National & International Obituaries

Coltrane, who died in 1967 at age 40, was a comet who lit up the sky, constantly refining his saxophone style and technique alongside his composing, bandleading and advocacy for younger colleagues.

New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert died recently, after a battle with cancer. NPR remembers the founding member of the punk rock bank.

Rose Friedman, who shaped NPR's arts and culture coverage over the past 15 years, died Sept. 17 at age 38.

Friedman was in her early 20s when she landed her first position as an editorial assistant at NPR. She became an editor and reporter, and a co-creator of the annual Books We Love reading guide.

Wilson, who died Sept. 1, spiced her singing with funk, hip-hop and blues. Kevin Whitehead offers an appreciation, and we listen back to Terry's 1988 interview with Wilson.

"Don't Let It Trouble Your Mind" is the prettiest kiss-off song you'll ever hear. Then there's "Run That By Me One More Time," a rowdy novelty duet, and the story-song "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy."

Dillard's work was characterized by spare prose and a deep connection to nature. She is best known for Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, An American Childhood, The Maytrees and The Writing Life.

Bob Mackie, designer of glitzy costumes for stage and screen, died Monday of pneumonia in Palm Springs, California.

The visionary costume and fashion designer was known as the "Sultan of Sequins" for his eye-catching celebrity looks.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem, died this week at 92, was influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, and groundwork laid by Black feminists.