Pearl S. Buck died today – 35 years ago

Writer (think: “The Good Earth”) Pearl Sydenstricker Buck was born as Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker on June 26, 1892 in Hillsboro, West Virginia. She said, “Nothing and no one can destroy the Chinese people. They are relentless survivors." [And they make some darn good toys, too... Well, at least they did.]... Ms. Buck died on March 6, 1973 in Danby, Vermont.

Nelson Eddy died today – 41 years ago

Actor (think: "Phantom of the Opera" (1943)) and singer (think: "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life"(1935) with Jeanette MacDonald) Nelson Ackerman Eddy was born on June 29, 1901 in Providence, Rhode Island. He said, “Let's have the music that will open the door to millions of people... the kind of music that will not make people think only of the song or even of the singer... not music that is confined to the merely personal.” [How about “The hills are alive with the sound of music”, so run for your hives?]... Mr. Eddy died on March 6, 1967 in Palm Beach, Florida.



There are more great songs here.

Louisa May Alcott died today – 120 years ago

Writer (think: “Little Women”) Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832 in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She said, “We all have our own life to pursue, Our own kind of dream to be weaving, And we all have the power To make wishes come true, As long as we keep believing." [Now if people would just stay out of our way.]... Ms. Alcott died on March 6, 1888 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Davy Crockett died today – 172 years ago

Explorer David “Davy” Stern Crockett was born on August 17, 1786 in Greene County, Tennessee. He said, “Fame is like a shaved pig with a greased tail, and it is only after it has slipped through the hands of some thousands, that some fellow, by mere chance, holds on to it!" [Picture it.]... Mr. Crockett died on March 6, 1836 in Alamo Mission, San Antonio, Republic of Texas.

John Belushi died today – 26 years ago

Comic actor John Adam Belushi was born on January 24, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois. He said, “I owe it all to little chocolate donuts." [And big ones, too.]... Mr. Belushi died on March 5, 1982 in Los Angeles, California.

E.Y. Harburg died today – 27 years ago

Lyricist E.Y. “Yip” Harburg was born as Isidore Hochberg on April 8, 1896 in New York City, New York. He said, “Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.” [Hmmmm. Let’s see.].

Mr. Harburg wrote the lyrics to “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” (1931):



Mr. Harburg wrote the lyrics to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (1939):



Mr. Harburg also wrote the lyrics to “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” (1946):







Do you think I like that song?

Mr. Harburg died on March 5, 1981 in Los Angeles, California.

Patsy Cline died today – 45 years ago

Singer Patsy Cline was born as Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932 in Winchester, Virginia. She said, “I recorded a song called, I Fall to Pieces, and I was in a car wreck. Now I'm worried because I have a brand-new record, and it's called Crazy!" [Oh, my!]... Ms. Cline died on March 5, 1963 in Camden, Tennessee from a plane crash.