The departure in 1975 of the last Americans from Vietnam didn't only end a tragic chapter in the history of the two countries.

Ian Tyson, the Canadian folk singer who wrote the modern standard “Four Strong Winds” as one half of Ian & Sylvia and helped influence such future superstars as Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, has died at age 89.

Stephen Sondheim, the songwriter who reshaped the American musical theater in the second half of the 20th century, has died.