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 Read more

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. Read more

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!) Read more