National & International Obituaries

Saariaho, who battled a male-dominated educational system in her native Finland, forged a strong and singular voice in contemporary music.

Singer-songwriter Juan Carlos Formell was born into Cuban music royalty but forged his own path. He was the bassist for Los Van Van, one of the most influential bands from post-Revolution Cuba.

David Brandt, who died last week, was an Ohio farmer known for his pioneering work in no-till farming. But social media users knew him better as the overall-clad farmer from the "honest work" meme.

George Michael Todd, a combat medic in Afghanistan, helped grapple with his own PTSD and that of other vets by making a rap album called Combat Medicine. "Doc Todd" died earlier this month.

George Michael Todd — a generous, "gentle giant" — died of sudden cardiac death. He served in Afghanistan and returned home with PTSD. In 2017 he released an album called "Combat Medicine."

Tina Turner was a legendary performer who died this week at the age of 83. Some people think she didn't get the credit she truly deserved.

Despite her decades of electrifying performances and chart toppers, Tina Turner never came close to getting the credit she deserved for shaping a genre.

The pioneering vocalist, who played a pivotal role in the history of rock and soul music, had suffered a litany of health issues in recent years.

Kenneth Anger was a queer underground filmmaker whose bestselling book, Hollywood Babylon, purported to reveal the seamy side of a golden era.

Rick Hoyt, the man known for competing in the Boston Marathon from his wheelchair while his father pushed, has died from respiratory complications.