American musicians died at 61
Here are 15 famous musicians from United States of America died at 61:
Jordan Cronenweth
Jordan Cronenweth (February 20, 1935 Los Angeles-November 29, 1996 Los Angeles) also known as Jordan Scott Cronenweth or Jordan S. Cronenweth was an American cinematographer. His children are Jeff Cronenweth, Christie Cronenweth and Tim Cronenweth.
Jordan Cronenweth is best known for his contributions to the film industry, wherein he worked on classic movies such as Blade Runner, Altered States, Peggy Sue Got Married, and many more. He started his career as a camera assistant in 1956 and worked for several studios such as MGM, Disney, and Universal Pictures. Cronenweth later served as a director of photography on a number of music videos, working with renowned musicians like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his unique style and use of lighting techniques, which earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative cinematographers of his time. In 1980, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on Blade Runner.
Jordan Cronenweth was born in Los Angeles to a family of filmmakers. His father was a sound mixer and his mother worked in the film industry as well. He was raised in Hollywood and grew up surrounded by the movie culture, which sparked his interest in cinematography.
Cronenweth graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in cinema and began his career as a camera assistant in 1956. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a sought-after camera operator, working with directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Richard Donner, and Robert Altman.
In the early 1980s, Cronenweth began to experience health issues, which led to his retirement from filmmaking in 1985. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a debilitating neurological disorder that affects movement.
Despite his illness, Cronenweth continued to be recognized for his work in the film industry. In 1994, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Cinematographers.
Jordan Cronenweth is remembered as a pioneer in the field of cinematography, whose unique style and techniques have inspired generations of filmmakers. He will always be remembered for his contributions to classic films like Blade Runner, Altered States, and Peggy Sue Got Married.
He died as a result of parkinson's disease.
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Sally Ride
Sally Ride (May 26, 1951 Los Angeles-July 23, 2012 La Jolla) otherwise known as Sally Kristen Ride or Sally K. Ride was an American physicist and astronaut.
Sally Ride made history by becoming the first American woman to enter space in 1983 as a crew member on the Challenger shuttle mission. She went on to participate in a second mission in 1984, logging over 343 hours in space. After leaving NASA, Ride became a professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego, and also founded Sally Ride Science, an educational company focused on encouraging children, especially girls, to pursue STEM fields. She was also a member of several presidential commissions and served as a board member for various organizations, including NASA's Advisory Council. Ride was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
Ride was born in Los Angeles, California, and was raised in a family of four. Her parents, both of whom were elders of the Presbyterian Church, encouraged her interest in science and math, two fields in which she eventually excelled. She graduated from Stanford University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in physics and a doctorate in physics.
After completing her education, Ride was selected as one of 35 applicants out of a pool of 8,000 to become an astronaut for NASA. Her selection in 1978 made her the first woman to be admitted to the astronaut training program. Ride served as a mission specialist on the Challenger shuttle, and her role on both the 1983 and 1984 missions was to operate the shuttle's robotic arm.
Following her time at NASA, she became a professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego, where she encouraged young students, especially girls, to pursue careers in STEM. She also founded Sally Ride Science, a company that creates educational materials and programs geared toward empowering students, teachers, and families in the STEM fields.
Ride was an inspiration to many and paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams in STEM fields. Her contributions to space exploration and education will not be forgotten.
She died as a result of pancreatic cancer.
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Stuart Roosa
Stuart Roosa (August 16, 1933 Durango-December 12, 1994 Falls Church) was an American astronaut.
Roosa was a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot before joining NASA in 1966. He was best known for his role as Command Module Pilot on the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, where he orbited the moon while his crewmates, Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell, explored the lunar surface. Roosa carried with him tree seeds as part of a joint NASA-US Forest Service project, which later became known as the Moon Trees. After leaving NASA in 1976, he worked in the private sector and was a successful businessman.
Stuart Roosa was born in Durango, Colorado, in 1933. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and became a fighter pilot, serving in the United States and Europe. After completing his service in the Air Force, Roosa was accepted into the NASA astronaut program in 1966. He served as a backup crew member for the Apollo 9 and Apollo 10 missions before being assigned to the Apollo 14 mission.
During the Apollo 14 mission, Roosa orbited the moon as his crewmates, Shepard and Mitchell, explored the surface. Roosa's job was to photograph potential landing sites and conduct scientific experiments from the Command Module. He also carried a special package of tree seeds with him called the LESA experiment. After returning to Earth, these seeds were planted and became known as the Moon Trees.
After leaving NASA in 1976, Roosa became a successful businessman, working in the energy and aviation industries. He also remained active in the space community, serving on advisory panels and promoting the exploration and use of space resources. Roosa passed away in 1994 from complications related to pancreatitis.
He died in pancreatitis.
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James Irwin
James Irwin (March 17, 1930 Pittsburgh-August 8, 1991 Glenwood Springs) was an American astronaut.
Irwin was one of the 19 astronauts selected by NASA in 1966 for the fifth manned Apollo mission in 1971. He served as the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission and was the eighth person to walk on the moon. During his lunar stay, Irwin conducted extensive geological investigations and helped retrieve the first deep core sample from the moon's surface. He also drove the lunar rover, which allowed for greater mobility and the ability to explore further from the landing site. After his retirement from NASA, Irwin became a devout Christian and founded the High Flight Foundation, which sought to promote faith and wellness through outdoor activities.
In addition to his accomplishments as an astronaut, James Irwin was also a decorated military pilot. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, flying fighter planes during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Irwin earned many awards and medals for his service, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Medal with Cluster, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following his religious conversion, Irwin became a prominent speaker on topics relating to faith and space exploration. He frequently gave talks at churches and universities, sharing his experiences as an astronaut and how they had deepened his faith. Irwin also authored several books, including "To Rule the Night," which chronicled his experiences as a member of the Apollo 15 mission.
After Irwin's death in 1991, his legacy as both an astronaut and a man of faith continued to inspire many people. In addition to the foundation he founded, Irwin was also honored with several posthumous awards, including induction into the International Space Hall of Fame and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
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Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway (July 21, 1899 Oak Park-July 2, 1961 Ketchum) a.k.a. "Papa" Hemingway, Ernest Hemmingway, Ernest Miller Hemingway, Hemingway, ernest_hemingway, Hemingway, Ernest, E. Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway's or Papa was an American author, journalist and novelist. His children are Gregory Hemingway, Jack Hemingway and Patrick Hemingway.
Hemingway is known for his distinctive writing style that is characterized by short and simple sentences, and the use of clear and concise language. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 for his novel "The Old Man and the Sea," and was a prominent figure in the 1920s expatriate community in Paris often called the "Lost Generation." Hemingway was also a World War I veteran and his experiences during the war greatly influenced his writing. Some of his other notable works include "A Farewell to Arms," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," and "The Sun Also Rises." Hemingway was a larger-than-life personality and his adventurous life, along with his literary legacy, continues to inspire and captivate readers all over the world to this day.
Hemingway was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He attended high school there before working as a journalist for the Kansas City Star. Hemingway served as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross during World War I and was injured in both legs by mortar fire, earning the Italian Silver Medal of Bravery. After the war, he worked as a reporter for the Toronto Star and then moved to Paris to join the literary scene, where he befriended Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald and other notable writers.
In addition to his novels and short stories, Hemingway was also known for his love of hunting, fishing and bullfighting, which he often wrote about in his works. He was married four times and had many affairs, including with Martha Gellhorn, who was also a journalist and war correspondent.
Hemingway's legacy continues to be felt in American literature and culture. His writing style and themes have influenced generations of writers, and his larger-than-life personality and adventurous lifestyle have made him a legendary figure in American history.
He died as a result of suicide.
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Cynthia Myers
Cynthia Myers (September 12, 1950 Toledo-November 4, 2011) was an American nude glamour model and actor.
She is best known for being the Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for December 1968 and Playmate of the Year in 1969. Following her appearance in Playboy, Cynthia continued modeling and appeared in several films including "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" and "Molly and Lawless John". She later transitioned into a career as a writer and photographer, publishing articles and photos in various publications. Cynthia passed away in 2011 at the age of 61.
Cynthia Myers was born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in a stereotypical 1950s family. She was an avid reader and an honor student in high school. While attending college, she was models for Playboy and became the youngest-ever Playmate of the Year at the age of 18. She was one of the most popular Playmates of her era and became an instant sensation with her innocent looks and voluptuous figure. Apart from her acting career in Hollywood, Cynthia toured the country as a speaker and model. In her later years, she worked as an animal rights activist, advocating for the humane treatment of animals in the food industry. Cynthia will forever be remembered for her iconic beauty, courage and unwavering commitment to animal rights.
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Gustav Kobbé
Gustav Kobbé (March 4, 1857 New York City-July 27, 1918 New York City) also known as Gustav Kobbe or Gustav Kobbé was an American author and music critic.
Gustav Kobbé is best known for his book "The Complete Opera Book," which provided detailed synopses of hundreds of operas and was widely considered a definitive guide to the genre. He was also a respected music critic for various publications, including The New York Herald and The New York Evening Post. In addition to his work in music, Kobbé was an accomplished sailor and wrote a number of books on yachting and boating. He died tragically in a boating accident on Long Island Sound in 1918 at the age of 61.
Kobbé came from a wealthy family and was educated at Columbia University, where he was a member of the same fraternity as Theodore Roosevelt. He began his career as a journalist and music critic in the late 1800s, covering performances by some of the greatest composers and singers of the time. He gained particular recognition for his ability to write in a clear and accessible manner about complex musical works, making his writing appeal to both experts and casual fans.
In addition to his professional work, Kobbé was an avid traveler and adventurer. He undertook several extended journeys throughout Europe and South America, documenting his experiences in travelogues and other writings. He was also a member of the New York Yacht Club and competed in numerous sailing races throughout his life.
Despite his many diverse interests, Kobbé's lasting legacy remains his work in music criticism and opera appreciation. His "Complete Opera Book" remains a standard reference for aficionados of the genre, and his writing helped to popularize opera in the United States during a time when it was still a relatively niche interest. Today, Kobbé is remembered as one of the most important American cultural figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
He died in accident.
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Nathaniel Parker Willis
Nathaniel Parker Willis (January 20, 1806 Portland-January 20, 1867) otherwise known as N. Willis was an American poet, book editor and literary critic.
He was born to a family of publishers and writers in Portland, Maine, but spent most of his early life in Boston. In 1827, at the age of 21, he published his first poetry collection, entitled "Sketches". His writing career really took off when he relocated to New York City in the 1830s, where he quickly became known for his charming social skills and prolific writing style. Willis went on to write for a number of publications, including the New York Mirror and the New York Evening Mirror, where he served as editor-in-chief. He was also involved in the founding of the Home Journal, a popular literary publication of the mid-19th century. In addition to his literary accomplishments, Willis was known for his personal life, which included friendships with the likes of Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe. He died on his 61st birthday in 1867.
During his lifetime, Nathaniel Parker Willis became famous for his poetry, essays, and travel writing. Some of his most popular works were the "Letters from under a Bridge" series, which chronicled his travels in Europe. He was also known for his work as a playwright, with one of his most successful productions being "Tortesa, the Usurer." Willis was married twice, first to Mary Stace, with whom he had one son, and later to Cornelia Grinnell Willis. He was widely regarded as one of the leading literary figures of his time, known for his elegant prose and his ability to capture the spirit of the age. Despite his success, he faced struggles with his health and finances throughout his life. Willis is remembered today as a pioneering figure in American literature and journalism.
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Clarence Day
Clarence Day (November 18, 1874 New York City-December 28, 1935) was an American author.
He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a wealthy family in New York City. Day attended Yale University and began his career as a journalist. He wrote for The New Yorker and other publications, and his humorous essays and sketches became very popular.
Day's most famous work is the autobiographical book "Life with Father," which was published in 1935. The book is a humorous account of his childhood and his eccentric father. It was a bestseller and was later adapted into a successful play and a film.
Day was also an accomplished artist, and his illustrations appeared in several of his books as well as in The New Yorker. He wrote several other books, including "This Simian World," a collection of humorous sketches, and "God and My Father," a memoir.
Day was married to Katherine Rhoades, and they had two sons. He died of a heart attack in 1935, just a few months after the publication of "Life with Father."
Day's writing and illustrations were known for their wit and humor, and he had a keen eye for observational comedy. He often wrote about the quirks and idiosyncrasies of everyday life in New York City. His work was highly influential in the development of the New Yorker style of humor, which was characterized by its focus on the absurd and the everyday.
In addition to his writing, Day was also an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, and his love of these activities often found its way into his writing. He was also an active member of the Explorers Club, and he traveled extensively throughout his life.
Despite his success as a writer and illustrator, Day remained humble and reserved throughout his life. He was known for his kindness and good nature, and he always had time for his friends and family. His legacy as a writer and humorist continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike.
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Dave Arneson
Dave Arneson (October 1, 1947 Hennepin County-April 7, 2009 Saint Paul) also known as Arneson was an American game designer and professor.
Arneson was best known for co-creating the iconic tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons with Gary Gygax in the early 1970s. Prior to that, he had already designed and played numerous wargames, which laid the foundation for the later development of D&D.
Arneson was also a prolific game designer, having created over 30 published games and supplements throughout his career. In addition to his work in the gaming industry, he was also a professor of computer science and game design at Full Sail University in Florida.
Arneson was posthumously inducted into the Origins Award Hall of Fame in 2014, recognizing his contributions to the gaming industry. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of game designers and enthusiasts.
Arneson's interest in gaming and designing games began at a very young age. As a child, he was fascinated by strategy games and frequently created his own games to play with his friends. He continued to hone his skills in game design as he grew older, eventually developing the concept for what would become Dungeons & Dragons while studying history at the University of Minnesota. The game quickly gained popularity among the gaming community and went on to become one of the most successful and enduring tabletop games of all time.
In addition to his work in the gaming industry, Arneson also had a successful career as a computer programmer and consultant. He worked for a number of companies throughout his career, including Control Data Corporation, Qubix Graphics, and Peregrine Entertainment.
Despite his success in the gaming industry, Arneson remained a humble and down-to-earth person, always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others. He was remembered by friends and colleagues as a kind, generous, and creative person who had a profound impact on the world of gaming and beyond. His contributions to the gaming industry will continue to be celebrated and remembered for many years to come.
He died as a result of cancer.
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Jef Raskin
Jef Raskin (March 9, 1943 New York City-February 26, 2005 Pacifica) was an American scientist, writer and computer scientist. He had one child, Aza Raskin.
Jef Raskin was best known as the creator of the Apple Macintosh, which revolutionized the personal computer industry. Before working at Apple, Raskin was a key member of the Xerox PARC research team and worked on the development of the first computer mouse. He was also a strong advocate for user-friendly computing and wrote extensively on the topic. In addition to his work in the field of computing, Raskin was an accomplished musician and composer. He held a degree in mathematics from the University of Rochester and a PhD in computer science from Pennsylvania State University.
Throughout his career, Jef Raskin made significant contributions to the field of human-computer interaction. In addition to creating the Macintosh, he also designed the Canon Cat, which was a precursor to modern-day personal digital assistants. Raskin was also a proponent of minimalist and intuitive design in computing, and his philosophy influenced the development of many user-friendly products.
In his later years, Raskin became increasingly concerned about the negative impact of technology on society, and he wrote extensively on the subject. He argued that the design of technology should prioritize human well-being and happiness over efficiency and profit.
In addition to his career in science and technology, Jef Raskin was an accomplished artist and musician. He played the piano and composed classical music, and he often integrated his interests in art and technology in his work.
Jef Raskin's legacy continues to influence the development of modern computing, and his advocacy for user-friendly design and ethical technology has never been more relevant.
He died in pancreatic cancer.
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Blind Willie McTell
Blind Willie McTell (May 5, 1898 Thomson-August 19, 1959 Milledgeville) a.k.a. Blind Willy McTell, Blind Willie Mc Tell, McTell, Blind Willie, William Samuel McTier or Blind Sammie was an American singer, musician, songwriter and preacher.
Related albums: The Early Years (1927-1933), Best of Blind Willie McTell: Classic Recordings of the 1920's & 30's, Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Volume 1: 18 October 1927 to 23 October 1931, Last Session, The Definitive Blind Willie McTell, The Legend of Blind Willie McTell, 1927-1935, Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Volume 2: 23 October 1931 to 19 September 1933, The Definitive Blind Willie McTell 1927-1935 and The Essential. Genres he performed include Country blues, Piedmont blues, East Coast blues, Delta blues, Ragtime and Gospel music.
He died in stroke.
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John W. Campbell
John W. Campbell (June 8, 1910 Newark-July 11, 1971 Mountainside) also known as Arthur McCann, Don A. Stuart, John Wood Campbell Jr., Karl van Campen, John W. Campbell Jr., John Campbell or The Father of Modern Science Fiction was an American writer, novelist and magazine editor.
Campbell was best known for his influence on the science fiction genre during his time as an editor of Astounding Science Fiction, which he edited from late 1937 until his death in 1971. During his tenure, he published works by many of the most influential science fiction authors of the time, including Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, and A.E. van Vogt. Campbell was also a prolific writer himself, publishing numerous stories and novels under the pen names Don A. Stuart and John W. Campbell Jr. He was a key figure in the development of modern science fiction, popularizing the concept of hard science fiction and helping to shift the genre away from traditional pulp-style adventure stories toward more thoughtful, character-driven narratives. Despite his contributions to the genre, Campbell's legacy has been somewhat tarnished by his controversial views on race and politics, which were often reflected in the stories he published in Astounding.
Campbell was born in Newark, New Jersey and grew up in a family that valued education and scientific inquiry. He attended MIT but was forced to drop out due to financial difficulties. He began his writing career in the 1930s, contributing stories to pulp magazines such as Amazing Stories and Unknown.
In 1937, Campbell was hired as the editor of Astounding Science Fiction, which was then a struggling publication. He quickly transformed the magazine, bringing in a new generation of writers and championing stories with a more serious tone and scientific accuracy. He coined the term "psi powers" to describe psychic abilities in science fiction, and popularized the idea of using scientific concepts as the basis for stories.
Campbell's influence on the genre was tremendous. He created an editorial approach known as the "Campbellian revolution," which emphasized scientific rigor and grounded storytelling. Many of the writers he published went on to become some of the most influential in the field, and the stories published in Astounding during his tenure are considered classics of the genre.
However, Campbell's legacy has been tarnished by his controversial views on race and politics. He was a staunch conservative and believed in eugenics, leading him to publish stories that were overtly racist and endorsed white supremacist ideology. He also had a tendency to insert his own ideas into the stories he published, sometimes to the detriment of the author's vision.
Despite these flaws, Campbell remains an important figure in the development of science fiction. His focus on scientific accuracy and thoughtful storytelling helped to elevate the genre and lay the groundwork for modern science fiction as we know it today.
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Percival Lowell
Percival Lowell (March 13, 1855 Boston-November 12, 1916 Flagstaff) was an American astronomer.
He was best known for his observations and theories of the planet Mars, and his efforts to popularize astronomy. Lowell was born into a prominent New England family and received a bachelor's degree from Harvard University. He became fascinated with astronomy and founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Lowell's observations led him to propose the existence of a planet beyond Neptune, which he called "Planet X". Although he never found it himself, the search for Planet X eventually led to the discovery of Pluto. Lowell was a prolific writer and speaker, and he authored several popular books on astronomy. He was also a proponent of the idea that Mars was inhabited by intelligent beings, and he championed this theory until his death. Despite this aspect of his legacy being discredited by later scientific findings, Lowell's contributions to the study of the solar system and his popularization of astronomy made him an important figure in the field.
Additionally, Lowell was a pioneer in using photography and spectroscopy in astronomical research. His photographic plates of Mars were some of the earliest and most precise images of the planet, and his spectroscopic research helped identify the composition of the Martian atmosphere. Lowell also played a key role in the establishment of the Lowell Observatory's research facilities, including the construction of a 24-inch refracting telescope, the largest in the world at the time. Despite facing skepticism and doubt from some of his peers, Lowell persisted in his efforts to explore the mysteries of the universe and his work remains relevant and influential in astronomical research and popular culture to this day.
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Ruth Benedict
Ruth Benedict (June 5, 1887 New York City-September 17, 1948 New York City) also known as Ruth Fulton Benedict was an American anthropologist.
She was one of the key figures in shaping the field of anthropology in the United States during the 20th century. Benedict is best known for her groundbreaking work in the study of human cultures and societies, particularly her book "Patterns of Culture" which was published in 1934.
Benedict conducted extensive ethnographic research, studying Native American tribes, as well as cultures in other parts of the world including Japan and Bali. Her work was marked by a deep commitment to cultural relativism, the idea that all cultures should be understood on their own terms rather than judged based on the values of another culture.
In addition to her academic work, Benedict was also an influential figure in American society. She was a vocal advocate for social justice and racial equality at a time when those causes were not widely championed. Today, she is widely regarded as one of the most important anthropologists of the 20th century and her ideas continue to influence the field of anthropology and beyond.
Benedict's interest in anthropology began during her undergraduate studies at Vassar College where she was introduced to Franz Boas, a prominent anthropologist and her future mentor. She went on to earn her PhD in anthropology from Columbia University, where she later taught as a professor. Benedict's work on cultural relativism had a profound impact on the discipline of anthropology, challenging the prevailing notion that there was a universal standard of civilization by which all societies could be judged. In addition to "Patterns of Culture," Benedict also wrote several other influential works including "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" which analyzed the culture of Japan during World War II. Benedict was also a key figure in the development of psychological anthropology, examining the relationship between culture and personality. Despite her numerous contributions to the field of anthropology and beyond, Benedict struggled with her own mental health throughout her life and died of a heart attack at the age of 61.
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