27/01/2025
Norwich, GB 7 C
Researching and reporting on the lives of some really interesting people (RIP)

SHIGEICHI NEGISHI, aged 100

A former prisoner of war, he owned an electrical company and invented the karaoke machine – although he didn’t make any money from it. He made people happy.

PRINCESS IRA von FURSTENBERG, aged 83

An Italian princess who married young, into the jet set, she became an actress, a model, a fashion designer and a renown artist, mixing with the rich, powerful and famous.

JO-CARROLL DENNISON, aged 97

Brought up in a travelling show she went on to be a beauty queen winning Miss America. A wartime pin-up and actress she started to fight for women’s rights.

LILY SAFRA, aged 87

Born in South America, she married four times, becoming one of the world’s richest women and a major philantropist. But two of her husbands died in mysterious circumstances.

DENNIS LOTIS, aged 97

A South African crooner he became a music superstar and a terrible actor. He was involved in a pioneering TV moment and sold eggs to the stars.

LOUISE TOBIN, aged 104

A talented jazz singer from Texas she sang with Benny Goodman. She discovered Frank Sinatra and made a formidable partnership with her husband Peanuts Hacko.

JOYCE BRYANT, aged 95

Growing up in a strict religious family she became a singing superstar in the1950s, breaking down race barriers. She moved into opera before becoming a recluse – the forgotten superstar.

ROMMY HUNT REVSON, aged 79

A talented New York nightclub singer, she had problems with her hair. So, she invented a hair accessory which she named after her dog – and became a millionaire.