obituaries

Author Ernest J. Gaines, who wrote The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, shown in his San Francisco home in 1977. His poor childhood on a small Louisiana plantation inspired eight novels.

Books

Novelist Ernest J. Gaines Dies at Age 86

11:24pm November 05, 2019

by Richard Gonzales

He won awards for his depictions of rural Louisiana featuring universal themes of hard work, sacrifice and resilience. His book The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman became a much-honored TV movie.

Famed Puerto Rican Astrologer Walter Mercado Dies At 87

6:28am November 04, 2019

Walter Mercado, the popular astrologer who endeared himself to millions of Hispanic television viewers for more than three decades, died Saturday in Puerto Rico.

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Robert Evans attends a 2002 book signing for his memoir The Kid Stays in the Picture.

Arts

The Kid Bows Out: Movie Producer Robert Evans Dies At 89

6:01pm October 28, 2019

The Hollywood legend was discovered in a swimming pool by the wife of a movie mogul and went on to helm Paramount Pictures, producing huge hits like Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown and The Godfather.

Champion Of Civil Rights, Ex-Rep. John Conyers Dies At 90

7:30am October 28, 2019

by Quinn Klinefelter

Former Democratic Rep. John Conyers of Michigan died Sunday in his Detroit home. At a rally for Sen. Bernie Sanders, lawmakers reflected on the congressman's legacy.

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Michigan Congressman John Conyers Dies At 90

5:27pm October 27, 2019

NPR's Michel Martin remembers former Michigan Congressman John Conyers Jr., who died at age 90.

A military honor guard lays the U.S. flag on the casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings during his funeral service at New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore on Friday.

Elijah Cummings Funeral: Watch Obama, Clinton Eulogize Baltimore's Favorite Son

4:24pm October 25, 2019

by Brakkton Booker

In addition to the former presidents, Kweisi Mfume, Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton had been expected to speak at the service at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore.

A 1975 portrait of the late conductor, harpsichordist, and scholar Raymond Leppard.

Music & Culture

Conductor and Composer Raymond Leppard - A Champion Of The Old And The New - Has Died

1:38pm October 22, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The British conductor, harpsichordist and scholar helped reignite interest in works by composers like Monteverdi — but he also championed new works and wrote notable film scores of his own.

Arts

Remembering Ballet Dancer Alicia Alonso

7:59am October 20, 2019

by Neda Ulaby

Alicia Alonso, one of the finest ballet dancers of the 20th century, died Thursday in Havana. The dancer helped start the American Ballet Theatre, then built the Cuban state ballet program.

Politics & Government

Maryland Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings Dies At Age 68

5:03pm October 17, 2019

by Susan Davis

Maryland Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings died Thursday at the age of 68. Cummings was a senior black voice in Congress, praised as a moral authority and beloved across the political spectrum.

Remembering Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings

4:29pm October 17, 2019

Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings died Thursday at 68. NPR's Audie Cornish speaks to longtime friend and mentor Larry Gibson about Cummings' rise the national political stage.

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