Oscar Levant died today – 35 years ago

U.S. composer and pianist Oscar Levant was born on December 27, 1906 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He said, “A politician is a man who will double cross that bridge when he comes to it.” [That way one ends up where one started.]... Mr. Levant died in 1972 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California.

German playwright Bertolt Brecht was born on February 10, 1898 in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. He said, “From the cradle to the coffin, underwear comes first.” [First things first!]... Mr. Brecht died in 1956 in East Berlin, Germany.

English writer J. B. Priestly was born on September 13, 1894 in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, UK. He said, “Be yourself is about the worst advice you can give to some people.” [ Ain't that the truth!]... Mr. Priestly died in 1984 in Warwickshire, UK.

Bulgarian writer Elias Canetti was born on July 25, 1905 in Rustchuk, Bulgaria. He said, “Adults find pleasure in deceiving a child. They consider it necessary, but they also enjoy it. The children very quickly figure it out and then practice deception themselves.” [And that's how it spreads.]... Mr. Canetti died in 1994 in Zürich, Switzerland.