Warren Zevon
1947-2003
Mordant singer-songwriter
Cause of Death: Lung cancer
Life After Death: In 2002 the heavy-smoking Zevon was diagnosed with cancer and given three months to live. In fact, he survived for over a year--in which time he was the subject of a VH1 documentary, appeared as the sole guest on an episode of The Late Show With David Letterman and recorded a CD, The Wind. Released two weeks before his death, the album debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard charts (its predecessor had failed to crack the top 200).
Mr. Bad Example: Both a one-hit wonder and a much-covered songwriter whose titles have so far inspired two movies (Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead and I'll Sleep When I'm Dead), Zevon's legacy is peculiarly diverse. But it's safe to say that "Werewolves of London" will feature on radio stations' Halloween playlists until the universe implodes.
Peer Plaudits: As soon as Zevon's condition was made public, Bob Dylan began including a range of his songs in his live shows, while a 2004 tribute album featured Dylan, Springsteen and the Pixies. Last year another covers CD, Hurry Home Early, was recorded by up-and-coming artists.
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Warren Zevon's cancer had no connection with smoking. As a matter of fact, Zevon had given up smoking several years before his diagnosis. More to the point, he dies of mesothelioma, a cancer not of the lungs but of the lining of the lungs. Meso is NOT caused by smoking. The only known cause of meso is exposure to asbestos. Please check your facts before posting them -- this is what gives blogging a bad name.
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