Martin Scorsese and Harry Belafonte are working together to produce a mini-series about King Leopold II’s brutal reign in the Congo. The project is currently in the early stages of production. While specific details are not yet being divulged, it … Continue reading →
We received the sad news that Fresno, Calif.-based master mandolin player and fiddler Kenny Hall passed away Wednesday evening, September 18th, following complications from a recent heart attack, just a few weeks shy of his 91st birthday. Kenny was a … Continue reading →
Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame is welcoming a new member, George Shuffler, and an induction ceremony is to be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013, during the 39th Annual Bill Monroe Hall of Fame and Uncle Pen Days Festival … Continue reading →
Louisa Jo (Louis) Killen 10 January 1934 – 9 August 2013 (A few years ago, Louis Killen decided to fulfill an almost lifelong desire and came out as a woman: Louisa Jo). Lou was a Geordie, born and bred in … Continue reading →
Tuareg musician Bagui Bouga, calabash, odilirou (traditional flute) player and vocalist and co-founder of the Niger-based band Etran Finatawa, passed away on Friday, August 2nd, in Switzerland after suffering a severe asthma attack. The group Etran Finatawa, meaning ‘the stars … Continue reading →
Sing Out! has learned that master Tuvan throat singer Kongar-ol Ondar has passed away from complications following emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage. He was 51 years old. Born in 1962 near the Khemchick River in Tuva, a region in … Continue reading →
Chiwoniso Maraire, beloved Zimbabwean mbira player and singer of traditional Shona music has passed away at the very young age of 37, after a battle with lung infection. She was known best for her contemporary playing style and unique musical … Continue reading →
Fat Possum Records has confirmed that delta blues musician James “T-Model” Ford passed away on Tuesday, July 16th of respiratory failure after a prolonged illness. His age was unknown, though he claimed to be 93. Heralded for his rugged personality … Continue reading →
Toshi-Aline Ohta Seeger, wife of folk music icon Pete Seeger, passed away overnight on Tuesday, July 9th. She was a mother, an organizer, an activist and filmmaker … and an essential part of all of her husband’s work. She was … Continue reading →
Bluegrass singer and banjo player Ralph Stanley has announced that he plans to retire in December of 2014. Now age 86, “Dr. Ralph Stanley” has had a storied career with tremendous achievements, including inventing his own banjo playing style, winning … Continue reading →
