Articles written by Michelle Gist

Michelle Gist, Special to the Observer|Updated Jan 17, 2026

Donald Drowty, remembered both for his music and his lifelong commitment to helping others, passed away at the age of 87 on December 28, 2025, leaving a legacy of creativity, compassion, and service. Don was best known as a member of Dante and the Evergreens, the early rock-and-roll group that helped define the West Coast sound of the late 1950s. As part of the group, he contributed to music that brought joy to countless listeners and secured a lasting place in American...