Helen Reddy (photo: Francesco Scavullo – public domain) I was so sad to hear the news that Australian pop star Helen Reddy passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78. The singer had battled dementia for years. As longtime readers of The Randy Report know, I’m a fan of those pop music voices that are so singular you can recognize them in an instant. Reddy was one of those artists. Her first success in the U.S. came after her future-husband, Jeff Wald, talking Capitol Records into recording a single with Reddy. The release (“I Believe in Music”) was a flop but led to an accidental B-side hit with “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar hitting #13 on the Billboard charts. Of course, Reddy’s biggest hit (and one of the few she co-wrote) was her iconic anthem, “I Am Woman,” from 1971. The hit song made her the first Australian-born singer to reach #1 on the Billboard charts and garnered the Aussie her only Grammy Award (Best Pop Vocal Performance – Female). In accepting the honor, she famously thanked God, saying: “Because She makes everything possible.” She followed that with a string of hits including “Delta Dawn,” “Angie Baby,” “Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)” and “Ain’t No Way to Treat a Lady” – which would earn a second Grammy nod for the artist in 1975. Hollywood embraced Reddy as well as she appeared in movies and TV shows including starring in Disney’s Pete’s Dragon (featuring Reddy singing the Oscar-nominated “Candle on the Water”) and handling semi-regular hosting duties on the 1970s variety series The Midnight Special. In 1973, she also had her own summer variety show, The Helen Reddy Show.
In the 1980s, she found artistic and financial success starring in stage musicals, most notably taking over the lead role of “Mrs. Johnstone” in Blood Brothers on Broadway. She also starred in productions of Anything Goes, Shirley Valentine and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Here’s what looks to be press footage from Blood Brothers featuring the star singing “Easy Terms” and the finale, “Tell Me It’s Not True.”
Thanks to those successes, she recorded an album of theater songs for Varese Sarabande Records in 1997 titled Center Stage. My husband, Michael, was the Vice President of Marketing and Publicity at the time and worked with Reddy in promoting the collection, including a cheeky photoshoot with several shirtless hunks (which Reddy LOVED). At the end of the shoot, she told Michael he had to be a part of the shoot and demanded he take off his shirt. And so, this happened. My hubby Michael Caprio with Helen Reddy and friends (photo: Kevin Merrill) I loved the album which featured such wide-ranging songs as “The Writing on the Wall” (Drood), “The Party’s Over” (Bells Are Ringing), “Blow Gabriel Blow” (Anything Goes) and this terrific take on “Knowing When To Leave” from the 1960s hit, Promises, Promises.
Reddy was a singular talent who rightfully deserves her place in music history. Rest in peace, Helen Reddy.
Regis Philbin, the indefatigable and downright neighborly host of talk shows and game shows who spent more time in front of a television camera than anyone else, has died. He was 88.
Philbin died Friday night of natural causes, according to a family statement.
Unfailingly perky and personable during his 60-plus years in show business, Philbin hosted live morning programs from Los Angeles and New York from the early 1970s through 2011, sharing cups of coffee and flipping through the morning papers alongside the likes of Ruta Lee, Sarah Purcell, Cyndy Garvey, Mary Hart, Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa.
Like Jack Paar before him, Philbin engaged his audience with tales about his personal life and the seemingly mundane events of his day.
You’ll recall Philbin scored a late-career win in 1999 as the host of the wildly popular primetime game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The ratings juggernaut launched ABC into the No. 1 spot regularly drawing audiences of 30 million viewers. According to Guinness World Records, Philbin logged more hours on TV – 16,746.50 – than any other television host in US history. RIP Regis Philbin.
Longtime television personality Regis Philbin has died, according to a statement shared by his family on Saturday. He was 88 years old. “He made the ordinary seem extraordinary,” @brianstelter says. https://t.co/CgqUAhpWGApic.twitter.com/F42g0Fjq0z
Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched. Regis, I hope our friend Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much
and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place. – Kelly and Ryan (2/2)
Since the passing of Congressman John Lewis was announced, Donald Trump tweeted about 30 times without mentioning the civil rights icon. He then got up, and according to reports, played around of golf with his buddy, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Finally, this afternoon, after numerous other national leaders and all former presidents had issued public statements of condolences regarding Lewis’s death, Trump’s Twitter account shared a two-sentence tweet saying Trump and the First Lady are “saddened” by the congressman’s passing.
President Trump arrived at his golf club in Sterling, VA. This is his 370th trip to one of his properties & 278th trip to one of his golf clubs of his presidency.
Neither Trump nor WH has issued a statement or responded to request for comment on the passing of John Lewis.
Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), an icon in the fight for civil rights for decades, has died at the age of 80 after his battle with pancreatic cancer. I’m careful not to write “passed away,” because Lewis never merely “passed” anything in his storied life. The youngest of the Big Six civil rights activists, Lewis garnered national headlines after leading hundreds of protesters in the Bloody Sunday march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965. Knocked to the ground and beaten by Alabama state troopers, Lewis’s skull was fractured and images of the infamous moment were spread across the country, crystallizing the civil rights movement to such a degree the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed shortly thereafter. The civil rights lion was elected to Congress over 20 years later representing his district in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mr. Lewis led demonstrations against racially segregated restrooms, hotels, restaurants, public parks and swimming pools, and he rose up against other indignities of second-class citizenship. At nearly every turn he was beaten, spat upon or burned with cigarettes. He was tormented by white mobs and absorbed body blows from law enforcement.
Mr. Lewis was arrested 40 times from 1960 to 1966. He was repeatedly beaten senseless by Southern policemen and freelance hoodlums. During the Freedom Rides in 1961, he was left unconscious in a pool of his own blood outside the Greyhound Bus Terminal in Montgomery, Ala., after he and others were attacked by hundreds of white people. He spent countless days and nights in county jails and 31 days in Mississippi’s notoriously brutal Parchman Penitentiary.
Lewis didn’t restrict his battles to civil rights for Black Americans. He was also an early ally of the LGBTQ movement. In 2003, he penned an op-ed for the Boston Globe arguing in favor of same-sex marriage long before others would come to embrace that call.
We are now at such a crossroads over same-sex couples’ freedom to marry. It is time to say forthrightly that the government’s exclusion of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters from civil marriage officially degrades them and their families. It denies them the basic human right to marry the person they love. It denies them numerous legal protections for their families.
This discrimination is wrong. We cannot keep turning our backs on gay and lesbian Americans. I have fought too hard and too long against discrimination based on race and color not to stand up against discrimination based on sexual orientation. I’ve heard the reasons for opposing civil marriage for same-sex couples. Cut through the distractions, and they stink of the same fear, hatred, and intolerance I have known in racism and in bigotry.
In the 1990s, he voted against the heinous ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ which defined marriage as only between a man and a woman, and he stood with the pro-LGBTQ advocacy group the Human Rights Campaign. He also voiced his opposition to Georgia’s prohibition on adoption by LGBTQ people. One of my favorite tributes was from Lewis’s friend and former UN ambassador, Andrew Young: “He didn’t convince you by his arguments. He convinced you by his life.” People much more eloquent than I offered their tributes to Lewis. Rest in power, John Lewis.
59 years ago today I was released from Parchman Farm Penitentiary after being arrested in Jackson, MS for using a so-called “white” restroom during the Freedom Rides of 1961. pic.twitter.com/OUfgeaNDOm
I know of no man with more courage than John Lewis. He was a giant walking among us. When I saw him, I couldn’t help but think one thing: “I haven’t done enough.” May his life and legacy inspire every one of us to strive for justice, equality and what is right. pic.twitter.com/jtoCnmjexz
You did, indeed, fight the good fight and get into a lot of good trouble. You served God and humanity well. Thank you. Take your rest. #JohnLewispic.twitter.com/U1cPEwfCGO — Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 18, 2020
John Lewis was an American treasure.
He gave a voice to the voiceless, and he reminded each of us that the most powerful nonviolent tool is the vote. Our hearts feel empty without our friend, but we find comfort knowing that he is free at last. — Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) July 18, 2020
.@RepJohnLewis was a titan of the civil rights movement whose goodness, faith and bravery transformed our nation. Every day of his life was dedicated to bringing freedom and justice to all. pic.twitter.com/xMbfAUhLUv
John Lewis was an icon who fought with every ounce of his being to advance the cause of civil rights for all Americans. I’m devastated for his family, friends, staff—and all those whose lives he touched.
John Lewis was a true American hero and the moral compass of our nation. May his courage and conviction live on in all of us as we continue to make good trouble for justice and opportunity.
Rest in power, John. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 18, 2020
John Lewis was a giant among men. A Civil Rights Icon, an indefatigable champion for justice, and a hell raiser known for making ‘good trouble.’
In mourning his passing, let us aspire to build the nation that Congressman Lewis believed it could be. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/sDJ169T9bE — Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) July 18, 2020
We have lost a legendary leader, civil rights icon and change agent extraordinaire.
John Lewis gave all he had to redeem America’s unmet promise of equality and justice for all, and to create a place for us to build a more perfect union together. In so doing he became the conscience of the nation.
John Lewis was the truest kind of patriot. He believed America could be better, even live up to its highest founding ideals of equality & liberty for all. He made good trouble to help us get there. Now it’s up to the rest of us to carry on his work. Rest in power, my friend. pic.twitter.com/a3gEAiMzp3
John Lewis’s words to FBI employees in 2017 resonate—especially in 2020: “Voting is the most powerful nonviolent tool that we have, and everybody must use it to make the world a better place.”
L-R Naya Rivera, Heather Morris (image via Fox) Actress and dancer Heather Morris has shared a touching tribute to her former GLEE costar Naya Rivera, who played her on-screen wife, Santana Lopez, on the hit series. Santana’s body was found in a Southern California lake where she apparently drowned saving the life of her young 4-year-old son. Morris, who played out bisexual character Brittany Pierce on the series, honored Rivera in an emotional letter posted to her Instagram on Wednesday. Noting their friendship had “a bit of a rocky phase” here and there, Morris captures the nuances of what she describes as “the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding.” What strikes me the most about the personal message is that instead of generic ‘grief and sadness’ tones, Morris shares specific life moments between Rivera and herself like gifts of oranges left at front doors and the reason why she didn’t post a photo of the two together in her tribute. I won’t do it justice, so I encourage you to read it for yourself.
We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase. However, we stuck by each other’s side and created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding.
The last I had the chance to see you in person, I had left oranges outside our home for you to take. I wanted to say hi through the window but my phone didn’t ring when you called (which it never does, f*cking T-Mobile), so instead you and Josey left two succulents on our doorstep as a thank you. I planted those succulents and I look at them every day and think of you.
I still listen to your EP on repeat because from the moment I heard it, it struck me and I always wished the world knew more of your voice. You sent me over 5 dozen SnapChat videos when you and Josey woke up in the morning and I kick myself that I didn’t save one of them.
You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food. We vowed to spend every Easter together, even though Covid stole this last one from us. You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know, and I vowed to carry that with me as I continue to live my life.
You constantly taught me lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient, and about not giving a fuck (but still somehow respectful). Yet, the utmost important lesson I learned most of all from you was being a consistent and loving friend. You were the first to check in, the first to ask questions, the first to listen..you cherished our friendship and I never took that for granted.
We never took photos together because we mutually hated taking pictures…our relationship meant more than proof. I have countless pictures of our babies playing because we shared that kind of pride and joy.
So I’m showing the world a photo of our little goofballs for you, because I know that meant more than anything and they remind me of you and I.
I speak to you every day because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.
It’s important to note that Rivera’s performance as the tough-as-nails Santana gave LGBTQ Puerto Ricans a rare moment of proud representation on television. The 33-year-old actress had also appeared on the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family” and in the comedy film “The Master of Disguise.” Her most recent role was in the YouTube Red series Step Up, based on the movie franchise. Other castmates have offered their messages of sympathy via social media as well.
This photo of the cast of #Glee gathering together at Lake Piru today where #NayaRivera’s body was found is incredibly powerful — especially when you consider today is the 7 year anniversary of Cory Monteith’s death. I’m a mess. pic.twitter.com/RhY9hUb78E
She played by her own rules and was in a class of her own. She had a brashness about her that I couldn’t help but be enchanted by. I also always loved her voice, and savored every chance I got to hear her sing. I think she had more talent than we would have ever been able to see.
Broadway star Nick Cordero A post I truly did not ever want to write. After more than 90 days in the hospital due to COVID-19, actor and Tony Award nominee Nick Cordero (Waitress, Rock of Ages, A Bronx Tale, Bullets Over Broadway) has passed away at the age of 41. Although I only met Nick once in a backstage moment, I can say I’ve never seen such an outpouring for a member of our Broadway community as I’ve seen for Nick. Nick passed on Sunday morning at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife Amanda Kloots, whom he wed in September 2017, and their 1-year-old son Elvis Eduardo. Kloots shared the news in a social media post this afternoon.
“God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.⠀“I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday.⠀“To Nicks extraordinary doctor, Dr. David Ng, you were my positive doctor! There are not many doctors like you. Kind, smart, compassionate, assertive and always eager to listen to my crazy ideas or call yet another doctor for me for a second opinion. You’re a diamond in the rough.
“I cannot begin to thank everyone enough for the outpour of love , support and help we’ve received these last 95 days. You have no idea how much you lifted my spirits at 3pm everyday as the world sang Nicks song, Live Your Life. We sang it to him today, holding his hands. As I sang the last line to him, “they’ll give you hell but don’t you light them kill your light not without a fight. Live your life,” I smiled because he definitely put up a fight.
“I will love you forever and always my sweet man.”
Some news items you might have missed: • Instagram: If you don’t already, click over and follow @BigKidProblems (above) on the Gram of Insta….I like the way they think 🙂 • Christian Post: A professional photographer has filed a lawsuit against a new Virginia law that he says would force him to violate his sincerely held Christian beliefs by requiring him to provide his services to same-sex weddings. • NBC News: The Trump administration is moving to repeal transgender protections in homeless shelters. If the proposal is implemented, transgender women could be placed in sex-segregated shelters for men. • NY Times: U.S. payrolls grew by 4.8 million in June, according to the Labor Department. It was the second month of gains after a loss of more than 20 million in April when the pandemic put a large swath of economic activity on ice. The unemployment rate fell to 11.1 percent, down from a peak of 14.7 percent in April but still higher than in any previous period since World War II. (image via NY Times) • American Journal of Managed Care: A new study of nearly 78,000 HIV+ people diagnosed with coronavirus indicates that antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications may reduce a person’s risk of getting coronavirus and/or reduce the severity of the disease should they contract it. • Hollywood Reporter: Hugh Downs, the congenial broadcaster whose thousands of hours on network television included two decades on the ABC’s 20/20 and 9 years as the host of NBC’s Today Show, has died. He was 99. Downs also hosted the game show Concentration for nearly a decade as well as five years as announcer and side-kick to Jack Paar on The Tonight Show. • Reuters: Democrat Joe Biden edged out Republican Donald Trump in fundraising for a second straight month in June, according to reports from the rival U.S. presidential campaigns. Biden and allied Democratic groups raked in over $141 million during the month, while Donald Trump and closely tied groups hauled $131 million. • Karen Chronicles: A Costco customer refused to wear a face mask while returning an item. So she staged a sit-in. For perspective, the second video shows you how a Black man was treated when he refused to wear a face mask. Please note the difference in how the two were treated.
Karen had enough. She performed a sit in at Costco after refusing to wear a mask. #costco
Our ‘Prince of April Wind’ – Bear I’m sad to share that our puppy Bear, who was nearly 17-years-old, passed away on Saturday. He’d been on medication for a heart condition for the past few months but was doing well. Thursday night he was fine, occasionally taking the time to bark at a friend’s basset hound we were dog-sitting. But out of nowhere on Friday, he stopped eating food and barely took any water and couldn’t keep the water he did drink down. Listless and a bit disoriented, he was very quiet and basically slept all day. In the past, he also experienced brief seizures that began coming more often. He’d had them before, but usually weeks between episodes. Friday night, he was very restless and couldn’t get comfortable. We were up most of the night watching him. On Saturday morning, we were already very concerned, but then the seizures came again. He had six episodes throughout the morning – each more violent than he has ever had. Heartbroken, we knew what we had to do. We had to be his “humans” and take his pain away. Michael with Bear Our ‘Prince of April Wind’ crossed the rainbow bridge – on his favorite blanket that he slept on every night – with the help of two very compassionate veterinarians who came to the house. I took this photo of Bear looking out the front door just days before his passing Bear was born last in Michael’s hands, and over the years his timid nature put him down the pecking order in terms of alpha-dom. But in the past seven months, being the lone dog of the house, he flourished and grew confident. Even in his last moments, when the vets came into the bedroom on Saturday, he stood up and barked ferociously defending us from what he perceived as a threat. Our prince had become a knight. Me with baby Bear getting some water during the puppy days With the passing of any loved one comes grief, but in addition to losing Bear, we find ourselves at the end of our wonderful 23-year adventure with this beautiful dachshund family. We began with the mama, Sabrina, in December 1997. Daddy dog Bruno joined the family in 2002, and in July of 2003, their puppies Tyler, Bandit, and Bear were born. As our friends know, the dogs ruled in our house. For years, the house was full of boundless dog energy. The dogs help Michael take a break from work Everywhere we look, the dogs’ presence is undeniable. Five water dishes spread around the house, six beds, the pantry full of treats, their blankets on our bed… For all these years, this furry family has loved on us and brought more joy than words can describe. We realize that, as adults, for the past 32 years, we’ve both always had dogs in our lives. But in 2011, we lost Sabrina. Bandit passed in 2017, Bruno followed a year later, and this past November Tyler departed. Me with all five doxies As we lost them over the years, there was always the surviving pups to love on and pour our hearts into. Now, just silence. We are heartbroken and the pain is so deep we are both literally numb. Rest in peace our little teddy Bear – your family is there waiting for you on the other side of the bridge. It’s the end of our Doxie Dynasty. Bruno being daddy with the puppies as Sabrina looks on
In this week’s headlines: • Brazil changes course on regulations that limit gay and bisexual me from donating blood • A gay couple in Tulsa speaks out after a neighbor posts anti-LGBTQ signs his front yard • Germany bans so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors • Out CNN anchor Anderson Cooper announces he’s become a dad • Two ground-breaking stars in their respective fields – rock and roll pioneer Little Richard and magician Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy – pass away All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report
Rock and roll icon Little Richard (screen capture) Little Richard, the raucous 1950s music star whose 1950s hits help launch the rock and roll revolution, has died at the age of 87. From Variety:
The musician, whose birth name was Richard Penniman, was 87, although some sources say he was older. His death was confirmed by his son, Danny Jones Penniman, who told the New York Times the cause was cancer.
Richard’s manic 45s for Los Angeles indie label Specialty Records — “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Rip It Up,” “Jenny Jenny,” “Keep A-Knockin’” and “Good Golly Miss Molly” — became major crossover hits in the pop sphere and influenced succeeding generations of rockers.
Pompadoured, mustachioed, slathered with pancake makeup and popping his mascara-painted eyes — “Ooh my soul, I’m the prettiest man in rock ‘n’ roll,” he declaimed — and graced with an ego as outsized as his personality and his voice, the daringly androgynous musician established himself as the wildest performer of his musical era.
Little Richard was an inaugural inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. Over the years, the flamboyant artist seemed to have had a complicated relationship with his own sexuality. Ebony reports in 1995 he told Penthouse Magazine, “I’ve been gay all my life and I know God is a God of love, not of hate.” In 2012, he shared with GQ Magazine, “We are all both male and female. Sex to me is like a smorgasbord. Whatever I feel like, I go for. What kind of sexual am I? I am omnisexual!” But then in 2017, during an interview with Three Angels Broadcasting Network, he seemed to recant it all:
“Anybody come in show business, they’re going to say you’re gay. Are you straight? Are you a homosexual something? They’re going to say it. But God, Jesus, he made men, men, he made women, women, you know? And you’ve got to live the way God wants you to live.”
In the past, he also experienced brief seizures that began coming more often. He’d had them before, but usually weeks between episodes. Friday night, he was very restless and couldn’t get comfortable. We were up most of the night watching him. On Saturday morning, we were already very concerned, but then the seizures came again. He had six episodes throughout the morning – each more violent than he has ever had. Heartbroken, we knew what we had to do. We had to be his “humans” and take his pain away. 
