BuzzSugar

Remembering Kurt Vonnegut: 1922 - 2007

BuzzSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:36:35 -0700

I awoke this morning to the sad news that groundbreaking novelist Kurt Vonnegut died Wednesday at age 84. As reported by the AP, Vonnegut's wife, photographer Jill Krementz, said the writer suffered brain injuries following a recent fall at his home in Manhattan.

Probably best-known for his books Slaughterhouse Five and Cat's Cradle, Vonnegut was truly one of the most important American writers of the 20th century, lending his distinct voice to everything from historical satire to non-traditional sci-fi and laugh-out-loud humor. In fact, I think Vonnegut's stylistic legacy is one of the most powerful influences on many of today's modern novelists.

Throughout my adult life, Vonnegut has been one of my favorite authors, and having the opportunity to hear him speak during my college years only heightened my respect for this sharp and endlessly clever man. Though I would highly recommend the more classic Vonnegut novels, my favorite books of his might be the slightly more obscure Galapagos, which tackles the theory of evolution in a thoroughly absurd way, and the darkly futuristic novel The Sirens of Titan. Any other Vonnegut fans out there? If so, tell me which of his books is your favorite.

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Remembering "Big Poppa" - Notorious B.I.G.

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 05:01:57 -0800

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. the Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls. Though Biggie's mythic legacy and infamy have often overshadowed his talent in recent years, the frequent Diddy collaborator churned out some stellar songs. If you need a reminder, check out the new Notorious B.I.G. greatest-hits collection, which is now streaming at AOL Music. Or, to hear one of my favorite tracks, "Big Poppa," read more

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Remembering Alice Coltrane

BuzzSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:55:37 -0800

Alice Coltrane - jazz pianist, composer, and wife of the late John Coltrane - died on Friday at the age of 69. A classically trained musician who incorporated the harp into jazz music, Coltrane played in her husband's band and released several solo albums. "Blue Nile" (below) is off of her 1970 album Ptah the El Daoud. (Thanks to Audiversity for posting the track!)