New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 39
Here are 4 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 39:
Jack Lovelock
Jack Lovelock (January 5, 1910 Crushington-December 28, 1949 New York City) was a New Zealand personality.
Lovelock was a middle-distance runner who famously won the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Germany. He was a gifted athlete who also set world records in the mile and 1500 meters. Lovelock was highly regarded for his intellect in addition to his athleticism, obtaining a degree in medicine and a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University. He went on to become a medical doctor and was in the United States working as a research scientist when he tragically died at the young age of 39 from a heart attack. Lovelock's accomplishments in sport and academics continue to inspire many in his home country and around the world.
Despite being born and raised in New Zealand, Jack Lovelock's family roots traced back to the British Isles. Lovelock initially gained attention as an athlete during his college years. He attended both Canterbury and Otago Universities, earning degrees in physical education and medicine. At the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, he represented New Zealand in the 1500m event, but finished seventh in his heat, failing to advance to the final.
Despite this early setback, Lovelock continued to train and improve his fitness, working on his running style and technique with coach Arthur Lydiard. In 1936, he traveled to Europe to compete in various track meets, including the Olympics. There, he shocked the world by winning the 1500m final with a record-breaking time of 3:47:8. His victory was particularly significant given the political context of the time, as Adolf Hitler was in power and had sought to use the Games to promote Nazi ideology.
Following his triumph, Lovelock returned to New Zealand briefly before leaving for Oxford, where he studied politics, philosophy, and economics as a Rhodes Scholar. He continued to compete in athletics during his time in England, setting world records in the mile and 1500m. After completing his studies, Lovelock spent several years practicing medicine in London before eventually moving to the United States in 1947 to work as a medical researcher.
Lovelock continued to be involved in athletics throughout his life, serving as a commentator and coach at various events. He was also an accomplished writer, publishing a number of articles and essays on topics ranging from medicine to philosophy. Sadly, his life was cut short when he suffered a fatal heart attack in his New York City laboratory in 1949. Lovelock's legacy lives on, however, as a symbol of both sporting excellence and intellectual curiosity.
Read more about Jack Lovelock on Wikipedia »
Oscar Natzka
Oscar Natzka (June 15, 1912 New Zealand-November 4, 1951 New York City) also known as Oscar Natzke or Natzke, Oscar was a New Zealand singer.
He was renowned for his deep, powerful bass-baritone voice and made a name for himself as an opera singer, performing in opera houses around the world. In addition to opera, Natzka also performed in concerts and musicals. He began his career in New Zealand before moving to England in the 1930s and eventually settling in the United States. Natzka performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and was the first New Zealand singer to achieve international recognition in the world of opera. Despite his success, Natzka's career was cut short due to his untimely death at the age of 39.
During his time in England, Oscar Natzka appeared in works such as "The Yeomen of The Guard" and "The Gondoliers". He also performed on radio programs and was a featured soloist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In the United States, he performed in the Broadway productions of "The Chocolate Soldier" and "Blossom Time". Natzka was known for his powerful stage presence and commanding voice, which earned him critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike. He recorded extensively and his recordings continue to be popular among opera enthusiasts. Oscar Natzka is still considered a cultural icon in New Zealand, where he is celebrated for paving the way for future opera singers from his home country.
Read more about Oscar Natzka on Wikipedia »
Adrian Shelford
Adrian Shelford (January 4, 1964 Christchurch-September 19, 2003 Wigan) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his work as a live television presenter on New Zealand's TVNZ channel during the 1980s and early 1990s. Adrian was passionate about music and was widely regarded as one of the country's foremost experts on punk rock. He formed his own band, The Bloodfarmers, and later went on to manage other notable New Zealand punk bands. Unfortunately, Adrian passed away at the age of 39 due to complications from pneumonia.
In addition to his work in music and television, Adrian Shelford was also an accomplished writer. He wrote a regular column for the New Zealand music magazine "Rip It Up" and contributed articles to various other publications. He also wrote liner notes for a number of punk rock albums.
Adrian's work in promoting punk rock in New Zealand was influential in shaping the country's music scene in the 1980s and 1990s. He played a key role in bringing international punk bands to New Zealand and introducing them to local audiences. He also helped to promote and support local punk bands, providing them with opportunities to perform and record their music.
Despite his untimely death, Adrian Shelford's legacy in the New Zealand music scene lives on. He is remembered as a passionate and dedicated advocate for punk rock and a pivotal figure in the country's music history.
Read more about Adrian Shelford on Wikipedia »
Paul Dobbs
Paul Dobbs (October 5, 1970 New Zealand-June 10, 2010 Isle of Man) also known as Dobsy was a New Zealand motorcycle racer.
He began racing motorcycles at a young age and went on to compete in various events including the Isle of Man TT races, where he achieved several top 10 finishes. Dobbs was known for his skill and bravery on the track, and was respected by his fellow competitors. He was unfortunately killed in a racing accident during a Supersport race at the Isle of Man TT in 2010. In his memory, the Paul Dobbs Memorial Trophy is awarded each year at the Cemetery Circuit Races in New Zealand.
Dobbs was born in Otago, New Zealand, and grew up on a farm in the small town of Ranfurly. As a child, he was passionate about motorcycles and began riding competitively when he was just 13 years old. He went on to win several championships in New Zealand and eventually made his way to Europe to compete on a larger stage.
In 2000, Dobbs made his debut at the Isle of Man TT, one of the most challenging and dangerous road races in the world. Over the years, he became a favorite among fans and fellow riders for his skill and daring on the notoriously difficult course. He earned multiple top 10 finishes and was widely respected for his abilities.
Off the track, Dobbs was known for his friendly personality and love of family. He was married to his wife Bridget and had two young sons, Max and Tom. His death at the age of 39 was a shock to the racing community and a devastating loss for his family and loved ones.
Despite the tragedy of his passing, Dobbs' legacy continues to inspire and motivate young riders around the world. The Paul Dobbs Memorial Trophy, which honors his memory, is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport of motorcycle racing.
Read more about Paul Dobbs on Wikipedia »