I'm Really Bummed

I'm really bummed.

Jerry Orbach and Artie Shaw died this week.

Mr. Orbach, just 69 when he died of cancer, played the intelligent, abrasive, slightly misogynistic Lennie Briscoe on TV's "Law and Order," but he was so much more for so many years before. He had a lovely speaking voice (I think he gravelled it up for his role as Briscoe) and a very nice singing voice. (He originated the part of El Gallo in The Fantasticks, and I think he was the first Billy Flynn in the musical version of "Chicago" on Broadway.

Artie Shaw, who was reported to be on the decline before he died at 94, was a fantastic musician who couldn't take stardom. He was one of the musician/composers who defined the swing era. After retiring from music, he spent the second half of his life doing things he enjoyed, but fortunately, they were things that didn't result in much celebrity, gossip, or exposure to rabid fans. (His books are pretty good, though sometimes hard to find.) BTW, Artie Shaw was born Arthur Arshawsky.

Goodbye, guys. I'll miss you.