American music stars died in Parkinson's disease

Here are 12 famous musicians from United States of America died in Parkinson's disease:

Stefan Wolpe

Stefan Wolpe (August 25, 1902 Berlin-April 4, 1972 New York City) also known as Wolpe, Stefan was an American , .

Discography: Remembering the Dancemaster, Compositions for Piano (piano: David Holzman) and .

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Jim Backus

Jim Backus (February 25, 1913 Cleveland-July 3, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as James Gilmore Backus, James G. Backus, James Backus or James Gilmore "Jim" Backus was an American actor, voice actor and writer.

Backus had a long and successful career in Hollywood, appearing in over 100 films and numerous television shows. He is best known for his role as Thurston Howell III on the classic TV series "Gilligan's Island," as well as for providing the voice of the character Mr. Magoo in the animated television series of the same name.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Backus got his start in acting during his time at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He began his career in radio and made his film debut in the 1948 film "Easy Living."

Outside of acting, Backus was also a talented writer and wrote several screenplays and books, including his autobiography "Only When I Laugh." He was also active in politics and was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party.

In his personal life, Backus was married to his wife Henny for over 46 years and the couple had four children together. He passed away from pneumonia in 1989 at the age of 76.

Throughout his career, Jim Backus received numerous accolades for his work in the entertainment industry. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the TV series "Gilligan's Island" and also received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition to his iconic roles on television, Backus also appeared in several notable films, including "Rebel Without a Cause," "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," and "The Aristocats."

Backus was also a noted philanthropist and was actively involved with several charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes and the Actors' Fund of America. He was particularly passionate about supporting education and helped to establish the Jim Backus-Childhelp School in the late 1970s, which provided specialized education for children who had experienced abuse or neglect.

Despite his success and wealth, Backus remained a humble and down-to-earth individual throughout his life. He was known for his quick wit, love of practical jokes, and overall sense of humor. His legacy as a talented actor, writer, and philanthropist continues to be celebrated today.

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Jimmy Knepper

Jimmy Knepper (November 22, 1927 Los Angeles-June 14, 2003 Triadelphia) otherwise known as Knepper, Jimmy was an American trombonist.

His albums include The Pepper - Knepper Quintet, I Dream Too Much, 1st Place and Pussy Cat Dues "The Music of Charles Mingus". Genres he performed: Jazz.

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Louie Bellson

Louie Bellson (July 6, 1924 Rock Falls-February 14, 2009 Los Angeles) also known as Louis Bellson, Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni or The Tonight Show Band was an American drummer, musician, composer and bandleader. He had two children, Dee Dee Belson and Tony Bellson.

His albums: The Concord Jazz Heritage Series, Black, Brown & Beige, The Louie Bellson Explosion, Prime Time, Thunderbird, Skin Deep, Cool, Cool Blue, Don't Stop Now!, Are You Ready for This? and Jazz Giants. His related genres: Jazz.

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Matt Robinson

Matt Robinson (January 1, 1937 Philadelphia-August 5, 2002 Los Angeles) also known as Matthew Thomas Robinson, Jr. was an American screenwriter, actor and voice actor. He had two children, Holly Robinson Peete and Matt Robinson.

Matt Robinson was best known for his work on the popular children's television show, Sesame Street. He was instrumental in the creation of the character, Gordon Robinson, and was the original actor to portray the role. Robinson was also a talented screenwriter and wrote for numerous television shows, including The Bill Cosby Show and Sanford and Son. Additionally, he was a voice actor and provided voices for the animated shows The Flintstones, and The Jetsons. Robinson was also an activist and worked for social justice causes throughout his life. He died in 2002 at the age of 65 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Robinson was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and was actively involved in the struggle for equality and justice. He participated in the March on Washington and was a close friend of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. In addition to his work on Sesame Street, Robinson was also a producer for the show and helped to shape its long-lasting legacy in children's television. He was the first African American to win a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Children's Series. Despite his success, Robinson never lost sight of his commitment to social justice and continued to work on behalf of marginalized communities throughout his life. His impact on the entertainment industry and his contributions to the fight for civil rights will always be remembered.

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Zez Confrey

Zez Confrey (April 3, 1895 Peru-November 22, 1971 Lakewood) also known as Confrey, Zez was an American , .

His discography includes: Piano Music (feat. piano: Eteri Andjaparidze), Piano Rolls and Scores, Kitten on the Keys / My Pet and .

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Bob Montgomery

Bob Montgomery (May 12, 1937 Lampasas-December 4, 2014) also known as Montgomery, Bob, Bobby Montgomery or Montgomery, Bobby was an American record producer, songwriter and singer.

His albums: Holly in the Hills.

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Franck Pourcel

Franck Pourcel (August 14, 1913 Marseille-November 12, 2000 Neuilly-sur-Seine) also known as Frank Pourcel, Pourcel, Franck or J.W. Stole was an American bandleader, musician and conductor.

Discography: This Is Pourcel, Concorde, 100 All Time Greatest Hits, Somewhere My Love, Succès de Films, Classics: Franck Pourcel Conducts, Originals, Volume 3, Originals, Volume 4, Originals, Volume 2 and . Genres related to him: Easy listening.

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Leonard Pennario

Leonard Pennario (July 9, 1924 Buffalo-June 27, 2008) a.k.a. Pennario, Leonard was an American pianist.

His discography includes: Great American Piano I.

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Jerry Haynes

Jerry Haynes (January 31, 1927 Dallas-September 26, 2011 Longview) also known as Jerome Martin Haynes, Jerome Martin "Jerry" Haynes or Mr. Peppermint was an American actor. He had one child, Gibby Haynes.

Discography: Mr. Peppermint.

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Barney Childs

Barney Childs (February 13, 1926 Spokane-January 11, 2000) was an American , .

Barney Childs was an American composer and pianist. He is best known for his contributions to avant-garde music, particularly in the realm of electronic and experimental works. Childs was a member of the University of Redlands music faculty for many years and was active in the musical community, championing the works of other innovative composers. He also received several prestigious awards and honors for his own compositions, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts Composer Grant.

In addition to his electronic and experimental works, Barney Childs was also known for his compositions for traditional instruments, particularly chamber music. He was heavily influenced by the writings of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, and his compositions often explored themes of darkness, violence, and spirituality. Childs was a founding member of the Sonic Arts Union, an avant-garde music collective that focused on developing new and unconventional approaches to music-making. His music has been performed by a wide range of ensembles and musicians, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease in his later years, Childs remained active in the music world until his death in 2000. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important and innovative American composers of the 20th century.

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Richard Robbins

Richard Robbins (December 4, 1940 South Weymouth-November 7, 2012 Rhinebeck) also known as Richard Stephen Robbins or Robbins was an American film score composer and pianist.

His discography includes: Howards End, Maurice, Surviving Picasso, The Mystic Masseur, The Remains of the Day, A Room With a View and Mr. & Mrs. Bridge.

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