Pathetic Facts

American musicians died at 55

Here are 11 famous musicians from United States of America died at 55:

B. Kliban

B. Kliban (January 1, 1935 Norwalk-August 12, 1990 San Francisco) a.k.a. Bernard Kliban or Bernard "Hap" Kliban was an American cartoonist. He had two children, Kalia Kliban and Sarah Kliban.

Kliban was known for his offbeat and absurd cartoons that often featured cats. He gained popularity through his cartoons in Playboy magazine in the 1960s and was later published in numerous other publications. Kliban also wrote and illustrated several books, including "Never Eat Anything Bigger Than Your Head" and "Whack Your Porcupine". He was a recipient of the National Cartoonist Society's Gag Cartoon Award and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Kliban's unique style and humor continue to influence cartoonists today.

Kliban's interest in art began in high school, where he developed his distinctive cartooning style. After serving in the army, he attended the Pratt Institute in New York and worked briefly as a graphic designer. However, he found mainstream advertising work unfulfilling and decided to pursue cartooning full time.

In addition to his work in Playboy, Kliban's cartoons were also featured in The New Yorker, Esquire, and other popular publications. He became particularly well-known for his depictions of cats in various absurd situations, inspiring a wave of cat-related humor that continues to this day.

Kliban's books, such as "Never Eat Anything Bigger Than Your Head" and "CAT", have become cult classics, beloved for their irreverent humor and quirky illustrations. Despite his success, Kliban remained a private and somewhat reclusive figure, shunning interviews and public appearances.

Today, Kliban is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential cartoonists of the late 20th century, whose work helped pave the way for a new era of humor and satire in American culture.

He died caused by pulmonary embolism.

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Janice E. Voss

Janice E. Voss (October 8, 1956 South Bend-February 6, 2012 Scottsdale) a.k.a. Janice Voss was an American engineer and astronaut.

She joined NASA in 1990 and went on to fly in space five times, logging a total of 49 days in orbit. Voss contributed to numerous research projects while in space, including research on the effects of weightlessness on the human body and the Earth's atmosphere. She was also involved in the development of the International Space Station. Before her career with NASA, Voss received a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and worked as a payload specialist for the Orbital Sciences Corporation. Throughout her life, Voss was known for her dedication to science and education, often speaking to students about the importance of pursuing careers in STEM fields. She died in 2012 at the age of 55 after a battle with breast cancer.

In addition to her accomplishments as an astronaut, Janice Voss was also an accomplished pilot and held a private pilot's license. She was also an avid scuba diver and enjoyed underwater photography. After her time at NASA, Voss worked as a professor of engineering at Purdue University, where she continued to inspire and mentor students in the STEM fields. Throughout her career, Voss received numerous awards and honors, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Purdue University Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award. Voss was also inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2009. Her legacy lives on through the Janice Voss Fellowships at Purdue University, which support graduate students pursuing degrees in aerospace engineering.

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Wendy Wasserstein

Wendy Wasserstein (October 18, 1950 Brooklyn-January 30, 2006 New York City) was an American writer, playwright, screenwriter, professor and actor. She had one child, Lucy Jane Wasserstein.

Wasserstein was known for her wit and humor in her works, often exploring themes of feminism, relationships, and the experiences of women. She won numerous awards throughout her career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1989 for her play "The Heidi Chronicles." She also wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of "The Object of My Affection" and served as a professor at various universities, including Yale and Columbia. Despite her successes, Wasserstein was also known for her struggles with her weight and personal relationships, which were often reflected in her work. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and artists.

Wendy Wasserstein was born into a Jewish family and grew up in Brooklyn. She attended Mount Holyoke College where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history. After working briefly in publishing, she pursued a graduate degree at the Yale School of Drama, where she honed her playwriting skills.

Wasserstein's works often featured strong female characters, and she is credited with helping to usher in a new wave of feminist theatre in the 1970s and 80s. Some of her other notable plays include "Uncommon Women and Others," "Isn't It Romantic," and "The Sisters Rosensweig."

In addition to her accomplishments in theatre and film, Wasserstein was an active voice in politics, particularly on issues related to women's rights. She was a staunch supporter of Hillary Clinton's presidential bid in 2008 and served as co-chair of the Women's Campaign Fund.

Wasserstein's impact on American theatre and culture has been significant, and her legacy has continued to influence writers and audiences alike. In 2007, the Public Theater in New York City posthumously premiered "Third," Wasserstein's final play. Her papers are now housed at the Harvard Theatre Collection.

She died in lymphoma.

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Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott (November 29, 1832 Germantown-March 6, 1888 Boston) also known as Louisa Alcott, May Louisa Alcott, Louisa M Alcott, Louisa M. Alcott, A. M. Barnard or A. M Barnard was an American writer, nurse, novelist and author.

She is best known for her novel "Little Women", which was based on her own experiences growing up with three sisters. Alcott's family was abolitionist and her parents were actively involved in the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, Alcott served as a nurse in a Union hospital, an experience she later wrote about in her book "Hospital Sketches". Alcott was also a feminist and supported women's suffrage, and her book "Little Women" was seen as a groundbreaking work for its portrayal of strong, independent female characters. In addition to her novels, Alcott also wrote poetry, short stories, and essays.

Despite her success as a writer, Alcott struggled financially for much of her life and often had to support her family through her writing. She published her first book, "Flower Fables", at the age of 22, and went on to write several more books and stories for children and adults. Alcott was also a supporter of transcendentalism, and her family counted many prominent writers, artists, and thinkers among their friends and acquaintances, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau. Alcott's work continues to be read and admired today, and she is seen as one of the most important writers of her time.

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Oscar George Theodore Sonneck

Oscar George Theodore Sonneck (October 6, 1873 Jersey City-October 30, 1928 New York) also known as Oscar Sonneck was an American librarian and musicologist.

He was educated at St. Peter's College and Columbia University, where he earned his Ph.D. in musicology. Sonneck served as the chief of the music division at the Library of Congress from 1902 to 1927, and he played an instrumental role in the development of the division's collections. He was widely respected for his knowledge of American music and folklore, and he authored several books and articles on these subjects. Sonneck was also a talented musician and composer, often performing as a cellist in orchestras and chamber ensembles. In addition to his work as a librarian and musicologist, he was an active member of the American Folklore Society and served as its president from 1919 to 1920.

Among Sonneck's notable accomplishments was the compilation of the American Memory Collection, which included important documents and items that were significant to American history, such as manuscripts, prints, photographs, and recorded sound. This work played an important role in the Library of Congress' efforts to preserve and promote American culture to scholars and the general public alike. Sonneck also played a key role in the development and promotion of the Library of Congress' music programs, which included the commissioning of new works and the acquisition of music manuscripts from around the world. Sonneck's contributions to American music and folklore have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous honors and awards, including the Thomas Jefferson Award from the American Philosophical Society. His legacy continues to shape the field of musicology and American studies to this day.

Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson (December 10, 1830 Amherst-May 15, 1886 Amherst) also known as Emily Elizabeth Dickinson or Dickinson, Emily was an American writer and poet.

Emily Dickinson is known for her unique style of writing characterized by her use of dashes and short lines. Despite being an introverted individual, she had a deep love for nature and wrote extensively about it, as well as on themes of death, faith, and immortality. Although she did not gain much fame during her lifetime, her poetry became widely recognized and celebrated after her death with the publication of her vast collection of poems in 1890. She is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in American literature and her works continue to be studied and appreciated to this day.

Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, to a prominent family in the community. She was the middle child among three siblings and received her education at Amherst Academy, where she proved to be an exceptional student. However, despite her academic success, she faced numerous health issues, including severe migraines and eye strain, which caused her to withdraw from social life and spend most of her time confined to her home.

Despite her withdrawal from social life, her wit and talent for writing won her the admiration of many. She corresponded with numerous literary figures of her time, including Thomas Wentworth Higginson, a prominent literary critic of the time. However, this did not lead to much literary success during her lifetime, and much of her work was not published until after her death.

In addition to her poetry, Emily Dickinson was an avid gardener and observed nature as a means of finding solace and inspiration for her writing. Her love of nature was reflected in her works, where she explored themes of rebirth, growth, and decay. Even after her death, Emily Dickinson continues to inspire and captivate scholars, writers, and readers alike with her unique and creatively inspiring poetry.

She died caused by bright's disease.

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William M. Tweed

William M. Tweed (April 3, 1823 Manhattan-April 12, 1878 New York City) also known as William Marcy Tweed Jr. was an American politician.

He was the "boss" of the political machine Tammany Hall, which played a significant role in New York City politics during the 19th century. Tweed became a member of the New York State Senate in 1868 and was later elected to the New York State Assembly. He also served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for one term. However, his true power came from his position as the head of Tammany Hall. Under his leadership, Tammany became known for its corruption and graft. In 1871, Tweed was exposed and convicted of embezzlement and was sentenced to prison. After his release, he was arrested again on charges of forgery but died before he could be tried. Despite his criminal activities, Tweed remains a prominent figure in New York City history and his legacy can still be seen in the city's political landscape today.

While Tweed was known for his corrupt activities, he also played a role in the development of New York City's infrastructure. He oversaw the construction of numerous public buildings and monuments, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Tweed also worked to improve the city's transportation system, advocating for the expansion of the streetcar network and the construction of elevated railway lines.

Tweed's downfall came after The New York Times published a series of articles exposing his corrupt practices. The articles, written by political cartoonist Thomas Nast, depicted Tweed as a bloated, corrupt figure, which led to his nickname "Boss Tweed." Nast's illustrations were so influential that they helped to bring about Tweed's downfall.

Despite his criminal activities, Tweed was a complex figure and is still remembered by some as a champion of the working class. His legacy has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows, and his life and career continue to fascinate historians and political observers today.

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David Angell

David Angell (April 10, 1946 West Barrington-September 11, 2001 New York City) also known as David Lawrence Angell was an American screenwriter and television producer.

He is best known for co-creating the hit sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier" with his wife, Lynn Angell. Angell was the recipient of multiple Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a Humanitas Prize for his work in the television industry. In addition to his work in television, Angell served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was tragically killed in the September 11 attacks when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Following his death, Angell and his wife were posthumously awarded the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation's Profile in Courage Award in recognition of their contributions to the entertainment industry and their philanthropic efforts. The David Angell Memorial Fund was also established by his family to provide support to non-profit organizations in the fields of education and social services. In 2004, a post office in West Barrington, Rhode Island was named in his honor. Angell's legacy in the television industry continues to live on, with "Cheers" and "Frasier" still regarded as iconic sitcoms to this day.

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Edward Sapir

Edward Sapir (January 26, 1884 Lębork-February 4, 1939 New Haven) was an American linguist, scientist and anthropologist.

Sapir was best known for his contributions to the field of linguistics, particularly his research on Native American languages. He conducted extensive fieldwork on many indigenous languages, including Navajo, and was a pioneer in the study of linguistic relativity, which states that the structure of a language affects the way its speakers perceive the world.

In addition to his linguistic work, Sapir also made significant contributions to the fields of anthropology and psychology. He was a leading figure in the development of the anthropological concept of culture and believed that language and culture were deeply intertwined.

Sapir was a professor of anthropology and linguistics at the University of Chicago and later at Yale University. He wrote many influential books and essays throughout his career, including "Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech" and "Culture, Language and Personality."

Today, Sapir is considered one of the most important figures in the history of linguistics and his work continues to inspire and influence researchers in a variety of fields.

Sapir was born in what is now Poland and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a small child. He grew up bilingual in Yiddish and English and later learned several other languages fluently, including French, German, and Spanish. This early exposure to multiple languages likely sparked his interest in linguistics.

As a young man, Sapir studied at Columbia University, where he received his Ph.D. in anthropology. He later went on to teach at several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania, before ultimately settling at Yale.

Sapir's influence extended far beyond his academic work, including his involvement in the creation of a new alphabet for the Inuit language, which allowed for better communication and education for the Inuit people. He was also involved in the promotion of Native American art, particularly in the form of textiles and rugs.

Sapir's approach to anthropology and linguistics was deeply rooted in his belief in cultural relativism and his respect for the diversity of human experience. He believed that different cultures and languages could not be evaluated in terms of superiority or inferiority, but rather should be understood in their own terms.

Despite his significant contributions to the field of linguistics, Sapir's life was cut short when he died of a stroke at the age of 55. However, his legacy lives on, not only in his academic work but also in his dedication to understanding and appreciating the richness and complexity of human culture and language.

He died as a result of stroke.

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Jack Ruby

Jack Ruby (March 25, 1911 Chicago-January 3, 1967 Dallas) also known as Jacob Rubenstein, Jack Leon Ruby, Jack L. Ruby or Sparky was an American businessperson and aircraft maintenance technician.

However, Ruby is best known for the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy, on November 24, 1963, two days after Kennedy's assassination. Ruby shot Oswald while he was being transferred from the Dallas Police Headquarters to the Dallas County Jail. Ruby's motive for the murder is still a subject of speculation and conspiracy theories. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, but his conviction was later overturned and a new trial was ordered. However, Ruby died before the new trial could take place. His involvement in the Kennedy assassination and his murder of Oswald continue to be the subject of intense public interest and debate.

Before his involvement with the Kennedy assassination, Jack Ruby owned several nightclubs in the Dallas area, including the Carousel Club. He was known to have connections with organized crime figures, and there are theories that he was either ordered or persuaded to kill Oswald by members of the mafia or other parties wanting to cover up the true nature of Kennedy's assassination.

Ruby himself claimed that he acted alone out of a desire to spare Kennedy's family the pain of a long trial and to avenge the president's death. He made several other statements in the days and weeks following the shooting, some of which contradicted each other, leading to further speculation about his true motives.

Despite the lack of consensus about his role in the assassination, Jack Ruby remains a figure of fascination and controversy in American history. His actions on November 24, 1963, are seen by many as a turning point in the investigation and public perception of Kennedy's death.

He died caused by stroke.

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Woody Guthrie

Woody Guthrie (July 14, 1912 Okemah-October 3, 1967 New York City) also known as Woodie Guthrie, Woddy Guthrie, Woodrow Wilson Guthrie or Guthrie, Woody was an American singer, songwriter, sailor, singer-songwriter and musician. He had eight children, Nora Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie, Joady Guthrie, Sue Guthrie, Cathy Guthrie, Bill Guthrie, Gwen Guthrie and Lorinna Lynn Guthrie.

His albums: The Woody Guthrie Story, 900 Miles, Hard Travellin', A Legendary Performer, Cowboy Songs, Dust Bowl Ballads, House of the Rising Sun, Long Ways to Travel: The Unreleased Folkways Masters, 1944-1949, Ramblin' Round and Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child. His related genres: Folk music, Country and American folk music.

He died in huntington's disease.

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