Off Topic RIP

Harry Belafonte, the singer and actor who smashed racial barriers in the US, has died at home in Manhattan, aged 96.

One of the most successful African-American pop stars in history, he scored hits with Island In The Sun, Mary's Boy Child and the UK number one Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).

But his greatest achievements were as a campaigner for black civil rights in the US.

He died of congestive heart failure, said his spokesman Ken Sunshine.

His wife Pamela was by his side.

Great voice and campaigner RIP Harry

 

I met him back in the 60s and he was very warm and gentle in manner with everybody. A truly outstanding voice and, as you say, a great campaigner. RIP Harry.

 

Chat show host Jerry Springer dies aged 79.

 

I don't know how I missed this. Gordon Lightfoot passed away on May 1st. Great Canadian song writer and folk singer.

 

Singer Tina Turner has died at the age of 83 after a long illness, her publicist has said.
Turner is one of rock’s most famous voices and had hits including Proud Mary and The Best.
In a career spanning over 60 years, the American-Swiss singer, who was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, won eight competitive Grammy Awards and has a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St Louis Walk of Fame.
Turner died “peacefully” on Wednesday after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, according to her publicist.

A real GOAT, endured awful physical abuse by Ike Turner, but became a fantastic performer and singer.
RIP Tina, you deserve it.

SIMPLY THE BEST

 

Simply the Best. RIP TIna.

 

Former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds United defender Gordon McQueen has died at the age of 70.

McQueen was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and dementia in 2021.

Starting his career with St Mirren, McQueen was sold to Leeds and would go on to help win the English league title in 1974, the FA Cup with Manchester Utd in 1983 and play 30 times for Scotland.

He was chosen for the 1978 World Cup squad but did not play because of injury.

McQueen scored three times on Leeds' run to the 1975 European Cup final, but was suspended for the final defeat by Bayern Munich.

He was also in the Manchester Utd side that lost the 1979 FA Cup final to Arsenal, but scored in the 3-2 loss at Wembley.

RIP BIG MAN

 

Oscar-winning actress and former MP Glenda Jackson has died at the age of 87, her agent has said.

Jackson became an international star in the 1970s, winning Oscars for Women In Love and A Touch of Class, and receiving two further nominations.

She also starred as Queen Elizabeth I in the acclaimed BBC drama Elizabeth R.

Politics was always important, and she gave up acting to join the House of Commons as a Labour MP in north London from 1992 to 2015.

That included two years as a junior transport minister in Tony Blair's New Labour government from 1997.

She later returned to the screen, winning a Bafta for her comeback role in the TV drama Elizabeth Is Missing in 2020.

Brilliant Actor and exceptional 2nd career in politics. RIP Glenda

 

Great lady, great actor, great MP. Rest in peace Glenda.

 

A legendary FIFA referee who once sent off George Best for unsportsmanlike conduct has died.
Norman Burtenshaw, originally from Bradwell, Gt Yarmouth had a lengthy career on the pitch, officiating historic matches, including the 1971 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Liverpool.
Mr Burtenshaw died of old age in the early hours of Friday morning. His grandson Nick Burman said the family had visited the night before, and Mr Burtenshaw seemed "comfortable and ready".
He was 97.

Great guy and referee, local legend.
RIP Norman

 

I remember Norman Burtenshaw well Bure, a class above most referees then and now.

Rest in peace, Norman.

 

Jane Birkin died, aged 76, on Sunday. Famous for that full frontal nude scene in Blow Up. RIP Jane.

 

Tony Bennett, the legendary New York pop and jazz singer, has died aged 96.

Bennett was known for songs such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.

He also collaborated with star performers from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him "the best singer in the business".

During a career that spanned eight decades, the crooner sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award.

Great singer. RIP Tony

 

Vince Hill, the singer best known for his 1967 hit Edelweiss, has died at the age of 89.

Born in Holbrooks, Coventry, he sang with big bands and vocal groups before his first solo success in 1962.

Over a long career, Hill performed with singers including Tony Christie and Cilla Black and presented programmes on television and radio.

"He really was an amazing singer and also an absolute gentleman," said Pete Chambers from Coventry Music Museum.

"He had that sort of velvety voice [and] wow he could project it.

"An incredible performer and a lovely man."
Another crooner joins the departed.

Met the guy once, real gent RIP Vince

 

George Alagiah the newsreader has died aged 67 from cancer.

He was on the news for years and years!

 

Just seen that on the news - great correspondent and presenter. RIP George.

 

Classy player for Birmingham in the 70s then on to Forest. RIP Trevor.

 

First £1M player.
Signed by Cloughie, who commented at the time, "Good player, but young man, you still got to convince me to pick you"

Typical put down by Cloughie.
RIP Trevor

 

Slight correction First £1 million not £100M - not quite that much inflation at the time