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Nathan Jerde, the drummer of Chicago indie-rock outfit The Ponys, has padded away, it has been confirmed.
News of Jerde’s passing was confirmed by the band on social media on Monday (May 5). “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we let you know our friend, our band mate, and our brother left this world today,” The Ponys wrote.
“Nathan was an amazing drummer and possessed savant like art skills. Nathan loved goofing around, and had the sweetest of hearts. We traveled the world together. We ate amazing meals together and we met lifelong friends together. We fought like brothers sometimes, but we had so much f–king fun together. Nathan, we will miss you so much!”
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Matador Records also expressed their “deepest condolences to all friends, family and bandmates of The Ponys’ Nathan Jerde,” with their sentiments echoed in a social post from In the Red Records, who issued The Ponys’ debut album.
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“We’re beyond sad to hear the news of the passing of Nathan Jerde of The Ponys,” In the Red’s post read. “He was an awesome guy and a fantastic drummer. To say he will be missed is an understatement.”
The Ponys were formed in Chicago in 2001 by vocalist and guitarist Jered Gunmere, who had previously performed with The Defilers and The Guilty Pleasures. Joined by girlfriend (and later, wife) Melissa Elias on bassist, the lineup was rounded out by Jerde, who was previously the drummer for The Mushuganas, and Ian Adams, who also comprised one half of Chicago duo Happy Supply, on guitar and keys.
The band released their debut album Laced with Romance in 2004 via In the Red, before teaming up with veteran producer and Electrical Audio founder Steve Albini, to record their follow-up, 2005’s Celebration Castle. The group would sign to Matador for their third album, with 2007’s Turn the Lights Out reaching No. 39 on the Heatseekers Albums chart that same year.
The band would split in 2007, with members focusing on other projects. Jerde founded the group Mother of Tears and also joined Tyler Jon Tyler as bassist, before The Ponys regrouped for a series of shows throughout 2009 and 2010.
Jerde would continue working in the music industry, focusing on the artwork for bands such as Outer Minds, Mannequin Men, and Choke Chains in the ensuing years. The Ponys would reunite again in 2016 for a series of shows, though had not played live since the following year.
James Baker, the prolific Australian drummer best known for his work as a member of The Scientists, the Hoodoo Gurus, and the Beasts of Bourbon has passed away at the age of 71.
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Baker’s passing was confirmed by a statement issued to the press on Tuesday (May 6), noting that the rocker had passed away at his home the night prior. “It is with heavy heart that we say that James Baker, the King of the Perth Big Beat, the godfather of Perth Punk and Australia’s Garage Guru passed away around 7:30 last night at home in Perth,” it read.
“It was no secret that James had been suffering from terminal cancer for some time, but he did his best to hold it at bay which enabled a final go round from the Victims – the band he formed with fellow Hoodoo Guru Dave Faulkner in ’77 – and a couple of last tours as well as a new album from the Beasts, the band he co-founded in ’83.
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“He also joined the Gurus on stage in Perth in December,” it continued. “He released his first solo 12” record Born to Rock – his first solo release since 1985’s legendary “Born to Be Punched”/”I Can’t Control Myself” single – in May last year, and a newly recorded single with Dom Mariani as recently as January of this year.”
Baker was born in the Western Australian city of Perth in 1954, purchasing his first drum kit at the age of 16 following a love of The Beatles‘ Ringo Starr. The following year, Baker would launch his own musical career behind the kit of a Beatles cover band before performing with groups such as the hard rock outfit Black Sun and the glam-rock Slick City Boys.
In the mid-’70s, Baker would spend time in the U.S. and U.K., even going so far as to consider auditioning for The Clash after a chance meeting with Joe Strummer and Mick Jones following a show from the Damned. “I had a Ramones T-shirt on and they came up to me and talked to me about that,” he recalled in 2003. “They said they needed a drummer. But I hadn’t played for a year.”
It was in 1977 that Baker first let his presence be felt fully as the co-founder The Victims with bassist Rudolph V (aka Dave Cardwell). The band had its roots in an earlier group called The Geeks, which took influence from the Ramones and their blend of burgeoning punk music. Following the addition of Dave Flick (aka Dave Faulkner), the group would rename and issue their debut single, “Television Addict.” The track remains a pioneering cut from the Australian punk scene, with copies of the ferocious tune selling for small fortunes amidst collectors.
While still a member of The Victims, Baker would join The Scientists in 1978, replacing drummer John Rowlings. Emerging from the punk scene, The Scientists would later become one of the most notable independent groups to emerge from Australia, with their influence on grunge being felt by later groups in the genre such as Mudhoney and Nirvana.
Following the release of their 1981 self-titled album, the band would briefly split, and Baker would embark on new ventures. This included the formation of the Hoodoo Gurus with former Victims bandmate Faulkner, former Scientists bandmate Roddy Radalj, and Kimble Rendall, who would pass away in April 2025.
Baker would depart the band in 1984 following the release of their debut album, Stoneage Romeos, which would be the first of four consecutive records to top the US College Radio charts.
While still a member of the Hoodoo Gurus, Baker would also co-found the Beasts of Bourbon, a rock supergroup of sorts fronted by former vocalist of the Dum-Dums, Tex Perkins. The initial lineup would be complemented by Baker, guitarist Spencer P. Jones of The Johnnys, and former members of The Scientists Kim Salmon and Boris Sujdovic.
Baker would remain most active in the Beasts of Bourbon, performing with most versions of the band until 2024. Additionally, he was a prolific songwriter and performer, going on to serve as a member of myriad bands, including the James Baker Experience and The Dubrovniks.
In 2006, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the West Australian Music Industry Awards, while The Scientists would follow in 2019. The Hoodoo Gurus, meanwhile, were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007.
In 2014, Baker was diagnosed with liver cancer, which he battled for the remainder of his life. Fundraising campaigns were launched to aid his medical journey, and Baker continued to perform live in spite of his health issues, even releasing his debut solo EP, Born to Rock, in 2024.
“James is survived by his wife Cathy, daughters Lorna and Faye and sister Barbara, and his unborn grandson who will be arriving on the scene in the next week or so,” the statement issued to media concluded.
The death of Baker is another loss experienced by the extended Hoodoo Gurus family over the past year. In April 2024, longtime manager Michael McMartin passed away, just one month after handing the reins over to Mick Mazzone. In April 2025, Mazzone himself would pass away, with founding member Kimble Rendall following just days later.
Jill Sobule, the acclaimed folk-pop singer and human rights activist, died in a reported house fire on Thursday (May 1). She was 66 years old. The groundbreaking artist, who identified as bisexual, began her career with her 1990 debut album Things Here Are Different. Five years later, she broke out with her self-titled 1995 album […]
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Val Kilmer, a prolific actor who got his start in the 1980s, starred in a series of films, both dramatic and comedic, throughout his long career. On April 1, Val Kilmer passed away from an illness, and fans on X are honoring the star.
Val Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, according to a Wikipedia entry. Kilmer was accepted into the Juilliard School in its Drama Division and was reportedly the youngest person at the time to do so.
Kilmer began his stage career in 1981, and in 1983, he appeared in The Slab Boys with Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, and Jackie Earle Haley. The following year, Kilmer appeared in Top Secret!, an action comedy directed by the filmmaking trio, Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker. Perhaps Kilmer’s biggest roles were star turns in Top Gun, Tombstone, The Doors, Heat, and voicing Moses/God in the animated film, The Prince of Egypt, among other roles.
In 2015, Kilmer suffered a health complication that sparked rumors in Hollywood that the actor was suffering from cancer, a fact he confirmed two years later in 2017 by revealing he was suffering from throat cancer. Initially, Kilmer didn’t seek medical treatment as it went against his Christian Science faith, but eventually did so.
Kilmer would continue to act after getting treatment, which rendered his voice a whisper, last appearing in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick opposite Tom Cruise in the role of Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky.
On X and across social media, many are honoring the life of Kilmer, including many of his peers in Hollywood. We’ve got those reactions in the gallery below.
Kilmer is survived by his daughter, Mercedes, and Jack, also an actor like his father. Val Kilmer was 65.
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Val Kilmer, a prolific actor who got his start in the 1980s, starred in a series of films, both dramatic and comedic, throughout his long career. On April 1, Val Kilmer passed away from an illness, and fans on X are honoring the star.
Val Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, according to a Wikipedia entry. Kilmer was accepted into the Juilliard School in its Drama Division and was reportedly the youngest person at the time to do so.
Kilmer began his stage career in 1981, and in 1983, he appeared in The Slab Boys with Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, and Jackie Earle Haley. The following year, Kilmer appeared in Top Secret!, an action comedy directed by the filmmaking trio, Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker. Perhaps Kilmer’s biggest roles were star turns in Top Gun, Tombstone, The Doors, Heat, and voicing Moses/God in the animated film, The Prince of Egypt, among other roles.
In 2015, Kilmer suffered a health complication that sparked rumors in Hollywood that the actor was suffering from cancer, a fact he confirmed two years later in 2017 by revealing he was suffering from throat cancer. Initially, Kilmer didn’t seek medical treatment as it went against his Christian Science faith, but eventually did so.
Kilmer would continue to act after getting treatment, which rendered his voice a whisper, last appearing in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick opposite Tom Cruise in the role of Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky.
On X and across social media, many are honoring the life of Kilmer, including many of his peers in Hollywood. We’ve got those reactions in the gallery below.
Kilmer is survived by his daughter, Mercedes, and Jack, also an actor like his father. Val Kilmer was 65.
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Photo: Getty
Huey P. Williams, the longtime frontman of the Jackson Southernaires and a cornerstone of American gospel music, died peacefully at his home in Smithdale, Mississippi, on March 24. He was 80.
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A trailblazer in traditional gospel, Williams’ unmistakable voice and soulful storytelling made him one of the most beloved vocalists in the genre. His passing marks the end of an era for quartet gospel — a style he helped define and preserve for over five decades.
Williams was born into a family of gospel royalty. He was the elder brother of Frank Williams, who later founded the Mississippi Mass Choir, and of Melvin, Doug and Leonard Williams, members of the Grammy-nominated Williams Brothers. Together, the Williams family helped shape the sound of modern gospel.
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“My big brother Huey, in my eyes, was in a league of his own,” said Doug. “He possessed a signature voice that was unmistakably his own. His music ministry touched so many lives in such a positive way over the years. He had a big personality, but such a humble spirit. Huey was the epitome of a people’s person, a man that loved everybody and never met a stranger. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. That’s why so many people from across the country gravitated to him and loved him dearly. His presence will be sorely missed, but his undeniable legacy will live on forever.”
Founded in 1940 in Jackson, Mississippi, the Jackson Southernaires gained national attention in the 1960s under the leadership of Huey and Frank Williams, along with Willie Banks. In 1963, they signed with Song Bird Records, a Peacock subsidiary, and released their breakout single, “The Greatest Creator.”
Their 1968 song “Too Late” became a massive hit and led to the release of their first full-length album. Known for emotionally powerful performances and messages of faith and perseverance, the Southernaires earned acclaim with radio favorites like “Don’t Let Him Catch You (With Your Work Undone)” and “How Long Will It Last.”
In 1975, the group became the first gospel act to sign with Malaco Records, launching a decades-long partnership that saw them regularly chart on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums list with titles such as Down Home (1975), Legendary Gentlemen (1979) and Lord We Need Your Blessing (1985). They were frequently named among Billboard’s Top Gospel/Soul Artists of the year.
Huey’s commitment to gospel never wavered. When asked if he’d ever retire, he famously replied, “My answer to that question is, how do you give up on God? How do you give up on Gospel? How do you say, ‘I’m going to retire?’ It’s like a good marriage — until death do us part.”
The Jackson Southernaires won multiple accolades, including three consecutive Gospel Music Workshop of America awards for Traditional Male Group of the Year in the late ’80s, a Stellar Award in 1989, and a Grammy nomination in 1992. They were inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, and in 2010, the city of Jackson renamed a stretch of road in their honor: Jackson Southernaires Drive.
Williams’ final performance with the group was in late 2024, a testament to his enduring passion for gospel. A celebration of life will be held on March 29 at Fernwood MB Church in McComb, Mississippi.
When Huey was asked about retiring, he said, “My answer to that question is, how do you give up on God? How do you give up on Gospel? How do you say, ‘I’m going to retire?’ It’s like a good marriage, until death do us part.”
Williams is survived by his siblings, extended family, and a legion of fans whose lives were uplifted by his voice.
R. William “Bill” Freston, a former executive at Columbia Records who worked with superstars including The Rolling Stones and Billy Joel, died on Thursday (Feb. 20) following a “traumatic fall” on the Caribbean island of Bequia, his family announced Wednesday (Feb. 26). He was 76. Freston began his career in the early 1970s after graduating […]
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Alvin Poussaint, a psychiatrist who applied his studies to assist those within the civil rights movement, passed away on Monday (Feb. 24). Among Dr. Alvin Poussaint’s accomplishments, he was also instrumental as a consultant for several television series throughout his career.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint was born on May 15, 1934, in East Harlem, New York. As a studious child, Poussaint’s love of reading translated into his study and love of the sciences in high school. After entering Columbia University, Poussaint earned a pharmacology bachelor’s degree in 1956. He then entered Cornell Medical School and was reportedly the only Black student admitted that year and earned his M.D. in 1960. This experience shaped Poussaint’s worldview and was a continuance of the racism he experienced in high school and undergrad.
Poussaint would go on to become the chief resident at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute but left the role in 1965 to join the Medical Committee for Human Rights as its Southern Field Director in Jackson, Miss. Poussaint completed his residency in 1964 at UCLA, earning an M.A. degree. Poussaint focused his efforts at the time on working to dismantle racial segregation, arguing that racial bias was detrimental to the mental health of the Black community. While working for the committee, Poussaint and his colleagues administered care to those working in the civil rights movement, many of whom endured physical violence and mental warfare under the guise of segregation.
In 1967, Poussaint became a faculty member of Tufts Medical School where he served as the director of the school’s psychiatry program situated in a low-income housing project. He also used his time in the role to illustrate that race relations in the nation still needed to improve despite the strides made at the time. In 1969, Poussaint left Tufts and joined the faculty of Harvard Medical School, where he remained for the rest of his career as a professor and associate dean of student affairs. Even in those hallowed halls, Poussaint never put civil rights on the back burner and continued to champion the movement.
During the 190s, Poussaint was known as a media consultant for scripts for Black sitcoms, including The Cosby Show and A Different World among others. His role was to ensure that what was depicted onscreen truly mirrored the real lives of Black families and students along with highlighting the positives of Black family life. Government agencies such as the White House, the Department of Health, and the FBI also sought guidance from Poussaint.
Poussaint did have his fair share of critics, especially those who thought his assessment of racism as a mental health condition instead of a divisive systemic practice that placed Black people under its weight. While well-meaning, some believed that putting racism in the same realm as a mental health disorder discredited the very real racism Black and non-white people faced across the country.
Dr. Alvin Poussaint is survived by his wife, Dr. Tina Young Poussaint, with whom he had a daughter. His first marriage to Ann Ashmore ended in 1988 and the pair had a son. According to his spouse, Poussaint passed away in his Chestnut Hills, Mass. home.
Poussaint was 90.
[h/t The History Makers & The New York Times]
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Roberta Flack, an award-winning R&B vocalist, and songwriter who topped the charts in her time, died on Monday (Feb. 24). Roberta Flack earned her first big break after actor and director Clint Eastwood used one of her songs in his films.
Roberta Flack was born on Feb. 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, N.C., and grew up in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Arlington, Va. As a child, Flack was inspired by the gospel singers of her local church and took an interest in learning the piano as an instrument. Flack’s skills as a pianist led to her earning a scholarship to attend Howard University at the age of 15. Upon graduating, the classically trained Flack worked as a student educator before returning to North Carolina to teach ahead of returning to the D.C. area to teach at several schools.
In 1968, at the urging of her vocal coach at the time, Flack became a professional singer and she became a regular performer at Mr. Henry’s restaurant, which still stands today in Washington’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. In the 1970s, jazz legend Les McCann discovered Flack singing at a D.C. nightclub leading to an audition and wrote inside the liner notes of her 1969 debut album, First Take for Atlantic Records.
Things took a turn for the better for Flack when the aforementioned Eastwood used the Grammy Award-winning song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” from First Take in his 1971 film, Play Misty For Me, helping the album soar to the top of the Billboard charts and cementing Flack’s status as a star.
Other hits for Flack include “Where Is The Love” alongside Donny Hathaway, “Feel Like Making Love,” and perhaps Flack’s biggest hit, “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” another Grammy winner, which was remixed by The Fugees in 1996 en route to becoming a global smash.
On X, formerly Twitter, music fans are remembering Roberta Flack. Keep scrolling for more.
[h/t: The Guardian]
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Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, has died. According to still-developing reports, Voletta Wallace passed from natural causes.
TMZ was the first to report the news of Voletta Wallace’s passing, noting that the retired schoolteacher passed away in Stroudsburg, Penn. The outlet adds that Wallace was in hospice care in the Pennsylvania town according to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac.
Wallace, a native of Jamaica, moved to Brooklyn N.Y. where she and George Latore welcomed their son, Christopher, who would later become known as rapper Biggie Smalls before taking on The Notorious B.I.G. stage name for legal purposes. Wallace raised her son as a single mom while working in education, and as Biggie’s star rose, she was a major fixture in his life.
After the tragic loss of her son, Wallace continued to uphold the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G. and oversaw his estate, including making certain that his daughter, T’yanna Wallace, and son, C.J. Wallace were taken care of. She also released the book Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G in 2005.
Via her Instagram page, several images of her and her son adorn the pages along with a consistent celebration of Biggie’s achievements in the industry and how his name still lives on in the minds of many. Online, fans are showing their respect and mourning the loss.
Rest in peace to Voletta Wallace.
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