I’ve seen several different perspectives on the passing of Don LaFontaine, but I liked my buddy Terry’s thoughts:
Don LaFontaine, the King of Voiceovers, passed away in Los Angeles on Monday at the age of 68. Don died of complications relating to a collapsed lung.
Don’s magical voice appeared on over 5,000 movie trailers and 350,000 commercials. You’ve totally heard his voice a million times and you totally loved it. Don’s voice introduced the line “In a world…”
Don was also the “Fox Announcer” on the Family Guy. And of course, you can’t forget his GEICO commercial.
Country singer and actor Jerry Reed also passed away at the beginning of this week – Kristen Kaleal shares her own personal memories of Reed on her Keeping Up Appearances blog right here:
I just heard the Smokey and the Bandit music and then learned Jerry Reed passed away at 71 due to complications from emphysema.
I have a few good memories of him. I’ll bet anyone who is around my age can identify with all of these:
Of course, Snowman in the Smokey movies.
Coach Red Beaulieu in The Waterboy
Extra Credit:
And an episode of Scooby Doo – The Phantom of the Country Music Hall. Remember it? No one could find him – they could hear him singing because he was locked up in the basement.
One of my memories of Jerry Reed came courtesy of Eric Johnson, who paid tribute to Reed’s unique musical style on his most recent album Bloom with a song called “Tribute to Jerry Reed.”
Eric Johnson – Tribute to Jerry Reed
Licorice Pizza has a nice remembrance of Reed, and also a couple of tunes.
Relevant Links:
Don LaFontaine official website
Jerry Reed information from Wikipedia
Purchase The Essential Jerry Reed – CD
Purchase the Eric Johnson album Bloom – CD or MP3
my co-workers were all like “who’s jerry reed?” i was appalled…
Todd – ouch!