As the New Year emerges and we reflect on the events and news of 2009, we recall some of the highlights at CMG, but most importantly we remember and pay homage to the legacies that passed on because so often we are entrusted in protecting their rights.

First, CMG has had a notable year with several accomplishments and media attention which include CMG and Mark Roesler being featured on the season premiere of 60 Minutes in an exclusive interview by renowned journalist, Steve Kroft. In addition we were featured on the airwaves of major networks like CNN, NBC, and FOX and in news and magazine articles across the world.

CMG’s achievements this year are apparent in its excellent marketing programs. A very few examples of this include a Marilyn Monroe inspired Dolce & Gabbana Women’s Fall Collection, a new line of Bettie Page Lingerie, and Frank Lloyd Wright architectural Lego sets.

CMG is also proud to have welcomed several high-profile clients to the CMG family that have had an impact in the entertainment, sports, and music fields which include: “Kill Bill” actor, David Carradine; “Around the World in 80 Days” star, David Niven; dance performers, the Nicholas Brothers; member of the “Rat Pack”, Peter Lawford; Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends’, The Shannon Twins; actress, Virginia Mayo; “Santa Baby” singer, Eartha Kitt; the ‘Queen of Halloween,’ Elvira; renown pianist, Liberace; world-traveler, Aloha Wanderwell; pool player, Minnesota Fats; opera singer, Marian Anderson; and the 1985 Superbowl Shuffle.

Unfortunately this year the world lost some of the most legendary celebrities that lit up the screens and lent their talent to the arts. The surprising news of Michael Jackson’s death struck a chord with the world and is one of the most widely known celebrity deaths of 2009. The ‘King of Pop’ who broke innumerable boundaries in the music and entertainment industries passed away on June 25, just before a series of 50 comeback concerts were scheduled.

The most recent passing of Brittany Murphy adds another high-profile death. The talented starlet was best remembered for her roles in “Clueless,” “8 Mile,” and “Girl, Interrupted.”

Some celebrities like Michael Jackson and Brittany Murphy died without warning, others like Farrah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze had a very public struggle with a chronic illness.

Farrah Fawcett passed away after her long battle with cancer on the same day as Michael Jackson. She was best known for her role in “Charlie’s Angels.”

While Patrick Swayze passed away on September 17 after his struggle with pancreatic cancer; he will always be remembered in our hearts for his memorable roles in “Dirty Dancing”, “Ghost”, and many more very popular movies.

Among other actors and actresses who passed and touched our lives in many ways were Tony-winning stage actress, Natasha Richardson; The Golden Girls starlet, Bea Arthur; “The Cannon Ball Run” and “Blazing Saddles” actor Dom DeLuise; “Kung Fu” star David Carradine; Johnny Carson’s sidekick on “The Tonight Show”, Ed McMahon; renown film director, John Hughes; and Academy Award and Emmy winning actor, Karl Madden.

In addition, television journalism lost two legendary founding fathers, Walter Cronkite and Don Hewitt.
We also said goodbye to NFL players Steve McNair and Chris Henry, and veteran basketball coach Chuck Daly.

In politics, we mourned the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy, his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and former U.S. Housing Secretary Jack Kemp.

The music industry lost Ventures guitarist Bob Bogie, blues legend Koko Taylor, guitarist Les Paul, Mary Travers of the famed singing group Peter, Paul, and Mary, and “DJ AM” Adam Goldstein. We also lost best-selling authors Dominick Dunne, Frank McCourt and John Updike.

Widely recognized celebrity pitch personalities like Oxiclean’s Billy Mays and the famous Taco Bell Chihuahua “Gidget” also passed away.

All of these celebrities and the legends who have died before them have left their mark on society. They may be gone, but they are not forgotten. During their overtly public lives, they entertained us and we admired and envied their ability to express themselves idiosyncratically as individuals. Just like icons such as James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Babe Ruth, their legacies will live on for generations to come through their contributions to the arts, music, sports, and popular culture. Here at CMG, we are honored and humbled to represent many of the legends that passed away and we are proud to play our part in carrying on their legacy to future generations.