James Bama Turns 90

Considering all the celebrities and influential pop culture folks we've lost in recent months, I thought it appropriate to give a shout-out to realist illustrator James Bama on the occasion of his 90th birthday. In the 1960s and 1970s, Bama's art could be seen by boomers on now classic STAR TREK and DOC SAVAGE paperback covers as well as the original Aurora model boxes. In later years, he turned his amazing skills to western painting.   

 

Music Exodus 2016™

2016--The Year the Music Died. Beginning at the end of December, we have lost all of these well-known folks from the music industry as well as many lesser known talented musicians and singers.

Natalie Cole, Merle Haggard, Sir George Martin, Dan Hicks, Keith Emerson, Maurice White, Lennie Baker, Lonnie Mack, Giorgio Gomelsky, Gogi Grant, Paul Kantner, Robert Stigwood, Signe Toly Anderson, Frank Sinatra, Jr, Lemmy, Ernestine Anderson, Sonny James, Glenn Frey, Billy Paul, Gayle McCormick, Kitty Kallen, Blowfly, Papa Wemba, Vanity, Prince and Bowie.

R.I.P. Prince

From the beginning he set himself up as an iconic image rather than letting us get to know the real man. He created a comic book-like character and eventually he became a comic book character. He also contributed the soundtrack to the original Michael Keaton BATMAN. 

He changed his name to the above for years (but thankfully changed it back or today's obits would be tricky). He made movies, too! But mainly, his was a unique voice in music, infusing sexuality into Sly Stone-style funk and making it pure Prince music.

But life is just a party, and parties weren't meant 2 last-Prince

Lee Meriwether is Coming to Cincy

Although not as flashy as some, actress Lee Meriwether's place in pop culture is secure. She was Miss America, a TODAY co-host, co-starred in TIME TUNNEL and BARNABY JONES, guest-starred memorably in BATMAN and STAR TREK, revived Lily in THE MUNSTERS TODAY, and of course, was Catwoman in the 1966 BATMAN feature film. And she's coming here in September. Mark your calendars.

Bob Kane Walk of Fame Tribute

Yes, we know he wasn't the genius he claimed to be but this article is more fair-minded than most.

Cass Elliott

It's safe to say that Cass Elliott was one of the most influential stars of the 1960s. She may not have looked the typical hippie chick like her compatriot, Michelle Phillips, but she really was, complete with all the sex and drugs and rock and roll. Cass knew everyone and was instrumental in bringing together Graham Nash with David Crosby and Stephen Stills. While her place in rock history is secure and her reputation as one of the great voices of her time persists, it's easy to forget that the former Mama Cass had gone pretty darn mainstream for the several years before her untimely 1974 death. Not only did she appear on various TV variety shows and the Krofftt's PUFNSTUF movie but she even had her own TV specials!

With Julie Andrews

With Carl Reiner

With John Denver

With Bernadette Peters and Carol Burnett

With Buddy Hackett

With Martin Landau and Barbara Bain

With Tom Jones

Favorite Dr. Strange Covers

This past weekend, fans got their first good look at Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange and the verdict seems a resounding YES! Doc has always been a character I've enjoyed, especially in his stories from the 1960s-1980s. He also lends himself very nicely to colorful--one might say magical--covers. Here are a few of my personal favorites from Frank Brunner, Dan Adkins, Gene Colan, Marshall Rogers, Terry Austin, Tom Palmer, Paul Smith, Marie Severin, Jack Kirby and, of course, Doc's creator, Steve Ditko, who, sadly, never got to do many full covers with the character!