Sonny Bono on Findagrave
Salvatore Phillip Bono
Birth: Feb. 16, 1935
Detroit
Wayne County
Michigan, USA
Death: Jan. 5, 1998
South Lake Tahoe
El Dorado County
California, USA
Entertainer, US Congressman. Until the early 1960s, he had a job delivering meat along the Sunset Strip in California. He became an A&R Man for Phil Spector. Working with people such as Sam Cooke, and Chubby Checker, and writing songs such as ‘Baby Don't Go', and ‘Don't Laugh At Me' Bono achieved his highest level of fame in the entertainment field with his second wife Cheriln Sarkisian LaPierre. It was at Aldo's Italian Restaurant in Hollywood in 1961 that Sonny met a very young Cher and they married in 1964. Destined to become one of the most famous duos in music history, the couple recorded songs under the name Cesar and Cleo and finally, Sonny and Cher. Their weekly variety television show ran from 1972 until 1974. A daughter, Chastity, was born on March 04, 1969. After his marriage with Cher ended in 1974 Sonny appeared in movies such as ‘Hairspray', and ‘First Kid' and he was a guest star on many television shows. Sonny had a short lived third marriage to Susie Coelho. In May of 1982 he married Mary Whitaker. In February 1983 he opened a restaurant, Bono's in Los Angeles. A restaurant in Palm Springs followed in 1986. It was during a dispute with City Hall over a building permit needed for his Palm Springs restaurant that Bono became interested in politics. He set out to become the Mayor of Palm Springs so that he could help to change the bureaucracy. He served as Mayor from 1988-1992. In 1990 he formed the Palm Springs International Film Festival. A run for The US Senate in 1991 was not successful, however in November of 1994 he was elected to Congress to serve the 44th District of California. A son, Chesare Elan was born in 1988 and a daughter, Chianna Maria was born in 1991. Additionally, in 1991 he released his autobiography And The Beat Goes On, using the name of one of the hit songs he had written. During his tenure in Congress he was appointed Speaker of the House to chair The Entertainment Industry Task Force. He was well known for his outspoken and often blunt opinions of the policies and issues in which he was involved. He worked to achieve federal aid to preserve habitats of various endangered species. The Sonny Bono Memorial Salton Sea Reclamation Act (HR 3267) was formed in recognition of his efforts to preserve the sea. He was killed at the Heavenly Valley Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe after he collided with a tree. After his death his widow, Mary Bono, was appointed to fill her late husbands Congressional Seat and in November 2002 she was re-elected to serve a third term.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
George H. Hermann ~ A Biography
George H. Hermann on Findagrave
Birth: Aug. 8, 1843
Houston
Harris County
Texas, USA
Death: Oct. 21, 1914
Baltimore
Baltimore City
Maryland, USA
Philanthropist. By the time of his birth in 1843 the family owned a bakery and dairy business in Houston, Texas, having moved to the town in 1838. In 1861 he joined the Confederate Army serving in the 26th Texas Calvary until 1865. In 1872 he began the first of many ventures. After beginning in the cattle business as stock-keeper, he partnered with W. J. and Julius J. Settegast selling cattle and land. In 1884 his attentions turned to real estate and he began his purchases of land in the Houston area. Most often recognized by his contributions to the Hermann Hospital in Houston, his donations of land lead to many opportunities for the city. The original donation of land for the Hermann Hospital has been expanded over the years to become the Houston Medical Center, considered by some to include some of the finest medical facilities in the United States. The construction, maintenance and operations of the hospital were provided for in his will. The donation of 285 acres of land across from Rice University was developed into Hermann Park. The park was completed and opened in 1920. It contains the Houston Zoological Gardens. The Houston Art League was the recipient of a land gift and they founded a museum. The Museum of Fine Arts opened in 1924 and it was the first of it's kind in Texas. Upon his wish to see a park where Houstonians could sleep overnight without police interference, he donated the land of his original birthplace to be named in honor of his mother. The Board of Trustees of Hermann Hospital paid honor to him with the installation of a bronze statue in 1981.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Birth: Aug. 8, 1843
Houston
Harris County
Texas, USA
Death: Oct. 21, 1914
Baltimore
Baltimore City
Maryland, USA
Philanthropist. By the time of his birth in 1843 the family owned a bakery and dairy business in Houston, Texas, having moved to the town in 1838. In 1861 he joined the Confederate Army serving in the 26th Texas Calvary until 1865. In 1872 he began the first of many ventures. After beginning in the cattle business as stock-keeper, he partnered with W. J. and Julius J. Settegast selling cattle and land. In 1884 his attentions turned to real estate and he began his purchases of land in the Houston area. Most often recognized by his contributions to the Hermann Hospital in Houston, his donations of land lead to many opportunities for the city. The original donation of land for the Hermann Hospital has been expanded over the years to become the Houston Medical Center, considered by some to include some of the finest medical facilities in the United States. The construction, maintenance and operations of the hospital were provided for in his will. The donation of 285 acres of land across from Rice University was developed into Hermann Park. The park was completed and opened in 1920. It contains the Houston Zoological Gardens. The Houston Art League was the recipient of a land gift and they founded a museum. The Museum of Fine Arts opened in 1924 and it was the first of it's kind in Texas. Upon his wish to see a park where Houstonians could sleep overnight without police interference, he donated the land of his original birthplace to be named in honor of his mother. The Board of Trustees of Hermann Hospital paid honor to him with the installation of a bronze statue in 1981.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Gram Parsons ~ A Biography
Gram Parsons on Findagrave
Cecil Ingram Connor
Birth: Nov. 5, 1946
Winter Haven
Polk County
Florida
USA
Death: Sep. 19, 1973
Joshua Tree
San Bernadino County
California
USA
County/Rock Musician. His love of music grew from the guitar lessons that he started at the age of nine. He was a big fan of Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis. At the age of ten he was sent to military prep school in Jacksonville, Florida. While there his father took his own life and Parsons was soon kicked out of the school due to his reaction to the tragedy. His mother then married Robert Ellis Parsons who soon adopted Gram and his younger sister, Avis. In 1960 he formed his first band, The Pacers. His next band, The Legends, consisted of fellow future hit makers Jim Stafford and the members of the band Lobo. Never one to limit his musical opportunities he ventured out with other projects playing keyboards and performing a solo acoustic guitar act. His mother developed a drug problem and soon Parsons was partaking of her drug supply. Due to his growing drug abuse his grades suffered and he failed his junior year of high school. He acquired a level of local celebrity in Greenville, South Carolina and was soon invited to judge a television talent show. Back stage at the show he met and harmonized with members of The Shilos who invited him to sing with them after they were announced the winners. By the age of 17 he was a member of The Shilos. With manager Buddy Freeman they were able to perform for a few hundred dollars a night. In 1964 they went to New York City. It was here that they met their idols, The Journeymen, whose style they had imitated. At Bob Jones University in 1965 they recorded nine tracks. These tracks would later be published on "Gram Parsons & The Shilos: The Early Years, Vol. 1". On the morning of his high school graduation in June of 1965 he learned that his mother had passed away from alcohol poisoning. For a short time during 1965 he attended Harvard University and he formed the International Submarine Band. After two years the band split. Gram and John Nuese stayed with a country sound and Mickey Gauvin and Ian Dunlop formed the Flying Burrito Brothers. In July of 1967 The International Submarine Band recorded their album "Safe At Home". Most consider this to be the first country-rock album although it was not widely successful. Hanging out at the Byrds recording sessions lead to a friendship with Chris Hillman. When David Crosby left the band in February 1968 Parsons took his place in the band. When the Byrds recorded "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" he was finally in big time rock and roll. That album has continued to be a classic. He resigned from the Byrds in 1969 and formed the next incarnation of the Flying Burrito Brothers with Chris Hillman, Chris Ethridge and Sneaky Pete Kleinow. Michel Clarke would join later. In 1970 they recorded their second album "Burrito Deluxe". After a motorcycle accident in late 1970 he left the band and married model Gretchen Burrell. He was the influence for the country sound on the album "Exile On Main Street" by the Rolling Stones. In 1973 he toured with Emmylou Harris whom he had met in 1971. They performed the duets "I Fall To Pieces" and "That's All It Took". Gram invited Emmylou to sing on his album "GP". Three members of Elvis Presley's band, James Burton, Glen D. Hardin and Ronnie Tutt along with Barry Tashian appeared on the album. Emmylou joined Gram's tour band, The Fallen Angels, which was formed to promote the album. 1973 was a touring year for Gram and the Fallen Angels and they also recorded his second album "Grievous Angel". While on vacation in Joshua Tree Gram died. He had stated to friends that he wanted to be cremated at Joshua Tree Desert instead of being buried in the ground. After his death his body was to be flown to Louisiana for burial. However, his body was intercepted at the airport by friends Phil Kaufman and Michael Martin. After stealing his body they drove to The Joshua Tree Desert and poured gasoline inside the coffin to set the fire. The remains were finally interred in New Orleans. Kaufman and Martin were arrested and fined $700.00 for stealing and burning the coffin as it was not against the law to steal a deceased body. In January 1974 ""Grievous Angel" was released. Many artists list Gram Parsons as their musical influence including Elvis Costello, U2, the Black Crowes, The Eagles and The Rolling Stones. Although he never seemed to achieve great fame he had the ability to combine talented musicians to create unforgettable music. In 2003 writer Jeremy Drysdale chronicled the story of Parson's body's journey after death in the movie "Grand Theft Parsons" starring Johnny Knoxville and Gabriel Macht.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Cause of death: Heart failure due to tequila and morphine overdose
Cecil Ingram Connor
Birth: Nov. 5, 1946
Winter Haven
Polk County
Florida
USA
Death: Sep. 19, 1973
Joshua Tree
San Bernadino County
California
USA
County/Rock Musician. His love of music grew from the guitar lessons that he started at the age of nine. He was a big fan of Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis. At the age of ten he was sent to military prep school in Jacksonville, Florida. While there his father took his own life and Parsons was soon kicked out of the school due to his reaction to the tragedy. His mother then married Robert Ellis Parsons who soon adopted Gram and his younger sister, Avis. In 1960 he formed his first band, The Pacers. His next band, The Legends, consisted of fellow future hit makers Jim Stafford and the members of the band Lobo. Never one to limit his musical opportunities he ventured out with other projects playing keyboards and performing a solo acoustic guitar act. His mother developed a drug problem and soon Parsons was partaking of her drug supply. Due to his growing drug abuse his grades suffered and he failed his junior year of high school. He acquired a level of local celebrity in Greenville, South Carolina and was soon invited to judge a television talent show. Back stage at the show he met and harmonized with members of The Shilos who invited him to sing with them after they were announced the winners. By the age of 17 he was a member of The Shilos. With manager Buddy Freeman they were able to perform for a few hundred dollars a night. In 1964 they went to New York City. It was here that they met their idols, The Journeymen, whose style they had imitated. At Bob Jones University in 1965 they recorded nine tracks. These tracks would later be published on "Gram Parsons & The Shilos: The Early Years, Vol. 1". On the morning of his high school graduation in June of 1965 he learned that his mother had passed away from alcohol poisoning. For a short time during 1965 he attended Harvard University and he formed the International Submarine Band. After two years the band split. Gram and John Nuese stayed with a country sound and Mickey Gauvin and Ian Dunlop formed the Flying Burrito Brothers. In July of 1967 The International Submarine Band recorded their album "Safe At Home". Most consider this to be the first country-rock album although it was not widely successful. Hanging out at the Byrds recording sessions lead to a friendship with Chris Hillman. When David Crosby left the band in February 1968 Parsons took his place in the band. When the Byrds recorded "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" he was finally in big time rock and roll. That album has continued to be a classic. He resigned from the Byrds in 1969 and formed the next incarnation of the Flying Burrito Brothers with Chris Hillman, Chris Ethridge and Sneaky Pete Kleinow. Michel Clarke would join later. In 1970 they recorded their second album "Burrito Deluxe". After a motorcycle accident in late 1970 he left the band and married model Gretchen Burrell. He was the influence for the country sound on the album "Exile On Main Street" by the Rolling Stones. In 1973 he toured with Emmylou Harris whom he had met in 1971. They performed the duets "I Fall To Pieces" and "That's All It Took". Gram invited Emmylou to sing on his album "GP". Three members of Elvis Presley's band, James Burton, Glen D. Hardin and Ronnie Tutt along with Barry Tashian appeared on the album. Emmylou joined Gram's tour band, The Fallen Angels, which was formed to promote the album. 1973 was a touring year for Gram and the Fallen Angels and they also recorded his second album "Grievous Angel". While on vacation in Joshua Tree Gram died. He had stated to friends that he wanted to be cremated at Joshua Tree Desert instead of being buried in the ground. After his death his body was to be flown to Louisiana for burial. However, his body was intercepted at the airport by friends Phil Kaufman and Michael Martin. After stealing his body they drove to The Joshua Tree Desert and poured gasoline inside the coffin to set the fire. The remains were finally interred in New Orleans. Kaufman and Martin were arrested and fined $700.00 for stealing and burning the coffin as it was not against the law to steal a deceased body. In January 1974 ""Grievous Angel" was released. Many artists list Gram Parsons as their musical influence including Elvis Costello, U2, the Black Crowes, The Eagles and The Rolling Stones. Although he never seemed to achieve great fame he had the ability to combine talented musicians to create unforgettable music. In 2003 writer Jeremy Drysdale chronicled the story of Parson's body's journey after death in the movie "Grand Theft Parsons" starring Johnny Knoxville and Gabriel Macht.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Cause of death: Heart failure due to tequila and morphine overdose
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
John Emmett Raitt ~ A Biography
John Emmett Raitt on Findagrave
Birth: Jan. 9, 1917
Santa Ana
Orange County
California, USA
Death: Feb. 20, 2005
Pacific Palisades
Los Angeles County
California, USA
Well-known baritone singer and father to blues musician Bonnie Raitt. Born John Emmett Raitt in Santa Ana, California. Raitt excelled in track in high school and won a scholarship to the University of Southern California. He then went on to finish college at the University of Redlands in 1940. His deep, resonant voice developed early, and he sang at service clubs and churches throughout Southern California. His professional debut came in 1940 as a chorus singer in "HMS Pinafore" with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, where he would be a frequent star in later years.. He created the role of Billy Bigelow in the original New York production of Carousel. He was well known on the West Coast for his voice when in 1944 he was asked to try out for the role of Curly in the road company of Oklahoma! in New York City. He auditioned for that role with Rodgers and Hammerstein. They concurred his voice was powerful but he was viewed to be too tall for the part. He argued that there was no reason for Curly not to be tall and he was given the part of Curly on the spot for the Chicago company of Oklahoma!. When the second collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Carousel, came about they chose Raitt for the role of the doomed hero Billy Bigelow. Hammerstein had been inspired to write the part when he heard Raitt sing his audition for the role of Curly. Thus the role was written just for him. He began that role in 1945. He also appeared on Broadway in "Magdalena," "Three Wishes for Jamie," and "Carnival in Flanders." An attempt to cross-over into film in 1954 in "The Pajama Game" was unsuccessful. The Bob Fosse choreographed numbers "Hey, There," "Steam Heat," and "Once a Year Day" received good reviews and the movie was successful but it was to be Raitts only starring role in motion pictures. Bonnie and her two brothers, Steven and David, were born to Raitt's first marriage to Marjorie Haydock. They divorced in 1971. A second marriage to Kathleen Smith Landry ended in divorce in 1981. That year, he learned from an old friend that Kathleen Kraemer, his high school sweetheart had recently been widowed. He called and invited himself to dinner and they were married in 1981. Bonnie sang "Safe in Your Arms" at the wedding. In 1991 when Bonnie married Michael O'Keefe John sang "My Hearts Darling" for them. He once said after his daughter became famous, "She used to be known as John Raitt's daughter, now I'm known as Bonnie Raitt's father." Bonnie and John appeared on several occasion singing duets with Bonnie's song "Blowing Away" and his song "Hey, There." Occassionally he would appear with his daughter at her concerts and he continued touring with a one-man show, "An Evening with John Raitt" well into his 80s.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Cause of death: Pneumonia
Birth: Jan. 9, 1917
Santa Ana
Orange County
California, USA
Death: Feb. 20, 2005
Pacific Palisades
Los Angeles County
California, USA
Well-known baritone singer and father to blues musician Bonnie Raitt. Born John Emmett Raitt in Santa Ana, California. Raitt excelled in track in high school and won a scholarship to the University of Southern California. He then went on to finish college at the University of Redlands in 1940. His deep, resonant voice developed early, and he sang at service clubs and churches throughout Southern California. His professional debut came in 1940 as a chorus singer in "HMS Pinafore" with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, where he would be a frequent star in later years.. He created the role of Billy Bigelow in the original New York production of Carousel. He was well known on the West Coast for his voice when in 1944 he was asked to try out for the role of Curly in the road company of Oklahoma! in New York City. He auditioned for that role with Rodgers and Hammerstein. They concurred his voice was powerful but he was viewed to be too tall for the part. He argued that there was no reason for Curly not to be tall and he was given the part of Curly on the spot for the Chicago company of Oklahoma!. When the second collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Carousel, came about they chose Raitt for the role of the doomed hero Billy Bigelow. Hammerstein had been inspired to write the part when he heard Raitt sing his audition for the role of Curly. Thus the role was written just for him. He began that role in 1945. He also appeared on Broadway in "Magdalena," "Three Wishes for Jamie," and "Carnival in Flanders." An attempt to cross-over into film in 1954 in "The Pajama Game" was unsuccessful. The Bob Fosse choreographed numbers "Hey, There," "Steam Heat," and "Once a Year Day" received good reviews and the movie was successful but it was to be Raitts only starring role in motion pictures. Bonnie and her two brothers, Steven and David, were born to Raitt's first marriage to Marjorie Haydock. They divorced in 1971. A second marriage to Kathleen Smith Landry ended in divorce in 1981. That year, he learned from an old friend that Kathleen Kraemer, his high school sweetheart had recently been widowed. He called and invited himself to dinner and they were married in 1981. Bonnie sang "Safe in Your Arms" at the wedding. In 1991 when Bonnie married Michael O'Keefe John sang "My Hearts Darling" for them. He once said after his daughter became famous, "She used to be known as John Raitt's daughter, now I'm known as Bonnie Raitt's father." Bonnie and John appeared on several occasion singing duets with Bonnie's song "Blowing Away" and his song "Hey, There." Occassionally he would appear with his daughter at her concerts and he continued touring with a one-man show, "An Evening with John Raitt" well into his 80s.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Cause of death: Pneumonia
Yates Children ~ A Biography
John Samuel Yates on Findagrave
Mary Deborah Yates on Findagrave
Birth: Dec. 15, 1995
Death: Jun. 20, 2001
On the morning of June 20, 2001 at 9:50 A.M. Police responded to an emergency call at the Yates home in a suburb of Houston called Clear Lake. Andrea Pia Yates had made the call to 911 operators and told them "I just killed my children." Earlier in the morning Andrea Yates filled a bathtub and, one by one, methodically drowned her sons: Luke, two years old; Paul, three years old; John, five years old; and one daughter, Mary, six months old. After drowning each child she then picked them up and placed them on her bed and covered them with a sheet. Seven year old Noah, the oldest of the children, walked in and saw what his mother was doing and tried to run away. Andrea Yates ran after him and wrestled him back to the bathroom and drowned him also. Mrs. Yates was born in Houston, the youngest of five children. She had a nursing degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center. She married Rusty Yates from Nashville on April 17, 1993. Their first child, Noah was born in 1994. Andrea was diagnosed with depression in 1999 and later she was diagnosed with postpartum depression which, it is claimed, led to her killing her children. Andrea Pia Yates was found guilty of capital murder on Tuesday March 12, 2002. She was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, March 15, 2002. She must serve at least 40 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. The children were remembered with a candlelight vigil outside of their home after the tragedy. A visitation was held on June 26, 2001 and a funeral was held on June 27, 2001 at Clear Lake Church of Christ in Clear Lake, Texas. The five caskets were white and arranged in a circle. Their father, Rusty Yates, talked about each child while standing at their casket, and then he kissed them goodbye. He had photographes on display showing the children at their most lively and beautiful selves. Later that day they were buried three on one side of a beautiful headstone, and two on the other side at Forest Park East Cemetery.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Mary Deborah Yates on Findagrave
Birth: Dec. 15, 1995
Death: Jun. 20, 2001
On the morning of June 20, 2001 at 9:50 A.M. Police responded to an emergency call at the Yates home in a suburb of Houston called Clear Lake. Andrea Pia Yates had made the call to 911 operators and told them "I just killed my children." Earlier in the morning Andrea Yates filled a bathtub and, one by one, methodically drowned her sons: Luke, two years old; Paul, three years old; John, five years old; and one daughter, Mary, six months old. After drowning each child she then picked them up and placed them on her bed and covered them with a sheet. Seven year old Noah, the oldest of the children, walked in and saw what his mother was doing and tried to run away. Andrea Yates ran after him and wrestled him back to the bathroom and drowned him also. Mrs. Yates was born in Houston, the youngest of five children. She had a nursing degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center. She married Rusty Yates from Nashville on April 17, 1993. Their first child, Noah was born in 1994. Andrea was diagnosed with depression in 1999 and later she was diagnosed with postpartum depression which, it is claimed, led to her killing her children. Andrea Pia Yates was found guilty of capital murder on Tuesday March 12, 2002. She was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, March 15, 2002. She must serve at least 40 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. The children were remembered with a candlelight vigil outside of their home after the tragedy. A visitation was held on June 26, 2001 and a funeral was held on June 27, 2001 at Clear Lake Church of Christ in Clear Lake, Texas. The five caskets were white and arranged in a circle. Their father, Rusty Yates, talked about each child while standing at their casket, and then he kissed them goodbye. He had photographes on display showing the children at their most lively and beautiful selves. Later that day they were buried three on one side of a beautiful headstone, and two on the other side at Forest Park East Cemetery.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Lew Wasserman ~ A Biography
Lew Wasserman on Findagrave
Birth: Mar. 15, 1913
Cleveland
Cuyahoga County
Ohio, USA
Death: Jun. 3, 2002, USA
Lew Wasserman helped build an entertainment empire. He was the chairman and Chief Executive of MCA, Inc., parent of Universal Studios.. In 1990 MCA was sold and Wasserman was kept as a manager. Five years later he retired from management but kept the honarary title of Chairman Emeritus. He was on the Board of Directors until 1998. He was with MCA for more than 50 years, and he and its late founder, Jules Stein, built an entertainment giant, as well as running the famous "back lot" tour of Universal Studios. During his rein there some of the publics most favorite movies and television shows were made, including "Back To The Future" and "Miami Vice". Born in Cleveland where he worked selling candy, as an usher in a movie theatre and managed a night club, he married Edith Beckerman in 1936. A longtime friend of President Ronald Reagan, Mr. Wasserman was one of the last "old-time" movie moguls. He was 89.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Birth: Mar. 15, 1913
Cleveland
Cuyahoga County
Ohio, USA
Death: Jun. 3, 2002, USA
Lew Wasserman helped build an entertainment empire. He was the chairman and Chief Executive of MCA, Inc., parent of Universal Studios.. In 1990 MCA was sold and Wasserman was kept as a manager. Five years later he retired from management but kept the honarary title of Chairman Emeritus. He was on the Board of Directors until 1998. He was with MCA for more than 50 years, and he and its late founder, Jules Stein, built an entertainment giant, as well as running the famous "back lot" tour of Universal Studios. During his rein there some of the publics most favorite movies and television shows were made, including "Back To The Future" and "Miami Vice". Born in Cleveland where he worked selling candy, as an usher in a movie theatre and managed a night club, he married Edith Beckerman in 1936. A longtime friend of President Ronald Reagan, Mr. Wasserman was one of the last "old-time" movie moguls. He was 89.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Jacqueline Susann ~ A Biography
Jacqueline Susann on Findagrave
Birth: Aug. 20, 1918
Philadelphia
Philadelphia County
Pennsylvania, USA
Death: Sep. 21, 1974
New York County (Manhattan), USA
Jackie was born to Rose, a school teacher, and Robert, a famed portrait painter. She had an intense desire for attention and longed to be an actress. She was outgoing and loud. In 1938 Jackie married press agent and publicist Irving Mansfield. December 06, 1946 Jackie and Irving welcomed to the world their only child, a son, Guy. Guy was a special child and was diagnosed with autism when he was three. At four years old he was committed to an institution. Jackie never gave up hope that he would get better. Jackie and Irving were a great team. Masters at self-promotion they set out to make Jackie's second novel Valley Of The Dolls number one. They traveled to many major bookstores, met the owners and took notes on them so they would have them for future visits. VOTD was number one on the New York Times Best Sellers list for 28 weeks in 1966. Her first novel, Every Night, Josephine!, about her poodle was published in 1963 and made the best-seller list. During this time Jackie found out she had breast cancer and had a mastectomy. She hid her illness from everyone except the people who absolutely had to know. She thought of cancer as something that "losers" had. VOTD was made into a movie in 1967 starring Barbara Parkins, Patty Duke and Sharon Tate. The novels, The Love Machine and Once Is Not Enough soon followed and both made the #1 spot on the bestsellers list making Jackie the first author to have three number one's in a row. In 1973 Jackie was diagnosed with lung cancer and on September 21, 1974 she lost her valiant struggle with the disease. Jackie was cremated and her ashes were intered in an urn made to look like a book.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Cause of death: Cancer
Birth: Aug. 20, 1918
Philadelphia
Philadelphia County
Pennsylvania, USA
Death: Sep. 21, 1974
New York County (Manhattan), USA
Jackie was born to Rose, a school teacher, and Robert, a famed portrait painter. She had an intense desire for attention and longed to be an actress. She was outgoing and loud. In 1938 Jackie married press agent and publicist Irving Mansfield. December 06, 1946 Jackie and Irving welcomed to the world their only child, a son, Guy. Guy was a special child and was diagnosed with autism when he was three. At four years old he was committed to an institution. Jackie never gave up hope that he would get better. Jackie and Irving were a great team. Masters at self-promotion they set out to make Jackie's second novel Valley Of The Dolls number one. They traveled to many major bookstores, met the owners and took notes on them so they would have them for future visits. VOTD was number one on the New York Times Best Sellers list for 28 weeks in 1966. Her first novel, Every Night, Josephine!, about her poodle was published in 1963 and made the best-seller list. During this time Jackie found out she had breast cancer and had a mastectomy. She hid her illness from everyone except the people who absolutely had to know. She thought of cancer as something that "losers" had. VOTD was made into a movie in 1967 starring Barbara Parkins, Patty Duke and Sharon Tate. The novels, The Love Machine and Once Is Not Enough soon followed and both made the #1 spot on the bestsellers list making Jackie the first author to have three number one's in a row. In 1973 Jackie was diagnosed with lung cancer and on September 21, 1974 she lost her valiant struggle with the disease. Jackie was cremated and her ashes were intered in an urn made to look like a book.
(bio by: Julie Karen Hancock (Cooper) Jackson)
Cause of death: Cancer
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