Video: A Farewell to Etta James

A Farewell to Etta James

By: Ryan Duncan

Via: The New York Times:

Etta James, whose powerful, versatile and emotionally direct voice could enliven the raunchiest blues as well as the subtlest love songs, most indelibly in her signature hit, “At Last,” died Friday morning in Riverside, Calif. She was 73. 

Her manager, Lupe De Leon, said that the cause was complications of leukemia. Ms. James, who died at Riverside Community Hospital, had been undergoing treatment for some time for a number of conditions, including leukemia and dementia. She also lived in Riverside.

As with any great artist, Etta James leaves behind a lasting musical legacy and impact that will definetly live, so long as there are those who appreciate great music. We hope Etta James is now in peace. R.I.P.

Video: A Quick Minute with Gwen Remembering Ofield Dukes

A Quick Minute with Gwen Remembering Ofield Dukes

By: Ryan Duncan

In this installment of A Quick Minute with Gwen, Gwen McKinney, President of McKinney & Associates Public Relations, remembers the Dean of public relations, Ofield Dukes, who passed away on December 7th, 2011. His life, and his legacy, will always live on and always be remembered.

Be sure to read more about Ofield Dukes and his indelible impact on the public relations profession in our previous blog posts: Tribute to a PR Icon & Real PR Power.

Video: Remembering the Tuscon Shooting Tragedy, One Year Later

Remembering the Tuscon Shooting Tragedy,

One Year Later

By: Ryan Duncan

Yesterday was the anniversary of the horrific shooting in Tucson, Arizona, which wounded Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, killed six, and injured 13 more. In a new video, survivors talk about how that day has affected their lives, and the strength they've found in the days since. It's hard to believe it's only been a year since this terrible tragedy. Especially hard to believe how far Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has come in her recovery since then. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all effected by this event.

Tribute to a PR Icon

Tribute to a PR Icon

By GwenMcKinney

  

My post on Ofield Dukes on November 10th was an enduring tribute to an iconic force who made a difference in so many people’s lives.  I celebrate that those words were not posthumously delivered. 

Today,  I join many friends and colleagues in mourning the passing of Ofield who made his transition after a period of illness.  I repost my message knowing that Ofield has left an indelible impact!  For that, let us miss him but celebrate that he was here.

Remembering 911—10 Years Later

Remembering 911—10 Years Later

 

By Pam Taylor

 

A decade after the worst terrorist attack on US shores, organizations, celebrities, survivors, victims’ families and others are attending events, churches, concerts, and/or scheduling reflective time with family and friends.

 

From the National Cathedral’s “A Call to Compassion” (www.calltocompassion.com) to one of the biggest memorial projects—featuring more than 30 actors, singers and sports figures (as well as survivors of the attacks and relatives of victims)—the “I Will (Pay Tribute)” campaign (Look To The Stars), the celebrations and reflections will also be a reminder for most of us of how our lives have been permanently changed.

Of course, most of us will not be able to get tickets to any of the big memorial events; however, the founders of MyGoodDeed Inc. created a website to encourage people around the world to participate in the annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance: “A day to volunteer, perform good deeds and support charitable causes.”

Below are just some of the tributes posted on 911day.org to mark the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

"I will volunteer to serve breakfast to local police and firefighters that protect us everyday." − Aaron Bynion

 

"I will send care packages to the men and women overseas fighting for our country." − Lakisha

 

"I will stop and remember." − Mary Y. Ceglia

 

What will you do to commemorate 911?

Remembering the King of Pop

Remembering the King of Pop

On this second anniversary of the death Michael Jackson, McKinney pauses to pay tribute to the King of Pop for bringing multiple cultures together. His music transcended social barriers and connected people of all races, creeds and origins, even before the Internet materialized.  Jackson pioneered the We-Are-The-World effect.  Thank you, Michael, for your music and love of humankind.

Remembering Metrorail Operator Jeanice McMillan

Remembering Metrorail Operator Jeanice McMillan

Two years ago today the deadliest crash on Washington's subway system occurred. Train operator Jeanice McMillan and eight passengers lost their lives in the accident. Dozens of others were injured. As the runaway train careened towards a stopped train, McMillan showed tremendous courage. She kept her post in the conductor’s cabin and applied the brakes, never giving up and never knowing that the circuitry that controlled the brakes had failed. McKinney pauses on this day to pay tribute to McMillan. She made the ultimate sacrifice for the passengers in her care.

Remembering Phoebe Snow

Remembering Phoebe Snow

McKinney & Associates pauses to honor the life and legacy of singer-songwriter Phoebe Snow, who died on April 26 at age 60 from complications of a stroke that she suffered in January 2010. The New York Times calls Ms. Snow a “leading light of the sing-songwriter movement and whose swooping vocal acrobatics transcended musical genres.” Ms. Snow was a devoted mother to her daughter Valerie, who was born with severe brain damage. The NYT reports that Ms. Snow refused to institutionalize Valerie and decided to put her career on hold to care for her daughter, who died at 31 in 2007. Ms. Snow leaves the world with a treasured repertoire of songs, such as Poetry Man, that showcase her “soaring contralto.” Rest in Peace.

Highlighted Clip for Wednesday, April 27, 2011:
"Phoebe Snow, Bluesy Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 60"
By: Stephen Holden
Phoebe Snow, whose signature hit, “Poetry Man,” established her as a leading light of the singer-songwriter movement and whose swooping vocal acrobatics transcended musical genres, died on Tuesday in Edison, N.J. She was 60.

Remembering Reagan: Some Important Things We Can't Forget (That He Did!)

Remembering Reagan:

Some Important Things We Can't Forget (That He Did!)

You can't miss him! He's all over your TV, radio, newspapers, and computer screen again. Ronald Reagan is back in the news, garnering lots of press, praise, fond memories, and accolades from his conservative friends, admirers, and benefactors in celebration of what would had been the Gipper's 100th birthday. But what many of these commentators choose to ignore is the fact that Reagan also chose to ignore some major facets of the American public. Namely, the poor and those suffering from the AIDS epidemic at the time.  

Via the Website Mother Jones: "Reagan's Toll on the Middle Class", by Josh Harkinson

In the lead-up to what would have been Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday on Sunday, conservatives have been trotting out all manner of panegyrics to their patron saint and his creed of trickle-down economics. For 90 percent of the people in this country, here's what should matter:

WATCH: "The Failure to Act: The Reagan Administration's Deliberate Failure to Address the Aids Epidemic"

Your Good Health Begins Today, No Matter Your Age: Remembering Jack LaLanne

Your Good Health Begins Today, No Matter Your Age: Remembering Jack LaLanne

Highlighted Clip for Monday, January 24, 2011:

Nicknamed "The Father of Fitness," longtime exercise guru Jack LaLanne who inspired health and wellness in American households since the 1950s, passed away Sunday at 96. Admitting in his younger days he consumed too much junk food, LaLanne made it his personal responsibility to "get off the couch" and exercise daily and become educated about the food he ate. Today more Americans battle obesity and chronic diseases at younger ages and higher rates of morbidity. Working long hours, juggling multiple tasks may leave little room for a strenuous fitness plan but small, consistent changes can have big impact. Our safety net to longer living may not rest entirely in health care reform. Therefore, we must assume personal responsibility for our health. Habits repeated become lifestyles entrenched--whether they are good or bad habits.

For full story, see "Remembering Jack LaLanne, Dead at 96"

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