Remembering Their Names (2026)

09/07/2026

He survived the initial impact, fighting through catastrophic injuries as emergency workers rushed to the smoking crash site.

Marsh Harbour, Bahamas.
Eric Anthony Forman knew the hustle.

He boarded anyway.

Born in 1971 in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, [Eric Anthony Forman]grew into a visionary celebrity hairstylist, creative artist, and elite image-maker.

He styled Jennifer Lopez.
Crafted looks for Destiny's Child.

Perfected the visual majesty of R&B's biggest icons.
But what made the music industry revere him most…
was his ability to sculpt beauty that defined an entire era.

At a time when music videos were visual blockbusters, Eric worked tirelessly behind the scenes, elevating style into high art on global stages and magazine covers.

His visual work became an anchor:
"Rock the Boat."

The entire music world watched his artistry come alive in front of the lens.

And his creative fingerprints shaped the golden era of R&B.

August 25, 2001.
Late in the afternoon.

A chartered twin-engine [2001_Marsh_Harbour_Cessna_402_crash) prepared for takeoff from the tarmac of Marsh Harbour Airport, carrying singer Aaliyah and her close entourage home to Florida.

Engines roared to life.

The small plane lifted into the blue Caribbean sky.
But the overloaded aircraft could not stay airborne.

Seconds into flight, the plane plummeted violently into the terrain just past the runway, erupting into a devastating wall of fire and smoke.
Fire consumed the wreckage.
Tragedy shattered the island quiet.

But Eric Anthony Forman did not die instantly.

He survived the initial impact, fighting through catastrophic injuries as emergency workers rushed to the smoking crash site.

By the time medical aid arrived, his body had suffered trauma too severe to overcome.

A short time later, Eric passed away in the Bahamas at age 29.

The sudden loss shocked the global entertainment industry.

But even in a life cut short, his behind-the-scenes magic had already cemented a permanent aesthetic shift in pop culture history.

Years later, the music videos and iconic looks he helped create still dominate our screens and archives.

Eric never got to fulfill the limitless heights his ambition promised.

But generation of creative stylists and image directors walked through doors of artistic respect he helped force open.

He died a master of style…
and a silent architect of R&B royalty forever.

09/07/2026

He revolutionized the music industry with his 1956 breakthrough album Calypso, which became the first ever LP by a single artist to sell over one million copies .

New York City.
Harry Belafonte knew the risk.

He stepped forward anyway.

Born in 1927 in the Harlem depression, the son of Caribbean immigrants grew into a cultural titan, international superstar, and fearless civil rights general. He sold a million albums. Packed arenas.

Charmed Hollywood.

But what made the establishment fear him most…
was that he bankrolled the entire revolution.

At a time when funding the Civil Rights Movement meant blacklists, FBI surveillance, and death threats, Harry used his own fortune to bail out MLK, finance freedom rides, and seed global human rights campaigns.
His music became a rallying cry:
“Day-o! Daylight come and we wan' go home.”

The stadium crowds and the marchers in Washington heard him sing it.

And his rhythm became the heartbeat of resistance.

April 25, 2023.
In the morning light.

Inside his Upper West Side apartment, the long, roaring march of a 96-year-old icon drew to its final milestone.

Congestive heart failure claimed his breath.
The global community fell silent.

But Harry Belafonte did not leave quietly.
He had spent three-quarters of a century returning fire against racism, apartheid, and poverty, standing tall on the frontlines from the March on Washington to the liberation of South Africa.

By the time the news broke, world leaders and street activists alike wept for the loss of a giant.

On that spring morning, Harry Belafonte died at age 96.

His passing shook the world.
But even in death, he left an unshakeable blueprint for how an artist uses fame to dismantle oppression.

Years later, his defiant voice and fierce organizing principles continue to guide new generations of activists.

Harry lived to see many walls of segregation tumble down under the weight of his efforts.

And countless artists and activists walked through doors of political power he helped force open.

He died a calypso king and a freedom fighter forever.

08/07/2026

She passed away at the age of 66 following several months of failing health. Her sister, legendary singer Dionne Warwick, was by her side
Essex County, New Jersey.

Dee Dee Warwick knew the shadows.

She sang anyway.

Born in 1942 into the royal gospel soil of Newark, Delia Mae Warrick grew into a breathtaking soul pioneer known to the music world as Dee Dee Warwick.

She dynamicized the charts.
Earned Grammy nods.
Anchored historic hits.

But what made the industry revere her most…was that her voice held a raw, unfiltered ache.

At a time when her legendary sister Dionne soared with smooth pop elegance, Dee Dee weaponized pure, blistering rhythm and blues, cutting tracks so fierce they defined the 1960s soul underground.

Her lyrics became an anthem:“Foolish fool!”

The deepest corners of the R&B world felt her cry it.

And legends like Aretha Franklin leaned on her background harmony.
October 18, 2008.

Late in the day.

Inside a quiet nursing home, the final notes began to fade for a powerhouse who battled years of declining health.

Her physical body grew frail.
The music industry slowed its pulse.

But Dee Dee’s storm did not vanish instantly.

She had spent nearly five decades returning fire against music mismanagement and a crowded family shadow, holding her ground as a true architect of the classic East Coast soul sound.

By the time she closed her eyes, her sister Dionne was right there holding her hand.

On that autumn evening, Dee Dee Warwick passed away at age 66.

Her quiet departure saddened soul purists.

But even in death, she left a vocal footprint so powerful that mainstream charts could never fully dilute her impact.

Years later, her fiery anthems like "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" still echo through music history.

Dee Dee never quite captured the massive pop superstardom of her famous peers.

But countless underground soul singers walked through doors of emotional honesty she helped roar open.

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08/07/2026

She and her husband, actor Ossie Davis, lived in New Rochelle for over 50 years.

New Rochelle, New York.

Ruby Dee knew the stage.

She conquered it anyway.

Born in 1922 and raised in the vibrant heat of Harlem, Ruby Dee grew into a trailblazing actress, poet, playwright, and fierce civil rights activist.

She won an Emmy.
Earned a Grammy.
Captured an Oscar nomination at age 85.

But what made the establishment revere her most…
was that she used her art as a weapon for justice.

At a time when Black actors were forced into demeaning, stereotypical roles, Ruby refused to compromise, demanding complex dignity on screen alongside her husband, Ossie Davis.

Her life became a masterclass:
“The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within.”

The marchers in Washington heard her speak it beside MLK.

And her elegance echoed through the halls of history.

June 11, 2014.
Late in the evening.

At home in New Rochelle, the final curtain quietly began to fall on a spectacular, nine-decade life.

She breathed her last at home.

The art world fell silent.

But Ruby’s legacy did not fade into the night.

She had spent seventy years returning fire against segregation, standing on the frontlines of history from the steps of the Lincoln

Memorial to the stages of Broadway.

By the time the news broke, the world began to

celebrate a queen of the American theater.

On that quiet night, Ruby Dee died of natural causes at age 91.

Her passing moved the nation.

But even in death, she left a blueprint of artistic resistance that Hollywood could never dismantle.

Years later, her fierce performances and poetic words continue to inspire generations of creators.

Ruby lived to see many of the barriers she fought so hard to break finally crumble.

And countless Black artists walked through doors of representation she helped force open.

She died an acting pioneer…
and a freedom fighter forever.

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08/07/2026

News broke, Simmons remained in a coma and on a ventilator. His former manager disclosed that he was in a vegetative state with lung and brain failure.

White Plains, New York.

Earl Simmons knew the struggle.

He bared it anyway.

Born in 1970 in the grit of Yonkers, [Earl Simmons] grew into the hip-hop icon known to the world as DMX.
He ruled the charts. Broke records. Unleashed a raw, gravelly soul.
But what made the music industry revere him most…
was that he turned his deep scars into prayers.

At a time when hip-hop relied on flashy personas and excessive wealth, Earl used his platform to share his battles with addiction, pain, and faith.

His lyrics became an anthem:
“Lord, give me a sign!” 🕊️
The entire world heard him scream it from the stage.
And his voice echoed across generations.
April 2, 2021.

Just before midnight.

Emergency sirens roared as Earl suffered a catastrophic heart attack at his home.

He was rushed to White Plains Hospital.

The hip-hop community held its breath.

But Earl’s body could not return fire this time.
For one agonizing week, he lay on life support while legions of fans gathered on the pavement outside, chanting his name in the rain.

By the time the weekend closed, oxygen deprivation had claimed his brilliant mind.
On April 9, 2021, Earl Simmons died at the age of 50.

His passing shocked the music world.
But even in death, he left behind a raw vulnerability that the industry could never erase.

Years later, his ferocious anthems and poetic prayers continue to shake stadium walls.

Earl never survived the heavy demons he fought so openly.

But millions of wounded souls walked through doors of healing he helped roar open.

He died a hip-hop king…
and a street prophet forever.

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08/07/2026

Madge Sinclair Left a Legacy of Grace, Strength, and Excellence

Madge Sinclair was a celebrated actress whose commanding performances made her one of the most respected talents in film and television.

She went on to portray Nurse Ernestine Shoop on Trapper John, M.D., Queen Aoleon in Coming to America (1988), and provided the voice of Queen Sarabi in Disney’s The Lion King (1994)."

Privately, Sinclair battled leukemia while continuing to work. On December 20, 1995, she died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 57.

Madge Sinclair’s elegance, dignity, and remarkable talent continue to inspire generations of actors and audiences. Though her life was cut short, her performances remain an enduring part of film and television history.

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07/07/2026

The iconic musician's death was caused by total renal failure brought on by years of chronic high blood pressure and diabetes.

Prior to his passing, he had suffered a severe stroke in May 2003, which had forced his complete retirement from public life.

Barry White’s Voice Defined an Era of Soul Music

Barry White was more than a singer
he was one of the most influential voices in R&B and soul, known for his unmistakable deep baritone and timeless love songs.

Born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, he overcame a troubled youth to become a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger.

Known affectionately as "The Maestro" and "The Walrus of Love," White grew up in South Central Los Angeles and rose to global fame in the 1970s.

He sold over 100 million records worldwide, celebrated for his signature deep bass-baritone voice and sweeping orchestral arrangements

His catalog includes classics such as “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything,” “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me,” and “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up.”

Beyond his own success, White produced and arranged music for Love Unlimited and The Love Unlimited Orchestra, helping shape the sound of 1970s soul and disco. During his career, he sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

In his later years, White battled chronic kidney disease caused by longstanding high blood pressure (hypertension).

While receiving dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant, he suffered a stroke in May 2003.

On July 4, 2003, Barry White died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 58.

The official cause of death was kidney failure resulting from hypertensive nephrosclerosis (kidney disease caused by chronic high blood pressure).

Barry White’s rich voice and unforgettable music continue to influence artists and define the sound of classic soul.

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07/07/2026

The double homicide occurred at their studio, Loud Enuff Productionz, located near 55th Street and Lisbon Avenue

Yolanda “Lala” Brown was born on May 20, 1986

Yolanda “LaLa” Brown was a rising R&B singer whose promising career was cut short by a tragedy that shocked the music industry.

Before her tragic death, Lala Brown was on the verge of mainstream success.

She was best known for her featured vocals on the 2006 hit single "S.E.X."

by Lyfe Jennings, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Following a tour with Jennings, she had returned to Milwaukee to record solo material, including the autobiographical track "Give Them What They Want".

On October 19, 2007, Brown was inside a home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her boyfriend, Chauncey “C.J.”

Both Brown and Clayborn were shot, they died shortly after the attack.

Because they were inside a private recording studio (Loud Enuff Productionz), their bodies remained undiscovered for roughly three days.

Family members grew concerned after days of silence following a dinner together.

They forced entry into the studio and discovered the bodies on October 22, 2007; autopsies later confirmed they had been shot and killed roughly three days prior, on October 19

Weeks prior to the shooting, the studio had been burglarized, with thieves stealing more than $10,000 worth of recording equipment.

The families of both victims continue to advocate for justice and keep their memories alive through local community foundations and vigils.

The shooting remains one of Milwaukee’s most heartbreaking unsolved cases.

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07/07/2026

He died of a heart attack at his home

December 26, 2016
Los Angeles, California

Whether he was making audiences laugh…

Acting on screen…

Or lending his voice to hip-hop classics…

Ricky Harris brought humor, charisma, and authenticity to everything he did.

Born Richard George Harris II on January 15, 1962, in Long Beach, California, he began his career as a stand-up comedian before expanding into acting, radio, and voice work.

He became widely known through his close friendship with Snoop Dogg, appearing on several of Snoop’s albums in comedic skits that became fan favorites during the 1990s.

As an actor, Harris appeared in films including Poetic Justice, Heat, Bones, Hard Rain, and Murder Was the Case.

He also made memorable television appearances on series such as Moesha, Everybody Hates Chris, and The Tracy Morgan Show.

In addition to comedy and acting, Harris hosted radio programs and remained an active voice in entertainment throughout his career.

On December 26, 2016, Ricky Harris died in Los Angeles, California.

He was 54 years old.

His death was caused by a heart attack resulting from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Friends, fellow comedians, actors, and musicians paid tribute to a performer whose talent crossed multiple fields and whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Ricky Harris is remembered not only for the laughter he created but also for the unique energy he brought to film, television, and hip-hop culture.

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07/07/2026

The group became a major force in R&B with hits including “Casanova,” “Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop (Goes My Mind),” and “Baby I’m Ready.”

November 10, 2006
Cleveland, Ohio

With one of the most powerful voices in contemporary R&B, Gerald Levert carried on a musical legacy while creating one of his own.

Born on July 13, 1966, in Canton, Ohio, he was the son of Eddie Levert, the lead singer of the legendary soul group The O’Jays.

In the early 1980s, Gerald joined his brother Sean Levert and friend Marc Gordon to form the R&B trio LeVert.

The group became a major force in R&B with hits including “Casanova,” “Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop (Goes My Mind),” and “Baby I’m Ready.”

As a solo artist, Gerald enjoyed enormous success with songs such as “I’d Give Anything,” “Thinkin’ About It,” “Taking Everything,” “Mr.

Too Damn Good,” and the Grammy-winning collaboration “Closer” with Donny Hathaway, which earned a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance in 2008 after his death.

Throughout his career, he also collaborated with artists including Patti LaBelle, Tamia, Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, and R. Kelly, and was part of the supergroup LSG alongside Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.

Beyond his music, Gerald was admired for mentoring younger artists and for his commitment to preserving the traditions of classic soul and R&B.

On November 10, 2006, Gerald Levert died at his home in Cleveland, Ohio.

He was 40 years old.

His sudden passing shocked the music industry and left a tremendous void in R&B.

Today, Gerald Levert is remembered as one of the finest vocalists of his generation a singer whose passion, power, and heartfelt performances continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

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