I'd like to pay tribute to a few inspiring folks that split town for Heaven this month . . .
Author and adventuress Leila Hadley, who traveled the world in the 1950s and wrote wonderful books about her journeys, including Give Me the World (1958), How to Travel With Children in Europe (1963), and A Journey With Elsa Cloud (1997)
Estelle Bennett of the legendary '60s girl group, The Ronettes, which she formed with her younger sister Ronnie. Together, the sisters, along with their cousin Nedra Talley, performed heartfelt songs that were the main inspiration for producer Phil Spector's inimitable "Wall of Sound" recording style.
Lux Interior, singer of the legendary psychobilly band, The Cramps, and husband of the band's wicked-cool bass player, Poison Ivy. They were at one time, one of my favorite bands ever, and whose explosively fabulous Holloween eve shows in Hollywood, became a tradition of mine for years (I would go-go dance until I couldn't walk)! My sister Lizzie and I once spotted Lux eating a sandwich at Art's Deli in Studio City, CA (he was wearing a red Hawaiian shirt, black latex pants, and nice black pumps), and we wanted to tell him how much we loved him, but were too awestruck (what lame-o's)! Rest in rock 'n roll peace, you lovely devil.
And a sad farewell to Kelly Groucutt, bass player for the magical '70s super-group ELO, who played on beautiful melodies such as Telephone Line, Mr. Blue Sky, and the soundtrack to Xanadu, only to name a few.
Photos: Leila (Thomas Dunne), Ronettes (Getty), Lux (beastandbean on flickr)
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