Ron Hynes, 'man of a thousand songs,' dead at 64

Ron Hynes the Legendary singer-songwriter, who documented hope and heartbreak in his native Newfoundland for decades with songs like Sonny's Dream and Atlantic Blue, has died at the age of 64.

Hynes, who had been battling cancer, was rushed to hospital earlier this week. Hynes, known for years as "the man of a thousand songs," was born in December 1950 in St. John's. He was raised in Ferryland.

Hynes released seven solo albums, starting with Discovery in 1972. The record holds the distinction of being the first made up of all original material from a Newfoundland artist. Read more >>>

Dead, Fred Thompson American politician and actor

Fred Thompson was born in Sheffield, Alabama on August 19, 1942, the son of Ruth Inez (née Bradley) and Fletcher Session Thompson (born Lauderdale County, Alabama, August 26, 1919, died Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, May 27, 1990), who was an automobile salesman.

Fred attended public school in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, graduating from Lawrence County High School, where he played high school football. Thereafter, he worked days in the local post office, and nights at the Murray bicycle assembly plant.

Fred Thompson then entered Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama), becoming the first member of his family to go to university.

He later transferred to Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis, where he earned a double degree in philosophy and political science in 1964, as well as scholarships to both Tulane and Vanderbilt University law schools.

Fred Thompson went on to earn his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Vanderbilt Law School in 1967.