R.I.P, Heavy D.

10 years ago today Detroit lost it’s baby girl -singer/actress Aaliyah Haughton. Rest in peace, Aaliyah. We miss you.

Poet/singer/songwriter Gil Scott-Heron died May 27, in New York. His music is classic, and he will be misssed.

…and all of Ashley (AJ) Jewell’s family and friends, in the wake of his senseless murder.  Jewell,  the ex-fiance of Real Housewives of Atlanta castmate Kandi Burrus, was killed in an altercation outside the Body Tap strip club in Atlanta.

 Rest in peace, AJ.

Rest in peace, Sweetie.

Mike Tyson’s 4-yr-old daughter, Exodus, tied today after accidentally hanging herself on a dangling treadmill cord. She was found by her older brother. Mike Tyson gave this statement:

“We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and prayers from all over the world, there are no words to describe the tragic loss of our beloved Exodus. We ask you now to please respect our need at this very difficult time for privacy to grieve and try to help each other heal.”

Rest in peace, Sweetie.

The father of Bebe, Cece, & The Winans has died Wednesday in a Tennessee hospice. From the Detroit Free Press:

A longtime Detroit resident, Winans was a respected gospel singer in his own right, but was perhaps best known as the father of several of gospel music’s leading lights, including his four sons who made up the influential group the Winans, and BeBe and CeCe Winans.

He had been in Nashville since suffering a heart attack and stroke in October 2008. His wife, Delores, was at his bedside when he died. He was in Nashville because several of his 10 children had relocated to the area.

Services will be held Tuesday and Wednesday in Detroit.

Our hearts go out to the entire Winans family.

From TMZ:

Liam Neeson and his family have just released the following statement about the passing of Natasha Richardson:

“Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”

Rest in peace, Natasha.

Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs (pictured 3rd from left) died in his home last night, at the age of 72. Levi had been a part of The Four Tops since the early 1950′s, but was forced to retire from touring with the group after suffering a series of strokes.

Being a huge fan of classic Motown music – I have to admit my heart breaks just a little whenever one of the greats leaves us.

Thank you, Levi (and the rest of the fellas) for songs like “Bernadette”, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, “Are You Man Enough”, “It’s the Way Nature Planned It”,  and my personal favorite – “Still Water (Love)”.

Rest in Peace, Levi.