R.I.P. Robert Schimmel

Robert Schimmel survives cancer and passes as a result of a car accident. R.I.P.

R.I.P. Greg Ladanyi

I just heard word that my friend Greg Ladanyi had passed away after sustaining severe head trauma caused by a freak accident while working with artist Anna Vissi in Greece. Greg's resume as a producer and engineer over the years was remarkable, working with Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, among others. Dying at the age of 57 is too young, especially for someone who took care of himself as Greg did. Such incidents offer a time for reflection on one's own life and just how precious and grateful one needs to be. R.I.P. Greg.

R.I.P. Skip Miller

I awoke to some sad news this morning learning that my friend, Skip Miller had died on Friday of cardiac arrest.  I met Skip under different circumstances than in the business.  We were neighbors and he and his wife would take evening strolls past our house with their dog while I would be out watching the children play.  After many social discussions, my wife said "Did you know Skip used to be the President of Motown?"  I had know idea the Skip that I had met, the one who I talked about street damage, dogs names, children, pressures of living in LA, etc. was the 'Skip Miller'.  What followed was a series of lunches where he opened up to me about his business dealings and most recently the passing of Michael Jackson, whom he had a relationship with and his family.  He was the closest person I knew to the Jackson world and his insight of what was going on offered me a perspective I would not had received anywhere else.  The changes in the business have brought about quite a bit of stress to those who had their footing in the old ways of doing it.  I'm hoping those stresses did not lead to his passing but it's hard not to think they didn't contribute.  Change affects many people and it's not always for the better.  I'll say a prayer today for my friend Skip Miller and his family knowing he's in a better place.  Although are time for knowing each other was short, R.I.P. my friend.

R.I.P.

I just heard news that Jim Dickinson has died. We also lost another great in Les Paul. Two musical giants in the same week. R.I.P.