In Memoriam

2016 has been a challenging year in so many ways including the loss of some of our childhood idols and icons. As I reflect back on the year, these are some of my most heartbreaking moments.

 

David Bowie 

 

The loss of David Bowie truly touched my heart. I’ve followed and loved his music since 1972 with the release of the album  – “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”.

 

“Starman” from the 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

“If you’re sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie”. – Dean Podesta

I’m appreciative of this tweet because I found it calming and it put Bowie’s passing in perspective. A true innovator. He will be missed.

 

 

Gene Wilder

Jerome (Gene Wilder) Silberman (June 11, 1933 – August 29, 2016)

Time reversed itself for a moment when I heard the news of Gene Wilder’s passing due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. He’s been a part of my life since “Willy Wonka” and his spirit helped me through the challenging and uncertain days of my fight against Colon and Breast Cancer.

Our Prince is Gone – 1958-2016

 

 

Ever since Prince came on the scene his music has been such a vital part of my life. His passing is a tremendous loss personally and his enormous talent leaves a hole in our collective souls.

 

As the memories flood my mind I flashback to Prince and Morris Day with The Time performing at Hill Auditorium on the campus of my alma mater – The University of Michigan. This was 1978 before Prince was PRINCE. I can still see the audience swaying, fully in tune with Prince’s dynamic energy and saw a sea change, realizing this was the last time I would intimately see this badass, revolutionary genius.

Now, PRINCE would belong to the world.

 

 

To my dismay, more artists would follow

 

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And, the Greatest of All Time

 

So, as we wind down 2016, let us remember the joys, and the sorrows, but look ahead in Faith of a bright and shining tomorrow.

 

Have a Blessed and Happy New Year!