SANDY KOZEL

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996)

"First Lady of Song" Ella Fitzgerald becomes the first Black
woman to win a Grammy at the Recording Academy’s inaugural
awards show on May 4, 1959.

During the event at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Fitzgerald
took home two of 28 awards for best jazz and female vocal
performances. “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Song
Book” bested performances by Doris Day, Eydie Gorme, Peggy
Lee and Keely Smith for best female vocal performance.

In contrast “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book”
won for jazz performance.

That year, Count Basie became the first Black man to win a
Grammy, also taking home two awards, for best jazz group
performance and best performance by a dance band.

The cultural icon Beyoncé, also took home the award for best country
duo/group performance for “II MOST WANTED” featuring
Miley Cyrus.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/

William Hart, better known to his loyal fans as "Poogie",  the
lead singer and co-founder of the Philly soul group The Delfonics,
has died. He was 77.

According to multiple reports, Hart died Thursday at a hospital
in Philadelphia following complications from surgery.

Hart was initially taken to hospital after experiencing difficulties
with his breathing.

Meat Loaf (legally known as Michael)
(born Marvin Lee Aday)
(September 27, 1947 – January 20, 2022)

According to his agent, the Rock’n’roll superstar
died at home with his family by his side.

No cause of death was shared but unconfirmed
reports suggested he had died of  Covid-related
complications.