Music: ♫ Amy Winehouse: Her Signature Song: “Back to Black”

I grew up during the 60s and the 70s. Amy Winehouse recreated that throwback vibe. It’s a pity she departed so soon.

Amy Winehouse passed away July 2011. But her music endures.

“Back to Black” is the signature song by Amy Winehouse that she left for us to remember her by. 

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Enter Amy Winehouse. 14 September 1983

Exit Amy Winehouse. 23 July 2011

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Music is my weakness. So many songs have left an imprint on my life and as life passes those songs still move me. No doubt, it’s that way with everyone.

But in my generation, so many talented souls departed this life way too early than they should have — like Janis Joplin (1943–1970), Jim Morrison (James Douglas “Jim” Morrison, 1943–1971), etc.

I grew up during the 60s and the 70s and always tell my kids that the music of my generation was the best! That’s why the artists and musicians of their generation “sample” it. But every now and then there are singers from my kids' generation that hearken back to that old-school sound I remember.

Amy Winehouse recreated that throwback vibe.

It’s a pity she departed so soon.

You would think the artists in later generations might learn from the tragic stories of others and not repeat history. But they don’t learn and they do repeat the tragic history.

Yet when another bright one finally gets to shine their light, and no sooner than they are in the spotlight, their candle is blown out.

I was just starting to enjoy her raspy soulful sounds when it was announced that she was gone.

Glad she did a duet with Tony Bennett to leave as part of her legacy.

Video link: Tony Bennett, Amy Winehouse — Body and Soul (from Duets II: The Great Performances)

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“Back to Black”

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Hollywood Screen Legends and Icons: Elizabeth Taylor (February 27, 1932 ~ March 23, 2011)

In America, the word “icon” is often applied to a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol of society and culture and worthy of honor or great respect. Many celebrities or movie stars are often described as icons. If you were judging them based solely on their public persona, you would approve of them as “representative symbols”. If you were to include details about their private lives as reported, they might not be considered “iconic”.

Not On My List

Any list I make ignores the private lives of the celebrities. Have you ever made your own list of iconic female celebrities? Madonna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga might be on your list. Not on my list. I’m old school. Many of the glamorous movie stars from back in my day (“my day” meaning the 50s, 60s, and 70s) are no longer with us. A few years ago, at one of my blogs, I published my unofficial top ten list of female celebrities that in my humble opinion were “iconic”. My Top 10 List of Iconic Female Celebrities

If you review my list (referenced above) you will note that my favorite movie star, Elizabeth Taylor, is not on my list. That's because I think she is iconic; legendary, and deserves her own spotlight.  So I published a separate blog post.

Call her “Elizabeth” or “Liz”. For those who wish to treat her as if she is almost royalty, call her Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor, DBE. (DBE = Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire). She is American, but she was born in England so the Brits love her too! Queen Elizabeth officially acknowledged her as a “Lady”.

Beauty / Elegance / Grace / Style / Commanding Presence - is communicated both verbally and nonverbally, she was amazing, Elizabeth Taylor. Beautiful eyes in picture 1. Pic. 3 where I first saw her as Velvet Brown in National Velvet 1944. Pic. 4 Liz as a young girl in London. pic.twitter.com/XdYf5vEDJM

— TV and Film Stars (@TVandFilmStars) January 13, 2019

My Favorite Elizabeth Taylor Films

Numerous documentaries have been aired on television or via the Internet about Ms. Taylor’s life and film career and I have watched too many of them to count. In discussing her significant films, one of the documentaries failed to mention ALL of my favorite Taylor movies. I have 3 favorite films and 2 out of the 3 movies on my faves list were not even mentioned. No matter. I’ll mention them now.

Below are the three motion pictures which starred Elizabeth Taylor that made a lasting impression on me, along with the memorable quotes. They are classic or vintage movies now, and they are worthy of being included in America’s cinematic history and legacy.

National Velvet 1944, her 1st starring role. Perfect in every way! Her faith and determination in a horse to win the race in a big way. She even cut off her hair. A Life's lesson film. pic.twitter.com/hivunUjv3g

— serendipitouspr (@serendipitouspr) April 23, 2020

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National Velvet (1944)
This was the story of a young girl who believed in her dream. She loved her horse named “Pi” and she believed that she and Pi could compete in a horse race for professionals. She was an unqualified jockey with no experience or training, and Pi had not been tested. It didn’t matter. She knew in her heart that they could and would win!


“ … by knowing the Pi can win and telling him so!”

“Oh mother! Were we the best that we could be?”

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Giant (1956)

This movie is a love story. A girl from the east married an oil millionaire from Texas. She had to make adjustments to her new lifestyle and married life had its difficulties. She loved her husband and he loved her back like vinegar on greens.

Elizabeth Taylor in Giant (1956) ♡ pic.twitter.com/BWiGL5EWyM

— 𝒜𝓏𝓊𝓁. (@tenlovesongs_) April 27, 2020

“Well, we Texans like a little bit of vinegar in our greens. It gives them flavor.” {NOTE: This is what Jordan Benedict (played by Rock Hudson) said to his wife, Leslie Benedict (Elizabeth Taylor’s character). It’s the line etched in my memory.}

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Cleopatra (1963)

The title is the name of the famous Egyptian queen who loved two powerful men, the Roman emperor Julius Caesar and a Roman politician and general, Mark Antony. These romantic liaisons were for love and for lust. She desired power. The rest of her story is history.

12 June 1963. Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor in the title role, premiered in New York City. pic.twitter.com/UolQGHAxRZ

— Professor Frank McDonough (@FXMC1957) June 12, 2016

“How DARE you and the rest of your barbarians set fire to my library? Play conqueror all you want, Mighty Caesar! Rape, murder, pillage thousands, even millions of human beings! But neither you nor any other barbarian has the right to destroy one human thought!”

♦ In Memory Of: Elizabeth Taylor (1932 -2011)

Is Elizabeth Taylor on your list of favorite actresses and do you have a favorite Liz Taylor film?

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(Original Source: RationalMind.club)

♦ How to watch and stream Elizabeth Taylor movies

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Do You Remember Grace Kelly? (1929 - 1982)

Celebrities We All Admire: Do You Heart Bruce Lee?

I heart libraries. One time I checked out a book from the library about the incomparable Bruce Lee. That was when I realized that several people in my house heart Bruce Lee. That book got passed around. My sons loved that book! Had to pry it loose from their fingers so I could return it to the public library. Must admit. It was a great book! But then, everything about Bruce Lee is spectacularly awesome!! Don’t you agree?

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Image credit: BruceLee – The Evolution of a Master Art Legend by Advance Martial Arts, on Flickr

* * * In Memory Of Asian-American Legend ~ Bruce Lee (Nov 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973)

In Memory Of: Music Icon and Legend: American Entertainer: Tony Bennett (1926 - 2023)

My tribute to the iconic and legendary Tony Bennett.  From Frank Sinatra and Sean Martin to Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga?  Yes!  Speaking of the man who left his heart in San Francisco but made his way into the hearts of generations of Americans beginning in 1949.  Now that's hip! \

In Memory Of:  Anthony Dominick Benedetto aka Tony Bennett (August 3, 1926 - July 21, 2023)

People who know him would describe him as a genuinely warm, humble, and kind-hearted human being.  He was not just an entertainer but a civil rights activist who lent his celebrity status to support the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

• Tony Bennett, masterful stylist of American musical standards, dies at 96 | AP News

 

The late Frank Sinatra or Old Blue Eyes as we liked to call him is considered an American Master, a standard, for all other American entertainers to measure up to. But one of his contemporaries is equally worthy of praise: Tony Bennett, a crooner like no other.

Anthony Dominick Benedetto (1926 - ) is an American singer; also an actor, artist, and activist. 

He is a humble yet great Italian-American, born in Astoria, Queens, New York who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and has been a tireless fighter for equal rights. Sinatra and Bennett had mutual respect and admiration for one another. Sinatra once said: “For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business. He excites me when I watch him. He moves me.” Bennett complimented Sinatra by founding a high school in his hometown that offers diplomas in fine art, dance, vocal and instrumental music, drama, and film. Whereas he could have named the school after himself, instead the institution is named Frank Sinatra School of Arts.

Bennett began singing at an early but his signature song, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco", was released in 1962. He has won numerous awards and sold millions of records and still continues to perform. Several young artists such as Lady Gaga, and the late Amy Winehouse, were honored to be chosen to collaborate with him on his “Duets” album. You can find several YouTube music videos, but for my listening pleasure, I start with this one wonderful collaboration between Bennett and the late Amy Winehouse. * 

Tony Bennett, Amy Winehouse - Body and Soul (from Duets II: The GreatPerformances)

Tony Bennett on Amazon Music. Stream ad-free or purchase CD's and MP3s

Official Website: tonybennett.com

Harry Belafonte and Tony Bennett Honored at 30th JFA Gala at Apollo Theater https://t.co/FaipfRAhHF via @billboard #icons #legends
Both departed in 2023 at the age of 96.#celebrities #history #memories #priceless pic.twitter.com/TKVyCM1ukI

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) July 21, 2023

My Pick for a Classic Warren Beatty Film: "Splendor in the Grass" (1961)

Thought the Clutter is an entertainment blog that published a List of 28 Warren Beatty Movies, Ranked Best to Worst.  I have never been a huge fan of Warren Beatty.  There is no denying he was tall, dark, and handsome.  But frankly, I really admired his sister; the enormously talented actress Shirley MacLane.  However, giving credit where credit is due:

"Warren Beatty is an American actor and filmmaker who is the second person to be nominated for 'Academy Awards' for acting in, directing, writing, and producing the same film – which he achieved twice for the fantasy-comedy film 'Heaven Can Wait' (1978) and for the historical epic 'Reds' (1981). Of his total 14 'Oscar' nominations, he won the award for 'Best Director' for 'Reds' (1981)."

Posterazzi Splendor In The Grass Warren Beatty 1961 Photo Poster Print, (16 x 20)

That quote/fact was lifted from the TTC article list mentioned above.  Kudos to Mr. Beatty for his achievements.  Even so ... his movies never made it to my 'Oh I'm dying to watch or re-watch this list!"  However, if I were going to pick a classic film starring Warren Beatty, it would have to be “Splendor in the Grass” (1961).   Yes, the fact that Natalie Wood was the leading lady had a lot to do with it.

Warren Beatty | Biography, Movies, Sister, Wife, & Facts | Britannica ~ https://t.co/xGejmb6Toa
*Img: #WarrenBeatty & #NatalieWood in a promotional photograph for Splendor in the Grass (1961), directed by Elia Kazan. © 1961 Warner Brothers, Inc. #classicmovies #Entertainment pic.twitter.com/iajOol40BC

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) May 5, 2022

Hollywood Screen Legends and Icons: Sophia Loren (September 20, 1934 - )

 I love Sophia Loren and have been watching her movies since I was a little girl. She received the Academy Award for Best Actress in the 1960 film “Two Women”. As a matter of record, this was the first Oscar ever given for a performance in a “foreign-language” film. My memory of her performance in this film is that of a heroic performance, worthy of this kind of recognition. Since I watched so many of her movies, I thought I had seen them all. But “Sunflower” (1970) is one of her movies I did not discover until I was an adult and it is a gem! It’s another war movie and her co-star is Marcello Mastroianni. Those two always made a great onscreen couple. Her performance in this film is also memorable. Did you know that in the Soviet Union, they planted a sunflower for each fallen Italian soldier that the Germans forced to dig their own graves? I learned that watching this movie. Gold Derby published a list of her 15 greatest films, ranked from worst to best. Hey! Even in her “worst” films, her acting was still good! She made all of her leading men look good too! 

Two more movies for your watch list are “Arabesque” (1966), her co-star was Gregory Peck; and “Houseboat” (1958), her co-star was Cary Grant. They are not war movies but rather delightful romantic comedies. Her acting skills are versatile. She could be very serious and dramatic OR lighthearted and funny!

• Sophia Loren Filmography: Classic Movie Hub (CMH)
• Sophia Loren (b. 1934) — Hollywood’s Golden Age

Where to watch and stream Sophia Loren movies

In Memory of: Tina Turner (1939 - 2023) | Queen of Rock'n'Roll

We've lost a legendary soul sista! TINA TURNER (1939 – 2023)

Anna Mae Bullock was born in Nutbush, TN.  She is known and loved by many as Tina Turner.  The first time I saw Tina Turner perform was on the Ed Sullivan Show, on Jan 11, 1970. She was electric!  She became famous for her cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic song “Proud Mary”.  I followed her career from that time forward.

Image credit

I liked most of her songs but I narrowed down her 60-year career and picked these four:

River Deep – Mountain High

On Silent Wings

Simply the Best

One of the Living (from OST for Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome)

She was chosen to sing the theme song for the James Bond film “Golden Eye”. Here's a little trivia about that. Bono wrote that song especially for her to perform.

She sold her music catalog ~ 60 years of music ~ for $50 million.


Whereas Aretha Franklin was called the “Queen of Soul”, Tina Turner was the “Queen of Rock and Roll”.

In her personal life, she did something that made me proud.
~ She's a survivor. SHE WALKED AWAY FROM HER ABUSIVE HUSBAND, IKE TURNER. She left everything behind and walked off with nothing her stage name “Tina Turner”; and with that name, she reinvented herself and become even more successful than when she was Ike.

She performed her last live concert in Austin, Texas USA. I live in this city but sadly I did not get to attend the show.

When I think of Tina Turner, I think:
STRONG WOMAN.
REMARKABLE.
A FIGHTER.
ICONIC.
EXEMPLARY and LEGENDARY.
A BEAST!! (And I mean that in a good way.)

Tina Turner described how she wanted to be remembered in an interview just six weeks before her death | Daily Mail Online

Goodbye my sweet soul sista!

Original source

In Memory Of: Jim Brown (1936 - 2023) | Sports Legend, Civil Rights Activist, and Actor

James Nathaniel Brown aka "Jim Brown" was a legendary American football player, civil rights activist, and actor.  Jim Brown Dead: Football Champion and 'Dirty Dozen' Actor Was 87 - Variety.

Image credit:  Wikimedia Commons

This is a very short tribute.

He was very popular but since I did not like football, I can't say much about his sports career. Nevertheless, I knew his name because everybody in my neighborhood knew who Jim Brown was.

I am proud that he used his celebrity status to work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to promote civil rights.

Also, I enjoyed his movies. I will always remember him for these 2 movies: The Dirty Dozen AND 100 Rifles.

• In the movie The Dirty Dozen (1967), he had a support role. He was part of a team of 12 men (a dozen) who had to sneak behind enemy lines during World War II and blow up the Germans.

• In 100 Rifles (1969), he and Raquel Welch had a steamy interracial love scene. Forget what the movie was about. The only thing people remember is that scene with Jim Brown and Raquel Welch making out. It wasn't even X-rated but it caused quite a stir.

Sadly, the iconic Raquel Welch (1940 - 2023) is also no longer with us. Raquel Welch, Actress and ’60s Sex Symbol, Is Dead at 82 - The New York Times

Original source

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Other Blog Posts in the "In Memory Of" Series:

Billie Holiday (1915 - 1959)

Prince (1958 – 2016)

Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) 

Chadwick Boseman (1976–2020)

Nichelle Nichols (1932 - 2022)

Harry Belafonte (1927 - 2023)

Hollywood Screen Legends and Icons: Barbara Stanwyck (July 16, 1907 - January 20, 1990)

I got to know “Miss Barbara Stanwyck” by being a loyal viewer of the Western TV series, “The Big Valley” (1965–1969). She was the matriarch of the Barkley family, mother of 3 sons and one daughter. My big sister said that because they called her “Miss”, it meant that she was worthy of respect and honor. So I had to start working backward from the television series to discover what roles she had played that had earned her so much respect and honor. I can honestly say that I have never watched a Barbara Stanwyck movie that I did not enjoy. Her professional career spanned 60 years. Gold Derby published a list of her 20 greatest films, ranked from worst to best.

Ruby Catherine Stevens aka Barbara Stanwyck: 

Unknown photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Most fans remember her for her role in the movie “Double Indemnity” (1944); her co-star was Fred MacMurray. It is a film noir and she played the part of a seductive, manipulative, and villainous femme fatale. Hey! She only talks the guy into a murder plot. Also included in the Gold Derby list is “Meet John Doe” (1941); her co-star is Gary Cooper. It is one of those “feel good” movies that end in romance. There is a third Barbara Stanwyck movie that I recommend which is not on the Gold Derby list. The title is “Always Goodbye” (1938). In this vintage film, she plays an unwed mother who gives up her child and makes a promise to never see or speak to him. But when she meets the young child accidentally, her maternal instinct kicks in and she has to decide whether or not she will keep her promise not to tell her child that she is his real mother. What do you think she decided to do? Excellent movie!

• Full list of Barbara Stanwyck Films — Classic Movie Favorites
• Barbara Stanwyck Bio, The Ultimate Guide | Rags to Riches Story

How to watch and stream Barbara Stanwyck movies

Hollywood Screen Legends and Icons: Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929 ~ January 20, 1993)

I love Audrey Hepburn and consider her to be “iconic”. There is not a movie that she has starred in that I did not like. However, if I were going to pick a Top 10 Favorites List, the 1953 movie “Roman Holiday” would be on my list. She played a princess who just wanted to know what it was like to be an “ordinary person” and not have the heavy burden of duties and responsibilities of a monarch. Her leading man was Gregory Peck (1916–2003). If you like old classic movies, you will love this movie! 

Also on my favorites list would be “Wait Until Dark” (1967). She was a blind woman with a loving husband (played by Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) who encouraged her to be independent, even though she could not see. Someone was smuggling contraband into the country and placed a doll in her bag. Since she was blind she was not aware of this and brought the doll home. Three really bad guys, who were desperate to retrieve the doll, show up at her home. She is home alone and when she becomes aware of their evil intentions, the worst of the 3 bad guys (played by Alan Arkin) is in her home with her. He is determined to retrieve the doll, even if he has to kill her. She is determined to do whatever it takes to survive! Suspenseful and intense!!

Gold Derby published a list of her 15 greatest films, ranked from worst to best. Both of the movies I suggested are on their list.

List of Audrey Hepburn films — Data Thistle

Audrey Hepburn Biography — life, family, children, name, story, death, school, mother, young

How to watch and stream Audrey Hepburn movies 

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