cause of death. The singer had struggled for years with drug and alcohol problems and had been charged with cocaine possession, the AP reported.
Born on May 16, 1958, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the artist — whose legal name was Ubaldo Rodríguez Santos — began singing as a child at festivals and radio and television shows in Puerto Rico. At age 15, in the ’70s, he joined Eddie Palmieri’s band. He recorded Palmieri’s Grammy-winning albums Sun of Latin Music and Unfinished Masterpiece as lead vocalist before launching his solo career in 1980.
“It is with deep sadness that I learn of the death of Lalo Rodríguez,” Palmieri wrote on Twitter along with a photo of the two. “I don’t need to tell you how much he has meant to me, our music and culture, and the global community. He was a giant in so many ways. We will miss him dearly and treasure his memory.”
Es con profunda tristeza me entero del fallecimiento de Lalo Rodriguez. No necesito decirles cuánto ha significado para mi, nuestra musica y cultura, y para la comunidad mundial.Era un gigante en tantos sentidos. Lo extrañaremos mucho y atesoraremos su memoria.🇵🇷 🎙 🎶 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/iIG95STsnk— Eddie Palmieri (@EddiePalmieri) December 13, 2022
In 1988, Rodríguez released his biggest hit, “Ven devórame otra vez”, which was part of his album Un Nuevo Despertar. Written by the Dominican Palmer Hernández, the song became a classic of romantic salsa with its famous chorus: “Devórame otra vez, ven, devórame otra vez / Ven, castígame con tus deseos, más / Que el vigor lo guardé para ti, ay, ven / Devórame otra vez, ven, devórame otra vez / Que la boca me sabe a tu cuerpo / Desesperan mis ganas por ti”.
On the Billboard charts, the song reached No. 10 on Hot Latin Tracks. In 1990, a version by Spanish female duo Azúcar Moreno also made the list, peaking at No. 9. And in 2004, the song reappeared in the voice of Charlie Cruz, who reached No. 10 on the Latin Tropical Airplay.
In 2018, “Ven, devórame otra vez” was included among Billboard’s top 15 salsa songs of all time.
Tina Turner is mourning a loss in her family. The singer’s youngest son, Ronnie Turner — whom she shared with late ex-husband Ike Turner — died at age 62 on Thursday (Dec. 8).
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TMZ was the first to report the news, stating that police received a call that he was not breathing and later arrived on the scene to revive him with CPR, but were unsuccessful.
Following the news of the tragedy, the veteran singer took to Facebook to share a simple yet heartfelt message honoring her son’s memory that read, “Ronnie, you left the world far too early. In sorrow I close my eyes and think of you, my beloved son.”
Ronnie’s wife, Afida Turner, also expressed her grief on social media and posted a series of pictures of him in a carousel posted that she captioned: “MY GOD RONNIE TURNER A TRUE ANGEL HIUGE SOUL HIGHLY SPIRITUAL MY HUSBAND MY BEST FRIEND MY BABY IYOUR MUMMY YOUR NURSE I DID THE BEST TO THE END THIS TIME I WAS NO ABLE TO SAVE YOU LOVE U FOR THIS 17 YEARS THIS IS VERY VERY VERY BAD I AM VERY MAD THIS IS A TRAGEDY U WITH YOUR BROTHER CRAIG AND YOUR FATHER IKE TURNER AND ALINE REST IN PARADISE SO UNFAIR.”
Ronnie, full name Ronnie Rennelle Turner, was the youngest of four children that Tina Turner had with ex-husband and former collaborator Ike Turner. The pair welcomed Ronnie on Oct. 27, 1960. Born into a musical family, Ronnie assumed his parents’ talents and played bass in Manufactured Funk with songwriter and musician Patrick Moten, as well as in his parents’ bands. He married French singer Afida in 2007.
While Ronnie’s cause of death is currently unclear, he has had a history of health issues throughout the year, including cancer. Turner’s eldest son Craig, whom Ike adopted once they married, died by suicide in 2018.
Up-and-coming country singer Jake Flint died over the weekend, just hours after getting married.
Following the tragic news, rumors regarding his cause of death started circulating via Instagram on Tuesday that claimed his death was linked to his COVID-19 vaccination record — a claim that Flint’s representative Clif Doyal is now denying.
“I am the official publicist for Jake Flint and his family,” Doyal shared in a statement to E! News on Thursday (Dec. 1). “I can verify from them, and from my own personal knowledge, that Jake Flint’s sudden and tragic death was not related in any way to the COVID-19 vaccine. Pending an official autopsy report there will be no further comment.”
Flint’s cause of death has yet to be revealed, though Doyal did share that the singer died in his sleep on Saturday morning.
Brenda Cline of Route 66 Entertainment, Flint’s manager, was the first to share the news of his death via Facebook: “With a broken heart and in deep grief I must announce that Jake Flint has tragically passed away. I’ve tried several times today to make a post, but you can’t comment on what you can’t process. The photo below is when Jake and I excitedly signed our artist management contract. That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship and partnership. Jake was even more than that to me, I loved him much like a son.”
The country singer’s wife Brenda also shared that she was in mourning, writing, “We should be going through wedding photos but instead I have to pick out clothes to bury my husband in. People aren’t meant to feel this much pain. My heart is gone and I just really need him to come back. I can’t take much more. I need him here.”
The Latin music industry is mourning the passing of Cuban singer-songwriter Pablo Milanés, who died at the age of 79 on Tuesday (Nov. 22) in Spain, where he had been under treatment for blood cancer.
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“With great pain and sadness, we regret to inform you that the maestro Pablo Milanés has passed away this morning of November 22 in Madrid,” said the official statement on his verified social media accounts. “We are deeply grateful for all the expressions of affection and support, to all his family and friends, in these difficult times. May he rest in the love and peace that he has always transmitted. He will remain forever in our memory.”
With a trajectory that spanned more than five decades, the Latin Grammy-winning balladeer—who helped found Cuba’s “nueva trova” movement—recorded dozens of albums and hits like “Yolanda,” “Yo Me Quedo” (I’m Staying) and “Amo Esta Isla” (I Love This Island).
On social media, a wave of Latin artists reacted to Milanés’ passing.
“You will live in each of us forever,” Cuban artist Leoni Torres expressed. “Your music and legacy are a great teacher. I thank life for having met you and learning from you. Rest in peace.”
In the comments, Colombian act Diego Torres said: “What sad news! My condolences to his family and loved ones. Maestro Thank you for that legacy of beautiful songs and good music that will remain forever and thank you for inviting me to record on your latest album and for having had the honor of sharing music with you. RIP.”
Regional Mexican artist Alejandro Fernandez wrote, “Thank you for a lot of music and inspiration. May you reach peace and love.”
Below, see reactions from Ricardo Montaner, Alejandro Sanz and many more.
Sintiendo la partida de un grande muy grande. QUERIDO PABLO, que el cielo te reciba cantando y con la alegría de tus canciones que quedan en la eternidad y en nuestros corazones. Luz para ti en este tu viaje. Descansa en paz Pablo Milanés. 💫 pic.twitter.com/CAoU2XQnJ1— Lucero (@LuceroMexico) November 22, 2022
Querido Pablo, me da coraje que te hayas ido pero tanta felicidad que hayas estado. Gracias por tu música#PabloMilanes— Alejandro Sanz (@AlejandroSanz) November 22, 2022
B. Smyth, born Brandon Smith, has passed away following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was just 28 years old.
The news was shared on the R&B singer’s Instagram page in a video made by his older brother, Denzil, who confirmed that Brandon had passed away Thursday morning (Nov. 17) from respiratory failure caused by his lung disease. According to Mayo Clinic, pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, making it progressively more difficult to breathe.
“So on behalf of my brother and my family we want to say thank you to all of you for all of your love & support throughout the years,” Denzil captioned the video. “We ask for privacy during these difficult times. We also want to say thank you for all of your prayers.”
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Denzil said in the video that before his brother died, Brandon had asked him to make a video for fans to watch after he passed. According to Denzil, Brandon always talked about how much he and his fans loved each other, and he was always pushing himself to give his fans the best possible content.
“My brother was very excited to see a lot of you create challenges for his latest released single #Twerkoholic part 2,” he wrote in the caption. “While he was in the ICU, it really brought him a big smile to his face.”
Born in Florida, Brandon kicked off his career as an artist in 2012, signing a record deal with Motown Records and releasing his debut single, “Leggo,” with 2 Chainz. He released two EPs and several singles during his career and had entries on a handful of Billboard‘s R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
Listen to Denzil’s announcement about the passing of B. Smyth below.
