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  • Neil Genzlinger

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Sandy Nelson, Drummer Who Turned His Rhythms Into Hits, Dies at 83

His “Teen Beat” hit No. 4 in 1959, and more than 30 albums followed.

Jon Zazula, Early Promoter of Heavy Metal, Dies at 69

With his wife, Marsha, he founded Megaforce, a label that released the first albums of Metallica and others.

Jean-Jacques Beineix, ‘Cinema du Look’ Director, Dies at 75

His first feature, “Diva,” a visually unusual tale, is credited with starting a new, style-focused genre of filmmaking in France.

Don Wilson, Who Gave the Ventures Their Distinctive Rhythm, Dies at 88

He was a founder, with Bob Bogle, of what has been called the best-selling and most influential instrumental band in rock ’n’ roll history.

Fred Parris, Creator of a Doo-Wop Classic, Is Dead at 85

His “In the Still of the Night” (originally “Nite”), recorded with his group the Five Satins, came to define a sort of dreamy 1950s nostalgia.

Maria Ewing, Dramatically Daring Opera Star, Dies at 71

She sought to incorporate acting techniques in her singing rather than settle for predictable staging. Uncertainty about her heritage inspired her daughter, the actress Rebecca...

Bill Staines, Folk Music Mainstay, Dies at 74

Among his best-known songs were “River,” “The Roseville Fair” and a cross-generational classic, “A Place in the Choir.”

Stephen Lawrence, Whose Music Enriched ‘Sesame Street,’ Dies at 82

He composed the title song of the landmark album “Free to Be … You and Me.” He then moved on to Big Bird and friends.

Judith Davidoff, Master of Long-Dormant Instruments, Dies at 94

A master of the viola da gamba and other stringed instruments, she was a central part of the early-music scene.

Lee Kaufman, Who Cleaned Her Way to Late-Life Stardom, Dies at 99

When she and her husband, Morty, were featured in advertising spots for Swiffer products in their 90s, the public embraced them.