American musicians died at 80

Here are 21 famous musicians from United States of America died at 80:

Herb Caen

Herb Caen (April 3, 1916 Sacramento-February 1, 1997 San Francisco) also known as King of Three-Dot Journalism, Mr. San Francisco or Herbert Eugene Caen was an American journalist.

Caen was best known for his long-running column in the San Francisco Chronicle, where he worked for almost sixty years. He was a celebrated journalist, famous for coining many popular expressions and widely credited for creating the term "beatnik." He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1996 for his coverage of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Caen's writing often focused on the city of San Francisco and its various cultural touchstones, such as the Haight-Ashbury district and the Beat Generation. He was beloved by many in the city and is still remembered and celebrated for his contributions to San Francisco's identity.

In addition to his journalism, Caen was also a successful author. He published several books, including "Baghdad: 1951," which chronicled his experience covering the Korean War. He also wrote a memoir titled "Don't Call It Frisco," in which he recounts his time in San Francisco and reflects on the changing nature of the city. Caen was known for his wit, humor and irreverence, and his writing style was influential in shaping the culture of San Francisco. He was also active in the community, supporting numerous charitable causes and serving as a mentor to young journalists. In 1996, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in recognition of his contributions to journalism and the city of San Francisco.

He died as a result of lung cancer.

Read more about Herb Caen on Wikipedia »

Robert A. Heinlein

Robert A. Heinlein (July 7, 1907 Butler-May 8, 1988 Carmel-by-the-Sea) otherwise known as Robert Heinlein, Robert Anson Heinlein, Robert A. HeinLein, Robert A Heinlein, R.A. Heinlein, Heinlein, Robert A., Anson MacDonald, Lyle Monroe, John Riverside, Caleb Saunders or Simon York was an American writer, politician, science writer, novelist, author, inventor, screenwriter and essayist.

His albums include The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (disc 1), and .

He died in cardiovascular disease.

Read more about Robert A. Heinlein on Wikipedia »

Henry Hartsfield

Henry Hartsfield (November 21, 1933 Birmingham-July 17, 2014) was an American astronaut.

Hartsfield was a veteran of three spaceflights and logged over 480 hours in space. He served as a pilot on the STS-4 mission in 1982, which was the final test flight of the space shuttle Columbia. Hartsfield later commanded the STS-41D mission in 1984, which deployed a satellite and tested the Remote Manipulator System. He also commanded the STS-61-A mission in 1985, which was a joint mission between the United States and Germany, and carried out experiments in materials processing, life sciences, and technology development. Hartsfield retired from NASA in 1991 and later served as a consultant for space-related projects.

Hartsfield attended Auburn University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1954. He then served in the US Air Force as a pilot, flying over 7,000 hours in a variety of aircraft. In 1966, he was selected to join NASA's astronaut program and completed his training in 1967. He served as a member of the support crew for the Apollo 16 mission before being assigned to his first spaceflight.

In addition to his spaceflight experience, Hartsfield was also involved in the development of the space shuttle program. He served as a member of the shuttle engineering support group and worked on the design and testing of shuttle systems.

Hartsfield was a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. He was also inducted into the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Outside of his professional career, Hartsfield was known for his love of music and his skill as a guitarist. He often played in a band with fellow astronauts and even recorded an album while in space during the STS-41D mission.

He died as a result of surgical complications.

Read more about Henry Hartsfield on Wikipedia »

Melvil Dewey

Melvil Dewey (December 10, 1851 Adams Center-December 26, 1931 Lake Placid) otherwise known as Melville Dewey, Melvil Dui or Melville Louis Kossuth Dewey was an American librarian. His child is Godfrey Dewey.

Dewey is best known for creating the Dewey Decimal Classification system, which revolutionized library organization and made books more accessible to library patrons. He was a strong advocate for the education and professionalization of librarianship and was instrumental in the founding of the American Library Association. Dewey also played a key role in developing library schools, including the school at Columbia University where he served as director. However, later in his life, his behavior became increasingly erratic and controversial, including his controversial views on spelling reform and espousal of eugenics. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Dewey remains an important figure in the history of modern librarianship.

In addition to his contributions to library science, Melvil Dewey was also involved in various other fields. He was a co-founder of the Lake Placid Club, a popular resort in upstate New York, and played a significant role in the development of the Olympic Games in the United States. Dewey also served as the New York State Librarian from 1889-1906 and was responsible for the creation of the New York State Library School, which was the first library school in the United States. In addition, he was a noted advocate for simplified spelling and believed that adopting phonetic spelling would be beneficial for communication and education. Despite some of his controversial views and actions, Dewey's contributions to the field of library science continue to be studied and implemented today.

Read more about Melvil Dewey on Wikipedia »

Lewis Thomas

Lewis Thomas (November 25, 1913 Flushing-December 3, 1993 Manhattan) otherwise known as Dr. Lewis Thomas was an American science writer, physician, poet, essayist, etymologist, educator and researcher.

Throughout his career, Lewis Thomas contributed greatly to the field of medicine and science, and was highly regarded for his ability to communicate complex ideas to a wider audience through his writing. He served as the dean of the medical schools at both New York University and Yale University, and also worked as the physician in chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

He authored many highly acclaimed books, including "The Lives of a Cell," which won a National Book Award in 1975, and "The Medusa and the Snail," which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1979. His writing also appeared in numerous publications, including The New England Journal of Medicine and The New York Times.

In addition to his work in medicine and writing, Thomas was also a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, and was involved in efforts to raise awareness about the impact of human activity on the natural world. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Medal of Science in 1983, and was widely respected for his contributions to the advancement of science, medicine, and education.

Lewis Thomas was born in Flushing, New York, in 1913 to Josephine and Joseph Thomas. He attended Princeton University, where he received a degree in English Literature in 1933. He then went on to study at Harvard Medical School, where he earned his degree in medicine in 1937. After completing his residency at the University of Minnesota, he joined the United States Army Medical Corps in 1942 and served as a medical officer during World War II.

After the war, Thomas returned to academia and held various positions at different universities, including Cornell University Medical College, Yale University School of Medicine, and New York University School of Medicine. He became known for his research in the field of pathology, particularly in the areas of liver disease and cancer.

In addition to his prolific writing career, Thomas was also a talented musician and played the flute. He often played with a group of fellow physicians known as the "Medical Bach Society."

Thomas died in 1993, at the age of 80, due to complications from cancer. His legacy as a renowned physician, scientist, writer, and environmentalist lives on, and his contributions to the fields of medicine and science continue to be celebrated and revered.

Read more about Lewis Thomas on Wikipedia »

Wilfrid Sheed

Wilfrid Sheed (December 27, 1930 London-January 19, 2011 Great Barrington) also known as Wilfrid John Joseph Sheed was an American novelist and essayist.

Sheed was the son of British Catholic writers Frank Sheed and Maisie Ward. He grew up in England and attended Downside School and Lincoln College, Oxford. In 1951, at the age of 21, he moved to the United States and eventually became a naturalized American citizen.

Sheed began his career as a journalist, writing for publications such as The New York Times, Esquire, and The Atlantic Monthly. He also wrote several books on music, including The House That George Built and The View from the Jazz Palace.

As a novelist, Sheed's most popular work was the semi-autobiographical book, "Max Jamison," which was published in 1970. He also wrote several other novels, including "A Middle-Class Education" and "The Boys of Winter."

Throughout his career, Sheed was highly acclaimed for his wit and ability to capture the essence of American culture. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Truman Capote Award for Literary Criticism and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

In addition to his work as a writer, Sheed was also a teacher, lecturing on literature at several universities, including Columbia and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Sheed is survived by his wife, Miriam Ungerer, and his children, Jessica and Timothy Sheed.

Sheed was considered one of the leading literary and cultural critics of his time. He wrote extensively on a wide range of topics, including music, literature, politics, and sports. He was known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on American society and culture.

Despite his reputation as a cultural critic, Sheed always considered himself primarily a novelist. In addition to "Max Jamison," he wrote a number of other highly regarded novels, including "Transatlantic Blues" and "People Will Always Be Kind."

Sheed was also a devout Catholic his entire life, reflecting his upbringing in a family of Catholic intellectuals. His faith was a common thread in much of his writing, and he wrote several books on Catholicism, including "The Eighth Day of Creation" and "In Love with Daylight."

Throughout his career, Sheed continued to write and publish prolifically, despite ongoing health struggles related to his diabetes. He was widely admired for his tenacity in the face of adversity, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.

Sheed's death in 2011 was widely mourned across the literary world. He left behind a lasting legacy as one of the most insightful and incisive literary voices of his generation.

He died as a result of pyelonephritis.

Read more about Wilfrid Sheed on Wikipedia »

William Winter

William Winter (July 15, 1836 Gloucester-June 30, 1917) was an American personality.

William Winter was an American personality who is best known for his work as a drama and literary critic. He was born on July 15, 1836, in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Winter began his literary career as a newspaper reporter before moving on to become a drama critic. He worked for several newspapers throughout his career, including the New York Times, where he was a drama critic for over 20 years.

Winter was a prominent figure in the New York literary and cultural scene for many decades, and he used his platform to advocate for the arts. He was a strong supporter of American literature and the drama, and he wrote several books, including "Shadows of the Stage" and "Old Friends: Essays in Epistolary Parody."

Winter was also a close friend of many prominent writers and actors of his time, including Edwin Booth and Henry Irving. His insights and opinions were widely respected and valued, and he had a significant impact on the growth and development of American theater and literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

William Winter passed away on June 30, 1917, leaving behind a legacy of insightful literary criticism and a commitment to the arts that continues to inspire to this day.

Winter was also a champion of the Shakespearean tradition and wrote extensively about the Bard's plays. He believed that Shakespeare's work should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status, and he often criticized productions that he felt were pretentious or overly complicated.In addition to his work as a critic and author, Winter was also a devoted husband and father. He was married to actress Katherine Corcoran for many years, and the two had several children together. Despite his busy career, Winter always made time for his family, and he was known for his kind and generous nature.Winter's legacy continues to be celebrated today, particularly in the world of theater and literature. His commitment to the arts and his dedication to promoting American literature have inspired many to follow in his footsteps, and his work as a critic and author has had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the United States.

Read more about William Winter on Wikipedia »

Logan Pearsall Smith

Logan Pearsall Smith (October 18, 1865 Millville-March 2, 1946) was an American writer.

He is best known for his collection of essays titled "Trivia," which were witty and observant musings on life and society. Smith was born in Millville, New Jersey, but spent much of his life in England, where he became a prominent member of the literary community. He was a close friend of writers such as Virginia Woolf and Henry James, and his writing was praised for its cleverness and depth of thought. In addition to "Trivia," Smith wrote several other books, including "Afterthoughts" and "All Trivia," as well as a biography of his friend Henry James. Later in life, he became interested in the study of language and wrote several works on the subject. Smith died in 1946 at the age of 80.

Smith's family had a strong academic background and his mother was a pioneering feminist, which greatly influenced his worldview. As a young man, he studied classics at Harvard University and later attended Balliol College, Oxford. After completing his education, Smith worked as a private tutor and became well-known among the British elite. He counted many influential figures in his circle of friends, including the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the poet W.B. Yeats.

Throughout his life, Smith was an avid reader and wrote extensively in his private diaries, which were later published. His writing often reflected his deep interest in social issues and his passion for the arts. He was known for his wit and sense of humor, which were evident in his essays and personal correspondence.

Despite his success as a writer, Smith struggled with personal relationships throughout his life. He never married and was known for his intense, often obsessive friendships with both men and women. Many of his biographers have suggested that he may have been homosexual, although this has never been confirmed.

Today, Smith is remembered as one of the most important essayists of the early 20th century. His observations on the world around him were insightful and witty, and his legacy continues to inspire writers and thinkers around the world.

Read more about Logan Pearsall Smith on Wikipedia »

Jonas Salk

Jonas Salk (October 28, 1914 New York City-June 23, 1995 La Jolla) also known as Dr. Jonas Salk, Jonas E. Salk or Jonas Edward Salk was an American physician, scientist, virologist and medical researcher.

Salk was most famous for his discovery and development of the first successful polio vaccine. Prior to his work, polio epidemics were a major concern in the United States and around the world, causing paralysis and death in thousands of people, particularly young children. Salk's vaccine was first given to test subjects in 1952 and was found to be 90% effective in preventing polio. The vaccine was widely distributed, and new cases of polio dropped dramatically in the years that followed.

In addition to his work on the polio vaccine, Salk also made significant contributions to the study of influenza, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. He was also a co-founder and director of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, a prestigious research institution in La Jolla, California.

Salk's contributions to science and medicine earned him numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Salk came from a family of Jewish immigrants and was the eldest of three brothers. He showed an early interest in science and medicine, and graduated from the City College of New York in 1934, before going on to study medicine at New York University. Salk was a highly driven and ambitious individual, who was known for his intense work ethic and dedication to finding a cure for polio. He spent long hours in the lab and was constantly looking for new breakthroughs and discoveries.

In addition to his scientific research, Salk was also a devout humanitarian who believed in using his knowledge and expertise to benefit humanity. He saw his work on the polio vaccine as a way of helping to alleviate suffering and improve the health and well-being of people around the world. Despite his many achievements, Salk remained humble and committed to his work throughout his life, and his legacy lives on today as a testament to his enduring contributions to science and medicine.

He died in heart failure.

Read more about Jonas Salk on Wikipedia »

John A. Widtsoe

John A. Widtsoe (January 31, 1872 Froyen, Norway-November 29, 1952 Salt Lake City) also known as John Widtsoe or John A Widtsoe was an American writer.

He is best known for his works on science, religion, and education. Widtsoe immigrated with his family to the United States when he was a child and grew up in Logan, Utah. He went on to study at Brigham Young College and Harvard University, where he earned a doctorate in agricultural chemistry.

After his studies, Widtsoe served as a professor of agriculture and chemistry at the University of Utah and later as the president of Utah State Agricultural College. He was also a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the highest governing bodies of the church, and played a key role in establishing various church programs and institutions.

In addition to his academic and religious pursuits, Widtsoe was a prolific author and wrote dozens of books on topics ranging from science and agriculture to the Bible and Mormon theology. His works include "The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation," "Joseph Smith: Seeker After Truth," and "Priesthood and Church Government." He was also a co-founder of the Deseret News Bookstore and served as its president for several years.

Widtsoe's contributions to both the academic and religious fields have had a lasting impact and continue to be studied and referenced to this day.

Widtsoe was an advocate for scientific progress and believed that religion and science could work together to bring greater understanding to the world. He often served as a liaison between the scientific and religious communities, using his expertise in both fields to bridge the gap. Widtsoe also played a key role in the development of the seminary and institute programs of the LDS Church, which provide religious education to youth and adults.

In addition to his writing and academic pursuits, Widtsoe was an avid traveler and visited many countries throughout his life. He used his experiences abroad to inform his writing and lectures, often speaking on the importance of cultural understanding and global cooperation.

Widtsoe's legacy continues to be celebrated through a number of institutions and programs named in his honor. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation, for example, was established to promote education and research in fields related to Mormon studies, while the John A. Widtsoe Biographical Association collects and shares information about Widtsoe's life and work.

Read more about John A. Widtsoe on Wikipedia »

Luckey Roberts

Luckey Roberts (August 7, 1887 Philadelphia-February 5, 1968 New York City) also known as Charles Luckeyeth Roberts was an American jazz musician, jazz pianist, musician and composer.

Related albums: Luckey & the Lion: Harlem Piano. Genres: Jazz, Stride, Blues and Ragtime.

Read more about Luckey Roberts on Wikipedia »

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock (August 13, 1899 Leytonstone-April 29, 1980 Bel-Air) a.k.a. Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Hitch, The Master of Suspense, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, KBE or A. Hitchcock was an American film director, actor, film producer, screenwriter, television director, television producer, film art director, film editor and writer. His child is called Pat Hitchcock.

Related albums: Ghost Stories for Young People.

He died caused by renal failure.

Read more about Alfred Hitchcock on Wikipedia »

Burt Lancaster

Burt Lancaster (November 2, 1913 Manhattan-October 20, 1994 Century City) also known as Burton Stephen Lancaster, Lancaster, Mr Muscles and Teeth or The Grin was an American actor, film producer, film director, circus performer, salesman, soldier and voice actor. He had five children, Bill Lancaster, Sighle Lancaster, Susan Lancaster, Joanna Lancaster and Jimmy Lancaster.

Lancaster began his career as a circus performer, working as an acrobat and eventually performing in vaudeville shows. He then went on to pursue acting, starting with small roles on Broadway before his breakthrough film role in "The Killers" in 1946. Lancaster went on to star in over 80 films throughout his career, including "Elmer Gantry", for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Beyond acting, Lancaster was also a skilled producer and director, creating films such as "The Hallelujah Trail" and "The Midnight Man". He also served in the United States Army during World War II, earning the rank of sergeant.

In addition to his work in entertainment and military service, Lancaster was also a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights. He was a close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Lancaster's legacy as an actor and artist continues to influence and inspire performers today.

Lancaster was born in New York City to a postal worker father and a homemaker mother. He grew up in East Harlem and attended DeWitt Clinton High School. Despite excelling in sports, Lancaster decided to pursue a career in entertainment. He met fellow performer Nick Cravat in the circus, and the two later became lifelong friends and acting partners, appearing in several films together.

Throughout his career, Lancaster was known for his physicality and athleticism, often performing his own stunts in films. He also showed range in his acting abilities, portraying both heroic and villainous characters with intensity and nuance. In addition to his Academy Award win, he also received nominations for his roles in "From Here to Eternity", "Judgment at Nuremberg", and "Birdman of Alcatraz".

Outside of his career, Lancaster was married three times and had numerous affairs with women in the entertainment industry. He was also a fervent supporter of the Democratic Party and campaigned for several politicians, including John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter.

Despite his success and fame, Lancaster remained a down-to-earth person who valued hard work and dedication. He once said, "I was born to climb mountains and play tennis. I've done the tennis thing, and now I'm going to climb mountains." And climb mountains he did - Lancaster was an avid hiker and often spent his free time exploring nature.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Read more about Burt Lancaster on Wikipedia »

Brownie McGhee

Brownie McGhee (November 30, 1915 Knoxville-February 16, 1996 Oakland) also known as Walter "Brownie" McGhee, Walter Brown McGhee, Walter McGhee, Walter Brown ("Brownie") McGhee, Blind Boy Fuller No. 2. or Brownie McGee was an American singer, musician, actor and film score composer.

His most recognized albums: The Complete Brownie McGhee, The Folkways Years, 1945-1959, Back Home Blues, Down South Summit Meeting, Charly Blues Masterworks, Volume 33: Coffee House Blues, , Facts Of Life, I Couldn't Believe My Eyes Plus..., Traditional Blues sung by Brownie McGhee Vol 1 and Blues Hoot Live Recording at 'The Ash Grove'. Genres related to him: Country blues, Piedmont blues, East Coast blues and Roots revival.

He died as a result of stomach cancer.

Read more about Brownie McGhee on Wikipedia »

Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson (February 27, 1910 Ishpeming-December 21, 1990 Los Angeles) also known as Clarence Leonard "Kelly" Johnson or Clarence Leonard Johnson was an American engineer and aerospace engineer.

He was the founder of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and was known for designing many famous aircraft such as the P-38 Lightning, U-2 spy plane, and the SR-71 Blackbird. Johnson's innovative designs and engineering methods revolutionized aircraft design and manufacturing during his time. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the aerospace industry including induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Johnson's legacy continues to inspire engineers and aviation enthusiasts to this day.

In addition to his achievements in aircraft design, Kelly Johnson was known for his leadership and management style. He created a culture at Skunk Works that emphasized innovation, creativity, and efficiency, and he was personally involved in every project from beginning to end. His team of engineers and technicians at Skunk Works was responsible for many of the most significant technological advancements in aviation history.

Johnson was a brilliant engineer who had a keen understanding of the physics and mechanics of flight. He was also a savvy businessman who understood the importance of staying ahead of the competition. His designs were often characterized by their speed, agility, and advanced technology. His high standards for quality and safety made him a respected figure in both the military and civilian aerospace industries.

Throughout his career, Johnson remained committed to advancing the field of aviation. He was known for his willingness to take risks and his ability to inspire others to push the boundaries of what was possible. His work at Skunk Works laid the foundation for many of the technological advancements in aviation that we see today.

Read more about Kelly Johnson on Wikipedia »

John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams (July 11, 1767 Braintree-February 23, 1848 Washington, D.C.) was an American lawyer, politician, diplomat and attorney at law. He had four children, Charles Francis Adams, Sr., George Washington Adams, Louisa Catherine Adams and John Adams II.

John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of the United States, serving from 1825 to 1829. Prior to his presidency, he served as the Secretary of State under President James Monroe. He was known for his dedication to public service and his strong stance against slavery, even arguing before the Supreme Court on behalf of captured Africans who had rebelled against their captors on the Amistad.

Adams was the son of John Adams, the second president of the United States, and Abigail Adams, a prominent advocate for women's rights. He was educated at Harvard University and went on to have a successful political career that also included serving as a senator and a member of the House of Representatives.

In addition to his political work, Adams was a prolific writer and translator. He translated several works from Latin and French into English, and wrote numerous essays and speeches on topics such as education and government. He also played a key role in promoting the construction of the Erie Canal, which helped to boost trade and commerce in the United States.

After leaving the presidency, John Quincy Adams was elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1831 to 1848, where he was a vocal opponent of slavery and fought for civil liberties. He is the only president to have served in Congress after leaving office. Adams was also a dedicated abolitionist and a founding member of the American Antislavery Society. He often spoke out against the "Gag Rule" which prevented anti-slavery petitions from being discussed in Congress.

In addition to his political and diplomatic career, John Quincy Adams had a keen interest in the arts and sciences. He was a member of several scientific societies and helped establish the Smithsonian Institution. Adams also had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. He was the first president to regularly swim in the Potomac River.

Despite being an accomplished politician and diplomat, John Quincy Adams struggled with depression throughout his life. He once wrote in his diary, “My whole life has been a succession of disappointments. I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything that I ever undertook.” Nevertheless, his dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty and justice continue to inspire Americans to this day.

He died in cerebral hemorrhage.

Read more about John Quincy Adams on Wikipedia »

Mack Sennett

Mack Sennett (January 17, 1880 Danville-November 5, 1960 Woodland Hills) also known as Michael Sinnott, Mack Sennet, Mr. Mack Sennett, Mikall Sinnott, Walter Terry or The King of Comedy was an American comedian, actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, presenter, composer, cinematographer, film score composer, dancer, set designer, clown, singer and writer.

Sennett was best known for his work in silent comedy films, particularly creating and producing the Keystone Cops. Throughout his illustrious career, he produced over 1000 silent films, including some works that are now considered classics of early cinema. Sennett started his career as a performer in vaudeville before transitioning to filmmaking. He was an early pioneer of slapstick comedy and his movies were known for their fast-paced, chaotic nature. Sennett's legacy in the film industry earned him an Academy Honorary Award in 1937.

Sennett's career in the film industry spanned for over 40 years, during which he discovered many talents who went on to become major Hollywood stars, including Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, and Carole Lombard. Sennett also played a major role in the development of the Hollywood movie studio system. In addition to being a director and producer, Sennett was also a prolific writer, having written over 300 screenplays. One of his most famous films is "Tillie's Punctured Romance", which was the first feature-length comedy in movie history. Despite the popularity of his films, Sennett struggled financially throughout his life and lost most of his fortune in the stock market crash of 1929. Nevertheless, he continued to work in the film industry until his death in 1960.

Read more about Mack Sennett on Wikipedia »

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 Omaha-July 1, 2004 Westwood) otherwise known as Marlon Brando, Jr., Bud, Mr. Mumbles or Marlon Brando Jr. was an American actor. He had 15 children, Christian Brando, Cheyenne Brando, Stephen Blackehart, Maimiti Brando, Ninna Priscilla Brando, Timothy Gahan Brando, Rebecca Brando, Myles Jonathan Brando, Dylan Brando, Simon Teihotu Brando, Miko Castaneda Brando, Raiatua Brando, Angelique Brando, Michael Gilman and Petra Brando-Corval.

Marlon Brando is widely considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time. He rose to prominence in the 1950s with his performances in films such as "A Streetcar Named Desire", for which he received his first Academy Award nomination, and "On the Waterfront", for which he won his first Academy Award for Best Actor. Brando's unique and naturalistic acting style, which challenged traditional techniques, revolutionized the craft of acting and influenced generations of actors.

Aside from his acting career, Brando was also known for his political activism and social causes. He was an early supporter of the American Indian Movement and opposed the Vietnam War. Brando refused to accept his Best Actor Oscar for "The Godfather" in 1973 as a form of protest against the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry.

Brando's personal life was marked by numerous scandals and controversies, including his multiple marriages and affairs, allegations of violence and abuse, and the tragic death of his daughter Cheyenne in 1995. Despite his many flaws, Marlon Brando remains one of the most influential and enduring figures in the history of cinema.

Brando's acting career spanned over five decades and included iconic roles in films such as "The Wild One", "Guys and Dolls", "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Apocalypse Now". He was known for his intense preparation for each role, often immersing himself in the character and bringing a level of authenticity to his performances that was unprecedented at the time.

Brando's impact on Hollywood was not limited to his acting prowess. He also had a significant influence on the way films were produced and financed, founding the production company Pennebaker Productions in the 1960s. He was also an early advocate of "method acting", a technique that emphasized the emotional authenticity of a performance, and was one of the founding members of the Actors Studio in New York.

Despite his many accolades and contributions to the film industry, Brando remained a reclusive and enigmatic figure, shying away from the media and public appearances later in life. His legacy, however, lives on in the numerous films he starred in and the impact he had on the art of acting.

He died in respiratory failure.

Read more about Marlon Brando on Wikipedia »

Mance Lipscomb

Mance Lipscomb (April 9, 1895 Navasota-January 30, 1976 Navasota) also known as Mance Liscomb or Beau De Glen Lipscomb was an American singer, musician and guitarist.

His most well known albums: Texas Songsters, Volume 5: Texas Country Blues, The Blues Collection 85: Songster, Texas Songster, Volume 2, Texas Songster, Texas Sharecropper and Songster, Mance Lipscomb, Volume 4, Mance Lipscomb, Volume 6, Mance Lipscomb, Volume 5, Mance Lipscomb, Volume 3: Texas Songster in a Live Performance and Trouble in Mind. Genres he performed: Blues and Folk music.

Read more about Mance Lipscomb on Wikipedia »

Samuel Morse

Samuel Morse (April 27, 1791 Charlestown, Boston-April 2, 1872 New York City) also known as Samuel Finley Breese Morse or Samuel F. B. Morse was an American inventor, artist, painter and visual artist. His children are called Susan Morse, Charles Morse, James Morse, Samuel Morse, Cornelia Morse, William Morse and Edward Morse.

Morse is best known for inventing the single-wire telegraph system and Morse code, which revolutionized long-distance communication. He also played a crucial role in the development of the telegraph industry in the United States. Prior to his invention, news and information could only travel as fast as a human on horseback or by ship.

In addition to his work as an inventor, Morse was also a talented artist and painter. He studied art in Europe, particularly in Paris, where he was influenced by the works of renowned artists such as Jacques-Louis David. His painting entitled "Gallery of the Louvre" gained him fame as an artist.

Morse was a staunch supporter of the Union during the American Civil War and was a vocal opponent of slavery. He served as the President of the National Academy of Design from 1826 to 1845 and was a founding member of the University of the City of New York (now New York University).

Overall, Samuel Morse was a polymath who left a lasting impact on the worlds of communication and art.

Morse was born into a prominent family: his father was a Calvinist pastor and his mother was the daughter of a distinguished Revolutionary War veteran. He was the eldest of eleven children and showed a keen interest in science and art from a young age.

After receiving a formal education at Yale University, Morse pursued his interest in art and moved to London to study under the American painter Benjamin West. He later traveled to Paris, where he met renowned artists such as Ingres and Delacroix, and continued his training under the tutelage of Jacques-Louis David.

Morse's interest in science and invention was piqued during his voyage back to the United States in 1832. He overheard a conversation about electromagnetism on board the ship and began to experiment with the concept upon his return to New York.

After years of trial and error, Morse successfully demonstrated his telegraph system in 1844, transmitting the famous message "What hath God wrought!" from Washington D.C. to Baltimore. The system allowed for near-instantaneous communication across great distances, revolutionizing the way people thought about information and paving the way for future advancements in communication technology.

Morse's legacy as an inventor and artist continues to be celebrated to this day. His contributions to the fields of communication and art have left a lasting impact on American society and the world at large.

He died caused by pneumonia.

Read more about Samuel Morse on Wikipedia »

Otto Preminger

Otto Preminger (December 5, 1905 Vyzhnytsia-April 23, 1986 New York City) also known as Otto Ludwig Preminger or Otto the Ogre was an American film director, actor, film producer and theatre director. He had three children, Erik Lee Preminger, Victoria Preminger and Mark Preminger.

Born in present-day Ukraine, Preminger immigrated to the United States in the early 1930s after fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe. He initially worked on Broadway as a theater director before transitioning to Hollywood as a film director in the 1940s. Preminger's career spanned over three decades, during which he directed classic films such as "Anatomy of a Murder," "Laura," and "Exodus."

In addition to his work as a director, Preminger also served as a producer on several of his own films, as well as on the Broadway productions of "The Moon is Blue" and "Porgy and Bess." He was known for his uncompromising and often controversial style, tackling taboo subjects such as drug addiction and homosexuality in his films at a time when such themes were still considered taboo by mainstream Hollywood.

Preminger received numerous accolades for his contributions to film and theater, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and nominations for multiple Academy Awards and Tony Awards. Despite his hard-nosed reputation, he was also known for mentoring and supporting young actors and directors, such as Clint Eastwood and William Friedkin.

Preminger was also an accomplished actor, having appeared in small roles in several films throughout his career. He was known for his distinctive voice and imposing physical presence, which lent itself well to villainous roles. Preminger's directorial style was characterized by his attention to detail and his willingness to challenge the status quo. This often placed him at odds with the conservative Hollywood establishment, but also earned him a devoted following among cinephiles and admirers of bold, provocative cinema. In later years, Preminger became increasingly reclusive, due in part to his worsening health. He spent his final years under the care of his son Erik Lee Preminger, with whom he had a difficult but ultimately reconciled relationship. Despite his prickly reputation, Preminger's contribution to the world of film and theater continues to be celebrated by critics and audiences alike.

He died caused by alzheimer's disease.

Read more about Otto Preminger on Wikipedia »

Related articles