Pathetic Facts

British music stars died at age 78

Here are 28 famous musicians from United Kingdom died at 78:

Philip Hall

Philip Hall (April 11, 1904 Hampstead-December 30, 1982 Cambridge) was a British mathematician.

He is best known for his work on group theory and his influential textbook "The Theory of Groups", which has been used for decades as a standard reference in the field. In addition to his work in mathematics, Hall was also a gifted linguist, and he made significant contributions to the study of the Welsh language. He was awarded the De Morgan Medal in 1954 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1955. He served as President of the London Mathematical Society from 1957 to 1959. Throughout his career, he trained generations of mathematicians and inspired a love of group theory in many of his students.

Read more about Philip Hall on Wikipedia »

Lawrence Durrell

Lawrence Durrell (February 27, 1912 Jalandhar-November 7, 1990 Sommières) a.k.a. Larry or Lawrence George Durrell was a British novelist, author, playwright and poet. He had two children, Sappho Durrell and Penelope Berengaria Durrell.

Durrell is best known for his tetralogy set in the Mediterranean island of Corfu, entitled "The Alexandria Quartet". He was also a member of the romantic circle of poets in England during the 1930s and 1940s, along with poets such as Dylan Thomas and T. S. Eliot. Durrell traveled extensively throughout his life, living in places such as India, Greece, and Egypt, and incorporating his experiences in his works. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and received the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to literature.

He died as a result of stroke.

Read more about Lawrence Durrell on Wikipedia »

A.J. Ayer

A.J. Ayer (October 29, 1910 United Kingdom-June 27, 1989) otherwise known as AJ Ayer, Sir Alfred Jules Ayer, Alfred Jules Ayer or A.J Ayer was a British philosopher.

Born in London, A.J. Ayer studied at Eton College and the University of Oxford. He became a professor of Philosophy at the University College London in 1946, where he stayed for 30 years. Ayer was a prominent member of the Vienna Circle and a proponent of logical positivism, which emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and logical analysis. His most famous work, "Language, Truth and Logic," was published in 1936 and became a staple in the field of philosophy. Outside of his professional career, Ayer was also known for his colorful personal life, having been married four times and being romantically involved with a number of famous women. He was knighted in 1970 for his contributions to philosophy, and passed away in 1989.

Read more about A.J. Ayer on Wikipedia »

John Pople

John Pople (October 31, 1925 Burnham-on-Sea-March 15, 2004 Chicago) was a British chemist.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for his contributions to computational chemistry. Pople developed methods for calculating the properties of molecules using quantum mechanics, which revolutionized the field of computational chemistry. He also played a significant role in the development of Gaussian software, which is widely used in research today. Pople received many other honors throughout his career, including the Royal Society of Chemistry's Faraday Medal and the American Chemical Society's Priestley Medal.

Read more about John Pople on Wikipedia »

Nevil Maskelyne

Nevil Maskelyne (October 6, 1732 London-February 9, 1811 Greenwich) was a British astronomer. He had one child, Margaret Meskelyn.

Nevil Maskelyne was appointed Astronomer Royal in 1765, a position he held until his death. He is best known for his work in determining the longitude at sea using lunar observations. His observations were used to create the Nautical Almanac, which provided sailors with the information they needed to navigate at sea. Maskelyne was also a member of the Royal Society and served as its president from 1775 to 1778. In addition to his work in astronomy, he was also interested in geology and mineralogy and published several papers on those subjects. He was known as a meticulous observer and a skilled mathematician, and his work had a significant impact on the field of astronomy.

Read more about Nevil Maskelyne on Wikipedia »

David Jones

David Jones (November 1, 1895 Brockley-October 28, 1974 Harrow, London) was a British personality.

He is widely known by his stage name, David Bowie, and was a singer, songwriter, and actor. Bowie released multiple successful albums throughout his career, such as "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" and "Hunky Dory". He was also recognized for his iconic fashion and style, as well as his experimentation with different genres of music. Bowie's impact on the music industry and pop culture continues to this day, and he is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. In addition to his music career, Bowie also appeared in several films, including "Labyrinth" and "The Prestige".

Read more about David Jones on Wikipedia »

Harold Abrahams

Harold Abrahams (December 15, 1899 Bedford-January 14, 1978 London Borough of Enfield) also known as Harold Maurice Abrahams was a British athlete. He had one child, Sue Pottle.

Abrahams was a sprinter and is best known for winning the gold medal in the 100 meters race at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, a feat that was later immortalized in the movie "Chariots of Fire". He had previously represented Britain in the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, but failed to win a medal. In addition to his athletic achievements, Abrahams was also a successful lawyer, sports journalist, and broadcaster. He was known for his charisma and eloquence, and was a popular figure both in and outside of the world of sports. Abrahams was also the first Jewish athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the British Army, and later became a member of parliament.

Read more about Harold Abrahams on Wikipedia »

Harold Pinter

Harold Pinter (October 10, 1930 Metropolitan Borough of Hackney-December 24, 2008 London) also known as Sir Harold Pinter, David Baron or Harold Pinter, CH, CBE was a British playwright, author, poet, screenwriter, actor, theatre director, social activist, writer, political activist and film director. His child is Daniel Brand Pinter.

Harold Pinter was one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century, known for his distinctive writing style that explored the themes of power, betrayal, and human relationships. He wrote over 30 plays, including "The Birthday Party," "Betrayal," and "The Homecoming," which have been performed on stages all over the world. In addition to his work as a playwright, Pinter was also a successful screenwriter, with credits that include the films "The French Lieutenant's Woman," "The Remains of the Day," and "Sleuth." He was awarded numerous prestigious honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005. Pinter was also an outspoken political activist, advocating for human rights and social justice causes. Despite his fame and success, Pinter remained deeply committed to his family and friends throughout his life, and was remembered by many as a kind and humble man.

He died as a result of cancer.

Read more about Harold Pinter on Wikipedia »

Robert Grosseteste

Robert Grosseteste (April 5, 1175 Stradbroke-October 9, 1253 Buckden) was a British scientist and philosopher.

He is often referred to as being an early pioneer and proponent of the scientific method. Grosseteste was a bishop and considered one of the most learned men of his time. He wrote extensively on a wide range of subjects including logic, astronomy, and theology. While he was a devout Christian, he was also deeply interested in natural philosophy, which he saw as a way of understanding and appreciating the divine order of the universe. Among his many accomplishments were the formulation of the first detailed theories of the rainbow, the camera obscura, and the nature of light. He also made important contributions to the study of optics, mathematics, and music. His work was influential on future scientists and philosophers and helped lay the groundwork for the scientific revolution that would come centuries later.

Read more about Robert Grosseteste on Wikipedia »

Jessica Mitford

Jessica Mitford (September 11, 1917 Gloucestershire-July 22, 1996 Oakland) also known as Jessica Lucy Freeman-Mitford was a British journalist, author and social activist. She had two children, Constancia Romilly and Julia Romilly.

Jessica Mitford was born into an aristocratic family in Gloucestershire, England, and was one of the infamous Mitford sisters, who were known for their involvement in politics and society. Mitford moved to the United States in 1939 and became involved in left-wing politics, advocating for civil rights and workers' rights. She worked as a journalist throughout her career, writing for various publications such as The Nation and The Atlantic Monthly, and authored several books including "The American Way of Death", a scathing critique of the funeral industry. Mitford was also an active member of the Civil Rights Movement and was involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement. She was married to civil rights lawyer Robert Treuhaft and together they worked on many high-profile cases. Throughout her life, Mitford remained committed to social justice and equality and was an inspiration to many activists.

She died caused by lung cancer.

Read more about Jessica Mitford on Wikipedia »

William Quiller Orchardson

William Quiller Orchardson (March 27, 1832 Edinburgh-April 13, 1910) was a British personality.

He was a renowned realist painter during the Victorian era and was regarded as one of the leading artists of the period. Orchardson's paintings primarily focused on themes of social realism, depicting everyday life and its complexities. He received multiple accolades throughout his career, including becoming an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1863 and later becoming a full Academician in 1877. Some of his most famous works include "The First Cloud," "Her Mother's Voice," and "The Young Mother". Orchardson's contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated and studied today.

Melanie Klein

Melanie Klein (March 30, 1882 Vienna-September 22, 1960 London) was a British psychoanalyst, scientist, psychologist and psychotherapist. She had three children, Melitta Schmideberg, Hans Klein and Erich Klein.

Klein is best known for her contributions to the field of object relations theory, which focuses on the relationships between people and objects, and how these relationships shape one's personality, development and behavior. She also pioneered the use of play therapy in child analysis and made significant contributions to the understanding of the internal world of children. Additionally, Klein was the first psychoanalyst to develop a method of psychoanalyzing children under the age of six, expanding the scope of psychoanalysis beyond its traditional focus on adult patients. Her ideas have had a profound influence not only in the field of psychoanalysis, but also in the fields of child psychology, social work, and education.

She died caused by hip fracture.

Read more about Melanie Klein on Wikipedia »

Dennis Gabor

Dennis Gabor (June 5, 1900 Budapest-February 8, 1979 London) was a British physicist, scientist and inventor.

He is best known for inventing holography, a technique that produces a three-dimensional image of an object by using laser light. Born in Hungary, Gabor studied electrical engineering at the Technical University of Budapest before moving to Germany to study under renowned physicist Max Born. In 1948, Gabor was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his invention of holography, which revolutionized the field of microscopy and has practical applications in fields such as medicine, engineering, and art. Gabor also made significant contributions to the field of communication theory and helped develop the theory of electron optics. He continued to work on projects related to holography and communication theory until his death in 1979.

Read more about Dennis Gabor on Wikipedia »

Norris McWhirter

Norris McWhirter (August 12, 1925 Winchmore Hill-April 19, 2004 Kington Langley) was a British journalist, presenter, writer and social activist.

Norris McWhirter is best known for co-founding the Guinness World Records books along with his twin brother, Ross McWhirter, in 1954. He also served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during World War II and later became a successful writer and commentator on political and social issues. McWhirter advocated for the preservation of British freedoms and traditions, and was a prominent member of the British Library Board and the Conservative Party. In addition to his work with Guinness World Records, McWhirter was a television presenter for various shows, including "Record Breakers" and "The World of Animal Behaviour." He was awarded the CBE in 1980 for his contributions to journalism and charity work.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Read more about Norris McWhirter on Wikipedia »

Charles Harding Firth

Charles Harding Firth (March 16, 1857 Ecclesall-February 19, 1936 Acland Hospital) a.k.a. C. H. Firth or Charles H Firth was a British historian.

He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, and became a fellow of All Souls' College in 1883. Firth served as the Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford from 1904 to 1925 and was appointed a fellow of the British Academy in 1919. He is best known for his works on the English Civil War and the Commonwealth, including his book "Oliver Cromwell and the Rule of the Puritans in England" which is still widely referenced in scholarly circles. Firth was also a strong advocate for the study of local history, and his book "Highways and Byways in Oxford and the Cotswolds" reflected this passion. He was knighted in 1925 and continued to write and teach until his death in 1936.

Read more about Charles Harding Firth on Wikipedia »

Nicholas Kaldor

Nicholas Kaldor (May 12, 1908 Budapest-September 30, 1986 Cambridge) was a British scientist and economist. He had one child, Frances Stewart.

Kaldor is best known for his contributions to the fields of macroeconomics and development economics. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent economists of the 20th century, and his work had a significant impact on economic policy in the UK and beyond. Kaldor was a strong advocate for redistribution and government intervention in the economy, and he was a critic of neoclassical economics, arguing that it was too focused on static equilibrium models and did not take into account the dynamic nature of economic systems. In addition to his academic work, Kaldor was involved in British politics and was an advisor to the British government on economic policy. He was knighted in 1974 for his contributions to economics.

Read more about Nicholas Kaldor on Wikipedia »

Lewis Campbell

Lewis Campbell (September 3, 1830 Edinburgh-October 25, 1908) was a British personality.

Lewis Campbell was a renowned classicist and academic who had a significant influence on the study of ancient Greek language and literature. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh and later went on to become a professor of Greek at the University of St Andrews, where he worked for over thirty years. Over the course of his career, he produced numerous publications including translations and commentaries on Greek texts, and was a regular contributor to academic journals. Campbell was also an advocate for the study of ancient Greek as a means of better understanding contemporary social, political, and ethical issues. In addition to his academic pursuits, Campbell was a popular lecturer and speaker, with his witty and engaging style making him a sought-after presenter at public events. He was awarded numerous honors and awards throughout his lifetime, and his legacy in the field of classics remains significant to this day.

Read more about Lewis Campbell on Wikipedia »

Richard Chenevix Trench

Richard Chenevix Trench (September 9, 1807 Dublin-March 28, 1886 Eaton Square) a.k.a. Richard C. Trench was a British personality.

He was a poet, philologist, and Anglican clergyman who served as Archbishop of Dublin from 1864 to 1884. Trench was a notable scholar and his works on language and poetry, which include "On the Study of Words" and "On the Proverbs of England," remain influential to this day. In addition to his academic pursuits, Trench was involved in social and philanthropic activities, particularly in the areas of education and housing for the poor. He was also a renowned preacher and delivered some of the most noteworthy sermons of his time. Trench was widely respected and admired for his intellect, kindness, and devotion to his faith.

Sylvia Pankhurst

Sylvia Pankhurst (May 5, 1882 Manchester-September 27, 1960 Addis Ababa) also known as Estelle Sylvia Pankhurst or E. Sylvia Pankhurst was a British personality.

She is best known for her tireless efforts in women's suffrage movement and her activism for women's rights in general. Sylvia Pankhurst, along with her mother Emmeline Pankhurst and her sister Christabel Pankhurst, played a crucial role in the UK's suffrage movement, which eventually led to the granting of voting rights to women over the age of 30 in 1918.

Besides her work in suffrage, she was also a talented artist and writer, and used these skills to advance her activism. She founded and edited a newspaper called "The Women's Dreadnought," which focused on the issues affecting the working-class. Sylvia was passionate about socialism and believed strongly in the redistribution of wealth and resources to help the less fortunate. She also fought for the rights of colonized peoples, particularly in Africa, and was involved in the founding of the International African Service Bureau.

In her later years, Sylvia moved to Ethiopia, where she continued her activism and became a prominent figure in the country's struggle for independence from Italian colonial rule. She became an Ethiopian citizen and lived in the country until her death in 1960. Throughout her life, Sylvia Pankhurst fought tirelessly for the rights of oppressed peoples and is remembered as an important figure in the history of women's rights and social justice.

Read more about Sylvia Pankhurst on Wikipedia »

Stewart Menzies

Stewart Menzies (January 30, 1890 London-May 29, 1968) was a British personality.

He served as the chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), also known as MI6, from 1939 to 1952, spanning the period of World War II and the early Cold War. Menzies played a crucial role in British intelligence efforts during the war, overseeing clandestine operations against Nazi Germany and building relationships with allied intelligence agencies. He was known for his sharp intellect and ability to keep a low profile, even among other intelligence officials. After retiring from MI6 in 1952, Menzies became a respected elder statesman and advisor in the British government.

Read more about Stewart Menzies on Wikipedia »

Douglas Hogg, 1st Viscount Hailsham

Douglas Hogg, 1st Viscount Hailsham (February 28, 1872-August 16, 1950) was a British personality.

He was a Conservative politician and Member of Parliament for Marylebone East from 1906 to 1910, and later for St. Marylebone from 1910 to 1929. Hogg also held several government positions, including First Lord of the Admiralty, Secretary of State for War, and Lord Chancellor. In 1928, he was made a Viscount and became known as Viscount Hailsham. Hogg was known for his eloquence and his support for unpopular causes, including appeasement of Nazi Germany in the lead-up to World War II. He was also a prominent member of the House of Lords, serving as its leader from 1935 until his death in 1950. Hogg was married to Gwendolen Guinness, with whom he had three children, including Quintin Hogg, who went on to become a prominent politician and philanthropist in his own right.

Jacob Epstein

Jacob Epstein (November 10, 1880 New York City-August 19, 1959 London) was a British artist and visual artist. He had two children, Kathleen Epstein and Theodore Garman.

Epstein was renowned for his avant-garde and highly controversial sculptures, which often featured themes of sexuality, death, and the spiritual. He studied at the Art Students League of New York before moving to Paris in 1902 to study sculpture. In 1905, he settled in London, where he quickly gained recognition for his work.

One of his most well-known works is the statue of Oscar Wilde located in Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. He also created the "Rock Drill" sculpture, which was originally created as an industrial war machine but later transformed into a futuristic robot figure.

Epstein was a member of the bohemian art scene in London and associated with other well-known artists such as Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin. Despite his success, his sculptures often provoked controversy and were subject to censorship.

In addition to sculptures, Epstein also worked in other mediums such as drawing and painting. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a knighthood in 1954.

Read more about Jacob Epstein on Wikipedia »

Henry Herbert

Henry Herbert (April 5, 1595-April 5, 1673) was a British personality.

He served as the Baron of Cherbury and was a prominent member of England's political and literary circles during the 17th century. Herbert was also involved in military expeditions during his lifetime, and he published several notable works on religion, philosophy, and politics, including his famous book "De Veritate" (On Truth) which is known for its controversial views on religion. In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Herbert was also known for his love for the arts and was a patron of many artists and writers of his time. His life and legacy continue to be studied and celebrated by scholars today.

Read more about Henry Herbert on Wikipedia »

Richard Stone

Richard Stone (August 30, 1913 London-December 6, 1991 Cambridge) also known as Sir John Richard Nicholas Stone was a British statistician and economist.

Stone was best known for his contributions to the development of national accounting systems, particularly the United Nations System of National Accounts. In 1984, he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in recognition of his pioneering work in this area.

Stone studied at Cambridge University and later became a fellow at Churchill College, where he spent the majority of his academic career. During World War II, he worked as an economist for the British government and was instrumental in developing strategies for rationing and managing labor. After the war, he served as an advisor to many countries on economic policy, including India, the Soviet Union, and China.

Aside from his work in economics, Stone was also an avid gardener and even published a book on the subject titled The Education of a Gardener. He was also an accomplished musician, playing both the piano and the viola. Stone passed away in 1991 at the age of 78.

Read more about Richard Stone on Wikipedia »

John Keegan

John Keegan (May 15, 1934 Clapham-August 2, 2012 Kilmington) a.k.a. Sir John Keegan, John Desmond Patrick Keegan, Sir John Keegean, Sir John Desmond Patrick Keegan or Sir John Desmond Patrick Keegan, OBE, FRSL was a British writer, journalist and historian. His children are called Rose Keegan and Matthew Keegan.

John Keegan was known for his extensive work on military history, and is regarded as one of the most important military historians of the late 20th century. He earned his BA from Balliol College, Oxford, and went on to serve as a lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the University of Birmingham. Keegan also contributed to a number of newspapers and magazines throughout his career, including The Daily Telegraph and The Times Literary Supplement. Some of his most famous works include "The Face of Battle," "A History of Warfare," and "The First World War." In addition to his career as an author and academic, Keegan was awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to military history, including being made a Knight Bachelor in 2000.

He died caused by natural causes.

Read more about John Keegan on Wikipedia »

Chaim Herzog

Chaim Herzog (September 17, 1918 Belfast-April 17, 1997 Tel Aviv) was a British personality.

Chaim Herzog was actually an Israeli politician, lawyer and general. He served as the sixth President of Israel from 1983 to 1993, following a distinguished career in the Israel Defense Forces where he attained the rank of Major-General. He played a key role in several Arab-Israeli wars, including the 1948 War of Independence, the 1956 Sinai Campaign and the 1967 Six-Day War. After his military service, Herzog entered politics and was elected to the Knesset, serving as a member of the Labor Party. He held several government positions, including Minister of Housing, Minister of Defense and Ambassador to the United Nations. As President of Israel, Herzog was known for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between Israel and its Arab neighbors and his strong commitment to democracy and human rights.

Read more about Chaim Herzog on Wikipedia »

John Collier

John Collier (May 3, 1901 London-April 6, 1980 Pacific Palisades) also known as John Henry Noyes Collier was a British author, novelist, poet and screenwriter. His child is called John G. S. Collier.

Collier was known for his dark humor and strange, unsettling stories that often explored the darker aspects of human nature. He wrote several collections of short stories, including "Fancies and Goodnights" and "The John Collier Reader," as well as several novels such as "Tom's A-Cold" and "The Devil, George, and Rosie."

Collier began his career as a writer at a young age, and his first published work was a poem that appeared in the "London Mercury" when he was just nineteen years old. He later moved to the United States, where he became a successful screenwriter, working on films such as Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" and "The African Queen."

In addition to his writing, Collier was also an accomplished painter and illustrator, and his artwork was exhibited in galleries on both sides of the Atlantic. He was married three times and had one son, John G.S. Collier, who became a successful author and journalist in his own right.

Despite his success, Collier remained relatively unknown outside of literary circles during his lifetime, but his work has since gained a following and is highly regarded among aficionados of the strange and macabre.

He died caused by stroke.

Read more about John Collier on Wikipedia »

William Roscoe

William Roscoe (March 8, 1753 Liverpool-June 30, 1831) was a British personality. He had one child, Henry Roscoe.

William Roscoe was a renowned English lawyer, historian, and politician who contributed significantly to the resurgence of the economy and cultural landscape of Liverpool. He played a critical role in shaping the city's infrastructure, including the building of the now-famous Liverpool Royal Institution. Roscoe was also an accomplished writer and poet, known for his famous work "The Life of Lorenzo de' Medici," which explored the political and cultural accomplishments of the titular Italian Renaissance figure. His efforts to promote artistic and cultural education through prestigious organizations like the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester and the Athenaeum club helped shape the intellectual landscape of the era. In recognition of his achievements, Liverpool city named a road and several buildings after him.

Read more about William Roscoe on Wikipedia »