Dallas Observer | The Leading Independent News Source in Dallas, Texas

'The Elvis of Metal': Ozzy Osbourne's Influence Is Forever in Dallas

By Christian McPhate

Jul 23, 2025

A tribute to the Black Sabbath leader and pioneer of the heavy metal genre by a fan who saw him at Ozzfest in Texas.

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath Leader, Dies at 76: A Look at Some of His Dallas Headlines

By Eric Diep

Jul 22, 2025

A pioneering musician and reality star who influenced heavy metal’s earsplitting sound has passed away.

How to Contribute to Memorials for Camp Mystic Flooding Victims From Dallas

By Emma Ruby

Jul 10, 2025

The funds will honor the little girls’ legacies by supporting animal rescues, scholarships and ministry efforts.

Denton-Born Sly Stone Dies at 82

By Simon Pruitt

Jun 9, 2025

The legendary soul musician and frontman of The Family Stone died today.

Chris Penn, Owner of Good Records, Has Died

By Kelly Dearmore

Apr 24, 2025

Known in Dallas for decades for his big personality and permanent smile, Penn touched many with his love of music.

Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman and Warren Beatty in Bonnie and Clyde, about the infamous Texas outlaws.

Gene Hackman Was Hollywood Royalty, But He Embodied Texas

By Liam Gaughan

Feb 27, 2025

The legendary actor first made his mark in Texas films such as "Bonnie and Clyde."

North Texas Was Never Out of Mind in the World of David Lynch

By Liam Gaughan

Jan 17, 2025

The filmmaker's ties to North Texas included the actors, musicians and locations that inspired his work.

Notable North Texas Deaths in 2024

By Kelly Dearmore

Dec 26, 2024

These people left undeniable marks on North Texas.

In Memoriam: Remembering Those We Lost in the Dallas Music Scene in 2024

By David Fletcher

Dec 16, 2024

Native to North Texas or not, these people made a profound impact on our musical community and its fans.

Dallas Honors Legacy of Ron McKeown, Chronicler of Texas Music History

By Preston Jones

Nov 25, 2024

The former publisher of Buddy magazine, who died on Sept. 5 in Sulphur Springs, will be celebrated at Poor David's Pub on Dec. 1.

North Texas Music Community Mourns Loss of 'Treasure' Mark Ridlen

By David Fletcher

Nov 19, 2024

Dallas lost a true champion of the local music scene with the death of DJ "Mr. Rid," Mark Ridlen, last weekend.

Kris Kristofferson performs during A Look Into The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson on The Steps at WME on October 26, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kris Kristofferson Was Always Exactly Where He Was Meant To Be

By Preston Jones

Sep 30, 2024

The iconoclastic singer-songwriter and actor, who died Sept. 28, was a deeply influential, award-winning artist.

Daron Beck (left), shown here with Pinkish Black bandmate John Teague, died on Thursday.

North Texas Musicians Remember 'Genius' Daron Beck, Who Died Thursday

By Carly May Gravley

Aug 23, 2024

The Pinkish Black vocalist, who died on Thursday, is remembered by friends and colleagues as brilliant, funny and a true original.

John Freeman, (as "Johnny Murder" of The Psychos!) was a permanent fixture in the early 2000s. His mark will not be forgotten.

When John Freeman Died Last Week, So Did a Bit of the Soul of Dallas Music

By Darci Ratliff

Aug 19, 2024

The North Texas music scene owes a great debt to the late John Freeman for making it that much more exciting.

Houston Rapper BeatKing Dies at 39

By Carly May Gravley

Aug 16, 2024

The rapper and producer suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism on Thursday.

RIP Shaun Martin, Dallas Music Icon

By Preston Jones and Bryson "Boom" Paul

Aug 5, 2024

Grammy-winning producer, arranger, composer and musician Shaun Martin was only 45 years old. A tribute to his life and work is scheduled for mid-September.

WTF, Zac?!

By Patrick Williams

Jul 18, 2024

Zac Crain leaves us. Dammit.

Fort Worth Actress Shelley Duvall Dead at 75

By Samantha Thornfelt

Jul 11, 2024

The North Texas-born actress died just four days after her 75th birthday from complications of diabetes.

Veteran Texas Music Journalist and Historian Michael Corcoran Has Died at 68

By Vanessa Quilantan

Jul 3, 2024

The long-revered music critic and Texas music history expert will be remembered for his singular voice.

Texas Mourns Folk Hero and Political Satirist Kinky Friedman

By Vanessa Quilantan

Jun 28, 2024

Saying goodbye to the renowned Texas author, musician and fringe politician -- Kinky Friedman.

Obituaries

Keyboard Bob Has Passed Away

Deep Ellum Remembers Keyboard Bob: 'Always Grateful'

Obituaries

Keyboard Bob Has Passed Away

Deep Ellum Remembers Keyboard Bob: 'Always Grateful'

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