Phil Spector was one of the most influential music producers in rock 'n' roll history. However, in 2009, he began serving a 19-year prison sentence for murdering Lana Clarkson, a nightclub hostess that he took home after an evening of drinking. He died on Saturday at the age of 81, following complications due to COVID-19.
Spector reached his first No. 1 hit in 1958 with two of his school friends who formed a band known as Teddy Bears. Their song, "To Know Him Is to Love Him" sold over one million records. This served as the catalyst for the guitarist's successful music career. He was also very transformative in many girl groups of the era, producing "He's a Rebel," "Uptown," "Then He Kissed Me" and "Da Doo Ron Ron" by the Crystals, as well as "Be My Baby" and "Walking in the Rain" by the Ronettes.
Spector had his hand in many Righteous Brothers hits including "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling."
His daughter, Nicole Audrey Spector, reported that his arduous battle with COVID-19 caused him to be rushed to San Joaquin General Hospital on December 31st, and intubated in January. However, many fans are not wishing the star peace due to the severe pain and suffering he afflicted on so many loved ones of Clarkson.
Lana Clarkson, who was seen in various movies including Barbarian Queen, was shot dead by Spector in his Alhambra mansion, just on the edge of Los Angeles. He claimed her death was an "accidental suicide" which was later disproved. He spent the final years of his life in a prison hospital east of Stockton.
Soap Opera Digest's editorial director Stephanie Sloane is back with our Sonia Isabelle to talk about Eric Braeden's interview & the first impressions that new stars had when meeting their on screen partners!
Eric Braeden's Revealing Interview
Eric Braeden turned 80 last month, but the word "retirement" is not even contemplated in his vocabulary. Sloane shares:
"He says it surprises him how much that is a relief to fans, but it also makes him happy that it is. Eric says he's grateful to have been paired with Melody Thomas Scott for so many years."
"She discovered a sweet and down to earth guy, her co-star Michael Mealor. Courtney says he's so honest and doesn't put on any errors and she really appreciates that."
For more stories like these, make sure to pick up Soap Opera Digest!
Well, this is it. The last one. At least for a while. Hopefully, I'm back in the fall, giving you guys all the juiciest under the radar entertainment out there. But, for now, alas, this is the end. I'm doing something special today. I'm giving the usual TV show, movie, video game, and album, but this time, it's not under the radar, or new. It's my favorite things. Things where if people I love haven't seen them, I slap them across the face and make them watch. But, enough sappy stuff, let's get into it!
Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
I am a diehard Stanley Kubrick lover. He's the greatest director who ever lived. He's the MJ of the camera, a savant, a genius.
This is the best movie I've ever seen. It's perfect. It's as funny as it is dramatic, delivering the perfect message on nuclear war. The general incompetence and bravado of those in charge of the fate of the world is put on full display in an act of comedic genius. Everything in this movie is a satire, a commentary on the state of America at the time. I have never, in my life, seen such a perfect satirization that still manages to keep you so hooked on the plot, you forget it's even satire.
The best part is, this film actually revealed flaws in the chain of command regarding the release of nuclear warheads in the United States, and prompted a change in the chain of command. The absolute power and gravitas of film is on full display here. Everything a movie can be, it is, and every way a movie can have a real world impact, it did.
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest is consistently lauded by old hip hop heads and consistently ignored by the younger generations, while artists like Tupac and Biggie are lauded as the best of the era. And they are, but Q-Tip and Phife Dawg deserve to be right there with them.
This album is the sort of album where you can put on any song and instantly be put in a good mood. You can take a walk, sit in bed, ride in the car, do your laundry, whatever you do day to day, this album will make it better. It's poetic, rhythmic, insightful, and undervalued. Rest in peace, Phife Dawg.
Bob's Burgers
Yeah, Bob's Burgers. Other shows are funny simply by their punchlines or their antics, but Bob's Burgers invites you into the world of the Belcher family. Watch one episode, it's fine. Two, it's getting better. By the time you're a season deep, you're twenty deep, and you're part of the Belcher family.
It has a magic I've never seen in TV before that creates its entertainment value out of the comfort of its familiarity and its rampant unpredictability. You are not just observing the world of the Belchers, you're invited in. You know their families inside jokes. You understand the mind of the characters. You feel sympathetic towards each and every one, even Jimmy Pesto.
In the clip I provided, it doesn't just feel like you're watching Gene dress up as Bob, it feels like you're part of a family's inside joke. And there's something extremely magical, and comforting in that.
Skyrim
I will admit, Witcher 3almost broke me, but Skyrim remains the greatest video game ever made. Never mind the hoard of disappointment that's followed from Bethesda games (what the hell was going on with Prey? You gave me a grand total of five bullets, and about 90,000 monsters and a giant space snake to kill. How am I supposed to do that).
Nothing will ever beat Skyrim. You get sucked into the world of Tamriel, you feel the urgency of the quests, you desire to be the best, to uncover ever nook and cranny of this massively magnificent world.
Now, where is Elder Scrolls 6? Hm? I didn't put it in italics, because it doesn't exist yet. You get your italics when I get a game. And your Roman numerals.
Some More Stuff
Here's some stuff that missed the cut for a full feature, but I'll still be furious if you don't watch/listen/play:
For months Grey's fans have asked themselves if season 17 was going to be the last one. Well... We now have an answer to that and Station 19.
Grey's Anatomy has officially been renewed for season 18 and Station 19 for season 5. Krista Vernoff, showrunner and executive producer of both shows, had already expressed her desire to know the destiny of ABC's shows. The network has now officially released a statement, confirming the renewal for both series. President and of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, Craig Erwich, said:
"Station 19 and Grey's Anatomy have done an incredible job of honoring real-life heroes by giving audiences an unflinching look at one of the biggest medical stories of our time. [...] We look forward to sharing even more defining moments with our fans next season."
Erwich also complimented Vernoff and her team of writers, along with the cast & crew for "their extraordinary work that connects with viewers everywhere." Vernoff has delightfully responded to the news, sharing:
"Thank you to ABC and ABC Signature for the support and extraordinary partnership through this unprecedented season. We are so grateful for the opportunity to tell more stories."
Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 fans don't have to worry anymore: their favorite shows are coming back for the 2021-2022 season!
