In memoriam
• David Cassidy, who came to fame as a ‘70s teen hearthrob and lead singer on “The Partridge Family,” died Tuesday at the age of 67. Cassidy was in critical condition and suffering from organ failure before his death.
“Very hard to ‘Get Happy’ right now. My condolences to his family, loved ones and the millions who idolized him around the world.” — Mark Hamill
“Heartbroken over the passing of David Cassidy. He graced the covers of teen magazines with my brothers in the ’70s.” —Marie Osmond
• Mel Tillis, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member, died Sunday at the age of 85. In his six-decade career, the colorful personality recorded more than 60 albums, notched three dozen top 10 singles an wrote several hit songs that are now regarded as classics.
“Kindest man I’ve ever known. .. Gonna be some great country music in heaven this Sunday.” — Billy Ray Cyrus
“Some of my most cherished memories are the times I spent with Mel Tillis. Many, many great memories. From fishing, to just having a beer, to him crashing my concert.” — Blake Shelton
• Della Reese, who rose to fame as a jazz singer and found television stardom on the drama “Touched by an Angel,” died Monday at age 86.
“Della Reese personified grace, strength and talent. Each time we talked, I felt inspired in some way. She had that gift. Rest in peace.” –Larry King
“Della Reese was a genius. Her range as an actor was endless. I remains heavily influenced by her work.” — Orlando Jones
• Malcolm Young, guitarist and co-founder of AC/ DC, died last Saturday at the age of 64. Young had been suffering with dementia for the past three years, an illness that forced his retirement from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted legendary band he founded with his brother Angus in 1973. “It is a sad day in rock and roll.” — Eddie Van Halen “He was the founding member of AC/DC and the engine that roared behind the most powerful band in the world. .. Travel safely to the stars.” — Ryan Adams
• Charles Manson, the wild -eyed 1960s cult leader whose followers committed heinous murders that terrorized Los Angeles and shocked the nation, died last Sunday at age 83.