Sad news that Msistlav Rostropovich died just after celebrating his 80th birthday. Not only was he the greatest cellist ever, he was also a great conductor and a consummate pianist who regularly accompanied his wife Galina Vishnevskaya in Rachmaninov songs and thought nothing of tossing off large chunks of Rachmaninov concertos when called for. A close friend and drinking buddy of some of the 20th century's greatest composers (Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Britten), his death seems to mark the end of an era.
Rest in peace, Slava.

my radio station played his music all day yesterday.

Yes, same here. It is rarely that the death of a classical musician makes it to the news headlines, which must be a measure of his greatness.

...never heard of him

Where have you been then ? What Richter was to the piano, Rostropovich was to the cello - and much more.

Sadly, I do not listen to much Cello oreintated music. But I have heard of Yo-Yo Ma before!

I should take a look on amazon and see what I can find for Rostropovich.