Remembrances

Music & Culture

Looking Back To Move Forward: Celebrating Jazz Artists We Lost in 2016

2:06pm December 28, 2016

by Katie Simon

Jazz lost great players in 2016, including Paul Bley, Gato Barbieri and three musicians we're profiling — vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, harmonica player Toots Thielemans and bassist Victor Bailey.

George Michael, seen here performing in September 2012, died this week. Among other things, the man could wear a suit.

The Individualism And Fist-Pumping Of George Michael's 'Freedom '90'

11:46am December 28, 2016

by Linda Holmes

In the wake of the death of George Michael, we take a moment to appreciate "Freedom '90," not his biggest hit, but an irresistible mix of independence and vulnerability.

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Remembering Actress Carrie Fisher

9:44am December 28, 2016

Actress Carrie Fisher died on Tuesday at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack late last week. She will forever be remembered for the role she took when she was 19, Princess Leia in Star Wars.

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Science

Remembering Vera Rubin, Who Made Dark Matter Matter

7:33pm December 27, 2016

by Ari Shapiro

Scientist Vera Rubin made the theory of dark matter a reality and, many say, created modern astrophysics. NPR's Ari Shapiro discusses Rubin's passing with fellow astrophysicist Risa Wechsler.

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Music & Culture

Remembering The Members Of The Red Army Choir

4:10pm December 27, 2016

Among those killed on a Russian plane that crashed this weekend were 64 members of the Red Army Choir. We hear some of the group's greatest music.

Books

In 'The Princess Diarist' Carrie Fisher Drew From Personal Journals

4:10pm December 27, 2016

The actor best known for Princess Leia in the Star Wars film saga died Tuesday. Her recent book showed her to be very open about the crazy ups and downs in her life as she navigated show business.

Arts

Carrie Fisher, Princess Leia Of Star Wars Fame, Dies At 60

4:10pm December 27, 2016

by Andrew Limbong

Fisher suffered a massive heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles last week. A spokeswoman for Fisher's daughter said the actress died Tuesday morning.

Gary the dog and Carrie Fisher attend Tribeca Tune In: Catastrophe at SVA Theatre 2 in April in New York City.

Arts

LISTEN: Carrie Fisher, Terry Gross — And Gary The Dog

4:01pm December 27, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

In an interview with Fisher last month, the Fresh Air host couldn't believe the turn it took when she asked about Fisher's beloved French bulldog. Turns out Gary was right there in the studio.

George Michael performs at the Sports Arena in San Diego, Calif.

Music & Culture

George Michael: A Father Figure For Political Pop

2:17pm December 27, 2016

by Barry Walters

The teen idol and massively successful solo singer's tabloid life paled in comparison to his uncommonly soulful work.

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Vera Rubin works at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., in 1965.

Science

Vera Rubin, Who Confirmed Existence Of Dark Matter, Dies At 88

6:15pm December 26, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The astrophysicist's groundbreaking research on spiral galaxies provided evidence of invisible dark matter. She was a pioneer in an era when women were excluded from many astronomy programs.