Brian Wilson was the embodiment of “tortured genius” – both parts of that description are undeniable. Here’s a story, as related by shock rocker Alice Cooper, that illustrates Brian Wilson’s tortured genius. I was sitting backstage after the 1974 Grammys with Bernie Taupin (Elton John’s lyricist) and John Lennon. This was when Brian was really …
June is Pride Month. Tom Spanbauer, the author of five novels, created a concept known as “dangerous writing.” His writing often focused on themes of race and sexual identity. As a teacher, he encouraged his students to overcome their fears and write painful personal truths. In his courses, he spoke of bringing one’s inner life …
Kay Kyser’s band was somewhere between Glenn Miller and Spike Jones. They were a straightforward band, but sometimes they leaned towards the silly and absurd… especially when they featured cornetist Merwyn Bogue, who went by the stage name “Ish Kabibble.” Kay Kyser and his band performed straight up swing, peppering in proud and patriotic songs …
Aspiring actress Mariana Levy landed her first role as a teenager, playing “Veronica” in the Mexican soap opera Vivir Enamorada. After taking a year off, Mariana returned to the small screen. She appeared in a long string of telenovelas, including a stint playing three different characters in Yo compro esa mujer. Mariana appeared with her …
Former USAF pilot Gus Grissom was selected from a group of 110 test pilots to join NASA’s Mercury Project space program, the space agency’s first foray into manned space exploration. In 1961, Gus was the pilot on the second Mercury Project flight. Three years later, Gus was selected as the pilot for the Gemini 3, …
Joel Fluellen took some small jobs while he pursued his dream of becoming an actor. After a few appearances on the New York stage, he moved to Hollywood and landed an uncredited role in the film Cabin in the Sky. As an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, Joel fought for more meaningful parts …
After working in a number of Clio Award-winning commercials, Ruth Buzzi performed as an inept magician’s assistant “Shakundala the Silent” on a 1964 episode of The Garry Moore Show, playing opposite comedian Dom DeLuise as an equally-inept magician. Later, she was a member of the repertory company on the short-lived variety show The Entertainers. A …
