© the other press ¢ Culture September 17, 2003 Entertainment News Country Icon Johnny Cash Passes Over the Weekend Kerry Evans Managing Editor Johnny Cash, a pioneer of country music, passed on September 12 after battling a stomach condition for some time. Cash, born in 1932, has been part of the country scene since the 60s. His family, his fans, and the world as a whole will sadly miss him. Cash was an asset to society and his absence will be felt for a life- time. Back on August 28, Cash was hospitalized for a stomach condition. At that time, Cash’s manager, Lou Robin, released the statement, “Johnny is being held for observation and treatment of his stomach condition and should be released in a few days.” The next day Cash’s video “Hurt” received an award from MTV for Best Cinematography. Just over a week later on September 9, Cash was released from the Baptist Hospital in Nashville and planned to travel to California where he would continue the recording tracks for upcom- ing American Recordings album. Cash has recorded more than 1500 songs, more of his 45 albums remain in print than any other artist, was the youngest person ever chosen for the Country Music Hall of Fame, had 48 singles on the Billboard Top Ten, has won 11 Grammy’s, a lifetime achievement award, was the host of The Johnny Cash Show from 1969-1971, wrote an autobiography, and sold more than 50 million records. Cash has done much more and his name will remain in the thoughts of any music fans, country or otherwise. Cash has four daughters and one son. All of his children have performed with him and Roseanne has made a name worth mentioning in the country scene as a singer-songwriter. Cash’s family issued the following statement on the day of Cash’s passing: THE FAMILY OF JOHNNY CASH IN THIS SAD HOUR IS GREATLY COMFORTED BY THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE AND RESPECT FOR HIS REMARKABLE LIFE. WE TAKE SOLACE IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HE IS AGAIN REUNITED WITH HIS DEAREST COMPANION, JUNE. OUR LIVES, AND INDEED THE ENTIRE PLANET, WILL FOREVER FEEL THE EMPTI- NESS OF HIS LOSS, BUT HIS MUSIC AND THE GREATNESS OF HIS SPIRIT WILL ENDURE. John Ritter Dies of Heart Attack Kerry Evans Managing Editor John Ritter died September 12 of a heart attack just before his 55th birthday. Ritter collapsed last Thursday on the set of 8 Simple Rules. Ritter was rushed to the Providence St. Joseph hospital in Burbank and was accompanied by one of the show’s producers, his wife, and son. Doctors at the hospital were unable to save Ritter who passed away around 10p.m. from what the doctors called a “dissection of the aorta,” which is an undetected flaw in a main artery from the heart. Ritter is best known from his stint on Threes Company where he played Jack Tripper from 1977 to 1984. Ritter appeared on other sitcoms that never made it big. Ritter has been in several movies that kept his name on the tip of people’s tongues. His comedic nature has kept audiences entertained since the 70s. Ritter’s newer series 8 Simple Rules fought for ratings and had finally come into its own. The fate of the show is not known at this time but three episodes have already been shot. Ritter has appeared in more than 50 plays and a short time ago finished up in the Broadway premier of Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party. Ritter leaves behind a wife and four children. He also leaves behind a lasting impression in the entertain- ment industry. Ritter is the epitome of a star and will remain that in the eyes of all who have watched him dazzle us over his lifetime. (This Week 5 eee Page 12 e http://www.otherpress.ca nities... ina Sept. 18, 1970: Jimi Hendrix dies in his London apartment. The death certificate lists the cause as “inhalation of vomit due to barbiturate intoxication.” That’s totally how | wanna go, it’s got such a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Sept. 18, 1983: The members of KISS appear on MTV without their makeup. Turns out they werent satanic overlords after all, just a bunch of ugly white guys...ooh scary. Sept. 24, 1993: Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler reaches a 2.5 million-dollar set- tlement with his former bandmates, who threw him out because he couldn't kick his heroin habit. Wait a minute, I didn’t know you could sue for that! I’ve got a former Brownie troop that’s about to pay through the nose.