British music stars died at age 52

Here are 4 famous musicians from United Kingdom died at 52:

Barry Sheene

Barry Sheene (September 11, 1950 London-March 10, 2003 Gold Coast) also known as Barry Stephen Frank Sheene or Sheene was a British motorcycle racer. His children are Sidonie Sheene and Freddie Sheene.

Sheene is considered one of the greatest motorcycle racers in history, having won two consecutive World Championships in 1976 and 1977. He was also known for his flamboyant personality and daredevil racing style, which won him a legion of fans around the world. Sheene was also a pioneer in motorcycle safety, having been instrumental in the development of modern racing helmets and leathers. After retiring from racing, Sheene worked as a television commentator and continued to have an active role in the motorcycling community. He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

Sheene's interest in motorcycles started at a very young age, and he began racing at the age of 17. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his Grand Prix debut in 1970 at the Spanish Grand Prix. Sheene was known for his rivalry with fellow motorcycle racer Kenny Roberts, and the two engaged in some of the most memorable battles in the sport's history.

In addition to his racing achievements, Sheene was also a successful businessman, owning and operating several motorcycle dealerships in the UK and Australia. He was involved in many charitable causes throughout his life, including raising awareness and funds for the Meningitis Trust.

Sheene's impact on the sport of motorcycling is still felt today, with many modern racers citing him as an inspiration. His legacy continues through the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed, an annual event held in the UK to celebrate his life and achievements.

Sheene's racing career was not without its challenges, however. During the 1975 Daytona 200, he suffered a horrific crash that left him with several broken bones and a serious concussion. Despite this setback, he returned to racing just months later and continued to win races and championships.

Sheene's success on the track brought him fame and fortune, and he became a celebrity both in the UK and around the world. He appeared in numerous television shows and commercials, and his charismatic personality made him a favorite of the media.

In addition to his motorcycle racing career, Sheene was also an accomplished car racer. He competed in the British Touring Car Championship and even took part in the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race in 1985.

Sheene's life was cut short in 2003 when he passed away at the age of 52. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time lives on, and he will always be remembered for his skill, his bravery, and his larger-than-life personality.

He died as a result of stomach cancer.

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Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (November 2, 1767 Buckingham Palace-January 23, 1820 Sidmouth) was a British personality. His child is Queen Victoria.

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn was the fourth son of King George III and Queen Charlotte. He had a successful military career, serving in Canada and later in Gibraltar. In 1818, he became the governor of Gibraltar.

Prince Edward married Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1818 and their daughter, Victoria, was born the following year. Unfortunately, Prince Edward did not live to see his daughter become queen as he died in 1820 at the age of 52.

Despite his relatively low profile during his lifetime, his legacy lives on through his daughter and her descendants who continue to reign over the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.

In addition to his military career, Prince Edward was known for his love of the arts and education. He was a patron of the Royal Academy of Arts and supported the creation of the University of London. He also had a keen interest in science and was a member of the Royal Society.Prince Edward was considered to be a kind and optimistic person, and he was often described as compassionate and understanding. He had a reputation for being a philanthropist and supported a number of charitable causes during his lifetime, including the founding of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Prince Edward's death came as a shock to many, and his funeral was attended by members of the royal family, as well as representatives from around the world. Although he did not live to see his daughter become queen, his contributions to British society and his legacy as a kind and charitable person continue to be celebrated today.

After Prince Edward's death, his wife Princess Victoria raised their daughter Victoria with the help of her sons from her first marriage. The princess was known for being strict and protective with her daughter, which some historians believe contributed to Victoria's reserved and introverted personality.Prince Edward also had a notable interest in travel and adventure, exploring various parts of Europe during his lifetime. He was also known for his involvement in Freemasonry, which he saw as a way to promote philanthropy and moral values.Prince Edward was the last British prince to hold the title of Duke of Kent and Strathearn, as the title became extinct after his death. However, his legacy as a devoted family man and a philanthropist who cared deeply about education and the arts continues to inspire people around the world.

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James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin

James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin (July 20, 1811 London-November 20, 1863 Dharamsala) a.k.a. James Bruce Elgin was a British personality. He had one child, Victor Bruce, 9th Earl of Elgin.

James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin was a distinguished British statesman and colonial administrator. He served as Governor of Jamaica, Governor of Canada, and Viceroy of India. Elgin's most significant achievement during his time as Viceroy of India was the introduction of the Indian Civil Service. He was also responsible for improving the education system in India by establishing universities and schools.

Elgin's tenure as Governor-General of Canada saw the implementation of responsible government in the province of Canada, which paved the way for full self-government for Canada. He was also responsible for negotiating the Reciprocity Treaty with the United States, which significantly increased trade between the two countries.

Aside from his political career, Elgin was an avid collector of art and artifacts. He amassed a large collection of Chinese porcelain and jade, Japanese lacquerware, and Egyptian antiquities.

Elgin suffered a fatal heart attack while on a tour of India in 1863, leaving behind his son, Victor Bruce, who would later become the 9th Earl of Elgin.

During his time as Governor-General of Canada, James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, faced significant challenges. The rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada had left the country politically unstable, and Elgin was tasked with restoring order. Despite facing public criticism for his actions, Elgin successfully pushed for responsible government, which gave Canadians more control over their own affairs. He also helped to negotiate the union of Canada in 1867, which brought together the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Elgin's time in India was marked by a focus on modernization and reform. He established the Department of Public Works, which was responsible for building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. He also worked to abolish the practice of sati, or widow burning, and introduced new laws that increased the rights of Indian women.

In addition to his political accomplishments, James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, was also known as an accomplished athlete. He was an avid rower, and in 1849, he won the pairs race at the Henley Royal Regatta.

Today, Elgin is remembered as an important figure in British colonial history, particularly for his contributions to Canada and India. His collection of art and artifacts, which he donated to the British Museum, is also considered to be one of the finest in the world.

Elgin's family had a long history of diplomatic and administrative service to the British Crown. His father, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, was known for his controversial decision to remove the Parthenon Marbles from Greece, which are now housed in the British Museum. James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, continued this legacy of service, holding various diplomatic posts before being appointed Governor of Jamaica in 1842.

During his time in Jamaica, Elgin worked to improve conditions for freed slaves and oversaw the implementation of new legislation that gave them greater rights. He also worked to suppress a rebellion that broke out in the country in 1843.

After leaving Jamaica, Elgin was appointed Governor-General of the Province of Canada in 1847. He faced political unrest in the country, as well as economic challenges and tensions between English and French Canadians. Despite these challenges, Elgin was able to implement responsible government and negotiate the Reciprocity Treaty with the United States, which helped to boost trade and economic growth in Canada.

Elgin's appointment as Viceroy of India in 1861 came at a time of significant change and upheaval in the country. He worked to modernize and reform various institutions, including the judiciary, military, and education system. His introduction of the Indian Civil Service helped to create a professional and independent administrative class in the country.

Elgin was also a fervent supporter of the arts and culture, and he championed the preservation and restoration of many historic monuments and buildings in India. He established the Archaeological Survey of India, which was responsible for cataloguing and maintaining the country's many archaeological sites and artifacts.

Elgin's sudden death in Dharamsala in 1863 was a shock to many, and his legacy has been subject to both praise and criticism over the years. However, he remains an influential and important figure in colonial and diplomatic history, and his contributions to the countries he served continue to be felt today.

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Trafford Leigh-Mallory

Trafford Leigh-Mallory (July 11, 1892 Mobberley-November 14, 1944 French Alps) was a British personality.

Trafford Leigh-Mallory was a key figure during World War II serving as a Royal Air Force commander. He played a significant role in the Allied victory at the Battle of Britain as leader of Number 12 Group. He was also influential in planning the D-Day landings and ensuing operations in France. However, his legacy was marred by controversy, with some accusing him of making critical errors during the war. His death in the French Alps was a result of a transport plane crash while he was on his way to meet with General Eisenhower. Despite the criticisms, Leigh-Mallory remains one of the most prominent figures in British military history.

Trafford Leigh-Mallory was educated at Winchester College and the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, where he trained as an officer in the British Army. He later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and became a fighter pilot during World War I. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in air combat.

After the war, Leigh-Mallory served as a staff officer and a flying instructor before being appointed as the Deputy Director of Operations and Intelligence in the newly formed Royal Air Force. He was promoted to Air Vice Marshal in 1938 and given command of Number 12 Group in 1940.

During the Battle of Britain, Leigh-Mallory's group was responsible for defending the Midlands and the North of England against German attacks. He introduced new tactics, such as the "Big Wing" formation, which involved massing several squadrons of fighters together to attack German bomber formations. These tactics were controversial and sparked a debate among senior commanders about the most effective way to counter German air attacks.

In 1942, Leigh-Mallory was appointed as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Air Force in charge of planning and executing air operations during the invasion of Europe. He worked closely with General Dwight D. Eisenhower to coordinate air support for the D-Day landings and subsequent operations in France.

Leigh-Mallory's death in 1944 was a significant loss for the Allied effort in Europe. His legacy remains a subject of debate among historians, with some praising his contributions to the war effort and others criticizing his decisions and tactics.

Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Trafford Leigh-Mallory was a highly respected figure among his colleagues and subordinates. He was known for his calm and professional demeanor, as well as his strategic thinking and leadership abilities. He was also a gifted public speaker who was able to inspire and motivate his troops.

One of Leigh-Mallory's most significant contributions to the war effort was his role in developing the airborne assault tactics used during the D-Day landings. He recognized the potential of using gliders and paratroopers to disable German defenses and secure key objectives behind enemy lines. This strategy proved to be highly effective and was a major factor in the success of the invasion.

Leigh-Mallory's legacy is a complex one, with both his achievements and failures being subject to scrutiny. Some have credited him with being a pioneer of modern air warfare, while others have criticized his decisions and tactics as being misguided and costly. Nonetheless, his contributions to the Allied victory in World War II cannot be denied, and he remains an important figure in the history of British military aviation.

He died in aviation accident or incident.

Read more about Trafford Leigh-Mallory on Wikipedia »

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