Bennett Morgan, the veteran jazz agent who booked and represented such legends as Dave Brubeck, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Eartha Kitt and Rosemary Clooney, has died. He was 85. Morgan died in Hopewell Junction, N.Y., his wife of 31 years, Becky, announced.
Anita Pallenberg, the actress, model and always known for her friendship with the Rolling Stones, has died aged 73. Jo Bergman, the band's PA between 1967 and 1973 said: "She, Mick, Keith and Brian were the Rolling Stones. Her influence has been profound. She keeps things crazy."
Rapper Prodigy has died, aged 42. Prodigy, real name Albert Johnson, was best known as one half of Mobb Deep. In a statement, Mobb Deep's publicist said: "It is with extreme sadness and disbelief that we confirm the death of our dear friend Albert Johnson, better known to millions of fans as Prodigy of legendary NY rap duo Mobb Deep" adding"Prodigy was hospitalised a few days ago in Vegas after a Mobb Deep performance, for complications caused by a sickle cell anaemia crisis" and "As most of his fans know, Prodigy battled the disease since birth" although the cause of death wasn't officially given.
The Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington has died aged 41. Bandmate Mike Shinoda confirmed the news on Twitter. Police officials told TMZ that the singer died by suicide and was found in his home in Palos Verdes Estates in L.A. Count. Bennington had struggled with drug use in the past, and, according to TMZ, had spoken about taking his own life after being a victim of child abuse. In 2000, Linkin Park released their debut album, “Hybrid Theory,” which gave hits including “One Step Closer,” “Crawling” and “In The End.” The album went multi-platinum in several countries. The band went on to release a string of successful follow-ups, including “Meteroa” (2003), followed by “Minutes to Midnight” (2007). Their most recent album, “One More Light,” was released in May 2017. The band were currently touring with the album, with performances scheduled into Autumn.
Mary Cleary, whose four decades in the US live music industry included spells with International Famous Agency, Thames Talent, Bill Graham’s FM Productions and travel agencies Trinifold Travel and Four Seasons travel, has died aged 68.
Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell has died her daugher Alexandra Burke has announced praising her 'unconditional love, support, charisma, strength and courage'. Bell, understood to have been aged 53, was the lead vocalist in Grammy award-winning act. She joined in 1993 after founder Jazzie B heard her debut solo single "Reconsider". Their song "Wish", where Bell sang lead vocals, featured on their greatest hits album Volume IV that same year. Bell left Soul II Soul in 1995 to pursue a solo career. Bell later had a spell as the lead singer of the band Soul Explosion.
And Dave Chumbley, director and booking agent at Primary Talent International, has passed away after a short illness. A statement from Primary reads: “Dave was a great man, a world class agent, esteemed director and colleague whose dedication to his artists was unmatched. We are extremely lucky to have been touched by his unique humour, exceptional kindness and infectious joie de vivre.” Many people expressed shock at Dave's death, he was just 57, and he will be much missed in the live sector and by the artistes he has worked with including Kylie Minogue, Bloodhound Gang, Lana Del Rey, Dropkick Murphys, Rufus Wainwright, Gwen Stefani, No Doubt, Imogen Heap and Rufus Wainwright, many of whom posted tributes to Dave. Dave is survived by his wife Romilly and two children, Raphaella and Tom.
