RIP Dennis Yost
– December 8, 2008Posted in: Obits
Books To Jump Up and Down Over
The Call by Yannick Murphy: The always interesting author of Here They Come and Signed, Mata Hari returns with a novel that whips up a worldview from a rather quirky set of limitations: namely, the call logs that a veterinarian maintains as his son is unexpectedly put into a coma and an unforgiving economy denies him work. What emerges is a surprisingly optimistic, often funny, and very moving account on how one family uses acceptance and forgiveness as a way to atone for hard knocks. (Bat Segundo interview with Murphy)
Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber: Forget Franzen and Eugenides. If you're looking for a social novel that counts, Diana Abu-Jaber is the author you're looking for. Building from the free-form exploration of consciousness and identity in Crescent and the gripping procedural structure of Origin, Abu-Jaber's latest novel is her finest, equally fluent with gutterpunk culture and smarmy real estate men. It has been suggested by The Washington Post's Ron Charles that you will likely gain some pounds while reading this novel. This is certainly true. Abu-Jaber's description of food is so precise that it often made me want to do more cooking. But I very much admired the way in which Abu-Jaber presents all her characters as unwitting victims of rough capitalism, which permits them some dignity even as they perform terrible acts.
The Last of the Live Nude Girls by Sheila McClear: This memoir isn't so much about the decline of the Times Square peepshow, as it is about one young woman's efforts to pull herself up by by her bootstraps when presented with few economic options. Filled with self-introspective candor and a quiet dignity, McClear's story is one that might befall any of us in these volatile times. While McClear does get back on her feet, her book leads one contemplating the terrible fates of other young women now moving to New York and falling into deadlier vocations. (Bat Segundo interview with McClear)
Who?
I’ll miss Dennis very much MY brother played Bass in his band for a number of years Bill Gilmore after Bill passed away dennis and I seem to get close we fished together some he loved to bass fish of course mine where bigger,He would love to hear that, God love you DY
I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis in the early 70′s, playing opposite the Classics IV at venues in Boston Mass. Great Guy. Sorry to hear of his untimely passing. Was out of touch with him for some years but later saw him at a club in R.I. in the late 70′s early 80′s (?). He immediately jumped out of his chair, and nearly shook my hand right off my arm. One of my , back in the day memories. There is a rock and roll heaven. I am sure he is up there, entertaining everyone with his soft, whispy , melodic , always on key voice. Just standing there, doing his thing, smiling. R.I.P
The sad news that Dennis Yost had passed away in December left me with a nostalgic feeling. It took me back to a time when great music played on the radio and those moments will never be recaptured again.
Dennis Yost was truly one of the great artists of the 1960′s and his music will live on for many more generations to come. It is hard to find a good song on the radio today and that is why the classics continue to be played.
I only hope that Dennis’ family gets the recognition and benefits of his many years of hard work in bringing us great songs that we will continue to enjoy!
A devoted fan, Cindy in NC