Ray Whitley's Summer Hits

The sounds of summer hit a somber note with the death of songwriter Ray Whitley.

Arthur Hiller (1923 - 2016), Love Story director

Arthur Hiller, the director of the movie “Love Story,” died Aug. 17, 2016, according to multiple news sources. He was 92.

Robert Vaughn (1932–2016), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. star

Actor Robert Vaughn was known for "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," "The Magnificent Seven," and "Superman III."

Gardnar Mulloy (1913 - 2016), tennis champion

Gardnar Mulloy, a former No. 1 professional tennis player from the United States, died Nov. 14, 2016, in Miami, Florida, according to multiple news sources. He was 102 and would have celebrated his 103rd birthday next week.

Sonny Geraci (1947 - 2017) Time Won't Let Me singer

Sonny Geraci was theformer lead singer for the Outsiders, known for their song Time Won19t Let Me.

Owen Garriott (1930–2019), Skylab and space shuttle astronaut

NASA astronaut Owen Garriott spent a total of 70 days in space.

Chris McNair (1926–2019), father of 1963 Birmingham bombing victim

Chris McNair was the father of Denise McNair, one of the four young girls killed when KKK members bombed the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1963. McNair, a photographer, went on to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives, elected in 1973 as one of the state's first African-American congressmen since Reconstruction. He later served on the Jefferson County Commission. In 2006, he was found guilty of bribery and conspiracy and served two years in prison. He was released just before the 50th anniversary of the church bombing.

Allen Garfield (1939–2020), “Nashville,” “The Conversation” actor

Allen Garfield was a character actor best known for roles in films including “Nashville” and “The Conversation.”

Michael K. Williams (1966–2021), actor who starred in “The Wire”

Michael K. Williams was an actor best known for his portrayal of stickup man Omar Little in the HBO drama “The Wire.”

Eiichi Yamamoto (1940–2021), anime pioneer known for “Belladonna of Sadness”

Eiichi Yamamoto was a Japanese amine pioneer who directed and co-wrote classics of the genre including "Belladonna of Sadness," “Astro Boy” and “Kimba the White Lion.”

Michael Callan (1935–2022), “West Side Story,” “Cat Ballou” star

Michael Callan was an actor who originated the role of Riff in “West Side Story” on Broadway and starred opposite Jane Fonda in “Cat Ballou.”

Floyd Sneed (1942–2023), Three Dog Night drummer

Floyd Sneed was the drummer for Three Dog Night, known for hits including “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come.”

Ben Helfgott (1929–2023), Holocaust survivor and Olympian

Ben Helfgott was a Holocaust survivor who went on to compete in the Olympics as a weightlifter, then spent his life advocating for and supporting his fellow survivors.

Aston Barrett (1946–2024), bassist for Bob Marley & the Wailers

Aston “Family Man” Barrett was the bandleader and bass player for and the Wailers and helped create the reggae sound.

Christopher Ciccone (1960–2024), artist and Madonna’s brother

Christopher Ciccone was an artist and interior designer who was art director for his sister Madonna’s “Blonde Ambition” tour and later wrote a tell-all book about their life together.

Jesse Colin Young (1941–2025), Youngbloods frontman

Jesse Colin Young was the founder and frontman of the band the Youngbloods, best known for their enduring classic about peace, “Get Together,” originally written by Chet Powers.0