NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Musician JJ Cale dies; wrote Clapton, Skynyrd hits

Musician JJ Cale, an influential performer and producer who wrote “After Midnight” for Eric Clapton and “Call Me the Breeze” for Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died. He was 74.

Cale’s manager Mike Kappus told The Associated Press that the architect of the Tulsa Sound died Friday of a heart attack at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, Calif.

Born John Weldon Cale in Oklahoma City, he cut a wide path through 1970s rock ’n’ roll. A former member of the Grand Ole Opry touring company, Cale never rose to the level of success of his admirers, but his fingerprints could be heard all over the genre in the 1970s, and his music remains influential.

‘Glee’ actor says Monteith was the show’s leader

beverly hills, calif.

“Glee” cast member Mike O’Malley says Cory Monteith, who died earlier this month of a drug overdose, was a leader on the show.

O’Malley plays Burt Hummel, dad to Chris Colfer’s Kurt on the show. He told the Television Critics Association on Saturday that Monteith was a welcoming colleague, a talented actor and a great guy. O’Malley said Monteith, who played quarterback Finn, was the quarterback on the set as well.

The 31-year-old Monteith was found dead July 13 in a hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, and an autopsy revealed he died of an overdose of heroin and alcohol.

O’Malley will star in a father’s role in the new NBC comedy “Welcome to the Family,” to premiere in October.

“Glee” will begin its fifth season Sept. 26, a week later than scheduled. A tribute episode to Monteith is planned.

Associated Press