News

Legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba, an outspoken critic of apartheid, died in southern Italy, a hospital spokesman has told CNN. She was 76. Her big "Lost 45" was "Pata Pata."

One of the most powerful voices in Motown's history has been silenced. Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, Jr., died today at his home in Detroit after a long series of illnesses -- including cancer and a stroke -- that forced him to stop performing in 2000. He was 72.

Neal Hefti, a Big Band trumpeter, arranger and composer of themes for the movie "The Odd Couple" and the "Batman" television series, has died. He was 85.

Motown producer/songwriter Norman Whitfield, who had a hand in such songs as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", died yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. Whitfield has struggled with diabetes for some time.

"Lost 45s" guest, Jerry Reed, who appeared in the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies, has died of complications from emphysema at 71. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter had a string of hits that included "Amos Moses" and "When You're Hot, You're Hot."

Pervis Jackson, a member of The Spinners, died of cancer today. The group had dozens of "Lost 45s" including "Rubberband Man". Pervis was 70-years-old.

"Lost 45s" guest/soul legend Isaac Hayes, who won Grammy awards and an Oscar, has died at his home in Tennessee at age 65.

Robert Hazard, a songwriter and musician from Philadelphia who wrote the 1983 Cyndi Lauper hit "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," has died. He was 59. Robert Hazard's music career spanned more than 30 years and included the solo "Lost 45" "Escalator Of Life."

Colin Cooper, lead singer and sax player for the Climax Blues Band, died in Stafford, England after a battle with cancer. He was 68. Colin was an original member of the band when it was set up in 1968 as the Climax Chicago Blues Band.