In Memoriam

Alberta, Canada, Comedy, In Memoriam, Television, Toronto, United States April 5, 2024

Everyone knows Joe Flaherty was funny. These Canadian comedians say he was also generous, friendly and kind

Comedians who met and worked with Flaherty, like Naomi Snieckus, Ron Pederson and Seán Cullen, say he was always ready to lend a hand to his fellow funny people. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Joe Flaherty was not only a master of impressions but knew how to leave a good one. Local comedians described the beloved Pittsburgh-born Second City and SCTV star, who died Monday at the age of 82…

CMA, Country, Country Music Hall Of Fame, Country Pop, Country Rock, Grammy, Guitar, In Memoriam, Oklahoma, Piano, Producer, Songwriter, United States, Voice, Willie Nelson February 6, 2024

Controversial and popular country music star Toby Keith dies age 62

“Most people think I’m a redneck patriot. I’m O.K. with that,” the musician from Oklahoma once said. He won a slew of awards and 32 chart-topping hits   By Nick Krewen Special to the Star For the first decade of his career, country music superstar Toby Keith philosophically commiserated with the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield: he felt he got no respect.  That changed by the end of his life, at least…

Americana, Cinema, Country, Emmy, Grammy, In Memoriam, Nashville, Songwriter, United States, Voice, Willie Nelson January 16, 2024

The woman beside the Man in Black: documentary gives June Carter Cash her due

New documentary ‘June’ celebrates country music matriarch who had a career apart from her famous husband, Johnny Cash. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Over his career, country music legend Johnny Cash always had some interesting Canadian ties. Who can forget those Johnny Cash bank machines, ATM forerunners that the Man in Black was hired by Canada Trust to flog in a TV, radio and print advertising campaign? But there was…

Adult Contemporary, Grammy, In Memoriam, Jazz, k.d. lang, New York, Pop, United States, Voice July 21, 2023

How singer Tony Bennett embodied a life well-lived

Tony Bennett, who won 19 Grammys, died on Friday at age 96. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Few artists are lucky to have the type of career that was afforded beloved Italian crooner Tony Bennett. Bennett, who died Friday two weeks shy of  his 97th birthday, may be best remembered for his golden standard “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” and as the peerless interpreter of the Great American Songbook,…

Arranger, Big Band, California, Canada, Composer, Drums, In Memoriam, JUNO, Perspective, Progressive rock, Rock, Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame, Rush, Songwriter, Toronto, United States January 11, 2020

Remembering Neil Peart, whose jaw-dropping talent inspired a generation of musicians and wannabes

Nick Krewen Special to the Star January 11, 2020 He was closer to our hearts than we even realized. Make no mistake, the depth of anguish with which the music world  – especially Canadians – regards the unexpected passing of Neil Peart, 67,  on January 7 from glioblastoma, is immeasurable. Arguably the greatest and most influential drummer of his generation,  the Hamilton-born Peart – one third of progressive power trio…