Well, I don't think we really needed proof that 2016 has been an all-around awful year, but today we have not one but two celebrity deaths to note. (Actually, I learned of both deaths yesterday, but I didn't have the chance to write this until this morning.)
1. John Glenn, 1921-2016
When I was a kid in the 1960s, the space program had the country -- well, the world -- enthralled. John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth (in 1962) in his space capsule, the Friendship 7, was a real hero to us all. He saw himself somewhat differently. “I figure I’m the same person who grew up in New Concord, Ohio, and went off through the years to participate in a lot of events of importance.”
Glenn also served four terms as a Democratic senator from Ohio. He even got to go back into outer space at the age of seventy-seven!
John Glenn passed away at the age of ninety-five.
* * * * *
2. Greg Lake, 1947-2016
The "Lake" in Emerson, Lake and Palmer has died from cancer at 69.
Greg Lake was a founding member of both ELP, and King Crimson before it.
King Crimson's first LP, “In the Court of the Crimson King,” is often referred to as the first progressive rock album.
To quote from The New York Times, "Mr. Lake sang lead and played bass and guitar with Emerson, Lake and Palmer. He also produced several of the group’s enormously successful albums, contributed most of the lyrics and, with Mr. Emerson, wrote the music for many of the songs."
Thanks for your time.
Ugg to cancer indeed. Glenn sure had a full life though, way more than most, nothing wrong with that. Not sure I've heard any of Lake's stuff, will have to see.
ReplyDeleteWith all the medical advances we've enjoyed, cancer still takes a huge toll on people's lives.
DeleteIt's hard to believe that John Glenn was ninety-five. I thought he would go on forever with the right stuff.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Speaking of The Right Stuff, I read that John Glenn enjoyed the book but didn't like the movie, because it reduced the astronauts to caricatures.
DeleteI don't like the book (don't care for the style). The movie was okay. I don't know how they could have made the movie without reducing the astronauts to caricatures. Otherwise, it would have been a twelve-hour movie.
DeleteGood point. I never read the book. I liked the movie, especially the LBJ meltdown scene.
Delete95... How about that.
ReplyDeleteYes, her was in his forties when he made his first trip to space, can you believe it?
ReplyDeleteSo there's still hope for me? I don't believe it! :)
DeleteNever give up, Blue!
DeleteNew Year's Resolution #1: Never give up! Duly noted. Will give it a try.
DeleteJohn Glenn was able to accomplish what most people only dream of doing in their lifetime. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
DeleteGlenn led a full life and one of service - to his country and humanity in general, a life to celebrate in every sense.
ReplyDeleteBut not sure that 69 is a good age to go. 'Each of us leaves an unfinished life' ~ Mary Oliver.
Peace to all departed souls, and to us who remain on this planet.
Yes, I think Greg Lake died much too young.
DeleteI didn't know John Glenn went into space again at the age of 77 - amazing. What an astonishing life he led.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of Emerson, Lake and Palmer - but can't claim to know much about Greg Lake.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Yep, Glenn was the oldest man to travel into space.
DeleteI loved John Glenn. Was like a superhero for me.!
ReplyDeleteYep, the astronauts were superheroes to most of the kids in my generation.
DeleteJohn Glenn was a true hero in so many ways. How refreshing to read of his life and have it not be filled with secret scandals to sully his reputation.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at how many people aren't familiar with ELP . . . makes me feel old!