South African musicians died when they were 55
Here are 16 famous musicians from South Africa died at 55:
Roy Campbell
Roy Campbell (October 2, 1901 Durban-April 23, 1957 Setúbal) was a South African personality.
He was a prominent poet, essayist, biographer, literary critic, and translator. Campbell's work often reflected his tumultuous personal life and his interest in Catholicism and Spanish culture. Some of his most notable works include "The Flaming Terrapin," "The Wayzgoose," and "Flowering Reeds." Campbell also worked as a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Despite early success and acclaim, Campbell's later work was met with controversy and criticism due to his conservative political views and perceived racism. He spent the last years of his life in Portugal, where he died from a car accident.
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Ernest Halliwell
Ernest Halliwell (September 7, 1864 Ealing-October 2, 1919 Johannesburg) was a South African personality.
Ernest Halliwell was a journalist and publisher who was known for being the founder and editor-in-chief of "The Star", a daily newspaper in Johannesburg. He was also one of the first to introduce the use of photographs in newspapers in South Africa. In addition to his work in journalism, Halliwell was an active participant in South African politics and was a member of the Transvaal Legislative Council. He was known for his support of the rights of the working-class and for his opposition to the policies of the British government. Halliwell passed away at the age of 55 due to complications from an illness.
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Murray Bisset
Murray Bisset (April 14, 1876 Port Elizabeth-October 24, 1931) was a South African personality.
He was primarily known for his career in journalism, having worked as an editor and writer for several prominent South African newspapers during his lifetime. Bisset was also involved in politics and served as a Member of Parliament for the United Party. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he was a passionate advocate for the preservation of wildlife and the environment. He was instrumental in the creation of several nature reserves and conservation projects throughout South Africa, and his legacy as a conservationist continues to be celebrated to this day.
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Joe Partridge
Joe Partridge (December 9, 1932-June 6, 1988) was a South African personality.
Joe Partridge was a talented musician, actor and television presenter who rose to prominence in South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. He played the guitar and sang in several bands before becoming a popular television personality, hosting a variety of music and entertainment programs.
In addition to his television work, Partridge starred in several South African films and stage productions, earning critical acclaim for his performances. He was also an outspoken political activist and advocate for social justice, using his platform to speak out against apartheid and inequality in his country.
Despite his many accomplishments, Partridge struggled with personal demons, including addiction and depression. He tragically took his own life in 1988, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved and multi-talented performer, as well as a courageous and compassionate activist.
He died in suicide.
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Molly Blackburn
Molly Blackburn (November 12, 1930 South Africa-December 28, 1985) was a South African personality.
She was widely known for her work as a composer and singer during the apartheid era in South Africa. Blackburn wrote and performed politically charged music that condemned the oppressive regime's policies, which led to her being banned from performing in public. Despite the restrictions placed upon her, Blackburn continued to record and distribute her music, which was hugely influential in the anti-apartheid movement. In addition to her music career, Blackburn was active in grassroots organizing, working to bring attention to issues of racial inequality and social justice. She remained a staunch advocate for human rights until her untimely death in 1985. Blackburn's legacy as a groundbreaking artist and tireless activist continues to inspire people around the world to stand up against injustice.
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Frank Rhodes
Frank Rhodes (April 9, 1850 Bishop's Stortford-September 21, 1905 Cape Colony) was a South African personality.
He was born in England but moved to South Africa at a young age with his family. Rhodes became a successful businessman and politician, serving as a member of the Cape Legislative Assembly and later as a senator in the Parliament of the Cape Colony. He also played a role in the development of the mining industry in South Africa, particularly in the Kimberley diamond fields. Despite his success, Rhodes was known for his commitment to social justice and was a vocal advocate for the rights of black South Africans. In addition to his political and business pursuits, he was also an avid sportsman and helped establish the South African Cricket Association. Rhodes was widely respected in South Africa and his legacy continues to be felt in the country today.
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Hamish Miller
Hamish Miller (June 26, 1941-April 24, 1997) was a South African personality.
He was predominantly known for his work as a writer, journalist, and television presenter. Miller began his career in the late 1960s, writing for several prominent publications including The Guardian and The Observer. He later transitioned into television, hosting and producing several popular shows on British television, including "The Food Programme" and "Living on the Land".
Miller was also an accomplished author, with several critically acclaimed books to his name. Some of his most notable works include "The Observer Book of British Birds," "The Observer Book of British Wild Flowers," and "The Observer Book of Observing." In addition to his literary and television work, Miller was also involved in various environmental and conservation efforts, and was a founding member of the British Trust for Ornithology.
Miller passed away in 1997 at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy as a prolific and influential figure in the worlds of writing, journalism, and television.
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Tielman Roos
Tielman Roos (April 5, 1879 South Africa-March 28, 1935) was a South African lawyer, politician and judge.
Roos is best known for his role as a delegate to the negotiations leading up to the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910. He was also a vocal advocate for the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary during his time as a judge. Roos was born in the city of Cape Town and received his education in South Africa and the United Kingdom. He went on to have a successful legal career, eventually ascending to the position of judge in the Cape Provincial Division of the Supreme Court. In addition to his legal work, Roos was also involved in politics, serving as a member of the Cape Province Legislative Council and as a representative in the South African Parliament. Despite his many accomplishments, however, Roos was known for his modesty and his commitment to public service.
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Bernard Oppenheimer
Bernard Oppenheimer (February 13, 1866-June 13, 1921) was a South African personality.
He was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and grew up in Kimberley. Oppenheimer was the founder of the Anglo-American Corporation, which became one of the largest mining conglomerates in the world. He was also a philanthropist, supporting many causes such as education, health, and the arts. Oppenheimer was deeply involved in South African politics and was elected to parliament in 1910. He died in Johannesburg in 1921 at the age of 55.
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Albert Johanneson
Albert Johanneson (March 13, 1940 Germiston-September 1, 1995 Leeds) was a South African personality.
Albert Johanneson was a professional footballer who became the first black player to play in an English FA Cup Final in 1965 with Leeds United. He grew up in poverty under the apartheid in South Africa, and his football skills gave him a chance to escape his difficult circumstances. He was discovered by a talent scout and signed by Leeds United in 1961. He had a successful career with the team, scoring 68 goals in 200 appearances. Although he faced racial discrimination and abuse during his time in England, he remained a popular and respected player both on and off the field. After retiring from football, Johanneson suffered from mental health problems and financial difficulties, eventually passing away in 1995.
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Stuart Leary
Stuart Leary (April 30, 1933 Cape Town-August 21, 1988 Table Mountain) was a South African personality.
He was a well-known pioneering skydiver, filmmaker, and conservationist. Stuart Leary set numerous records in the world of skydiving, creating new forms of jumping, and film-making techniques. He was also a dedicated conservationist and played a significant role in protecting Table Mountain's natural habitat, where he tragically passed away in a paragliding accident. In his honor, The South African Skydiving Association named one of their awards after him. His contribution to the field of skydiving and conservation are still remembered and celebrated today.
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Andrew Maclean Pollock
Andrew Maclean Pollock (June 11, 1914 Edinburgh-December 19, 1969 Port Elizabeth) was a South African personality. He had two children, Peter Pollock and Graeme Pollock.
Andrew Maclean Pollock was a cricketer who represented South Africa in 16 tests between 1947 and 1956. He was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast medium bowler. Pollock made his test debut against England in 1947 and went on to become a vital member of the South African cricket team during the 1950s. Apart from cricket, he was also a renowned fly fisherman and a prolific writer. Pollock wrote several articles for the fishing magazine (The Complete Angler) under the pen name "Tommy Pickering". In addition, he authored two books "African Fishing Holiday" and "Where the Bright Waters Meet". Andrew Maclean Pollock passed away on December 19, 1969, in Port Elizabeth at the age of 55.
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Sol Plaatje
Sol Plaatje (October 9, 1876 Orange Free State-June 19, 1932 Soweto) otherwise known as Sol. T Plaatje or Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje was a South African journalist.
Plaatje was a prominent intellectual and political activist, who fought tirelessly against racial discrimination in South Africa during his lifetime. He was also a prolific writer, publishing books, articles, and essays on a wide range of topics, including politics, history, culture, and language.
Plaatje was a skilled linguist and translator, and he played a key role in helping to preserve and promote indigenous languages in South Africa. He was also an important figure in the struggle for the rights of black South Africans and was a founding member of the African National Congress (ANC).
Throughout his life, Plaatje received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to South African society. Today, he is remembered as one of the country's most important cultural and political figures, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of South Africans.
He died caused by pneumonia.
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Louis Moolman
Louis Moolman (January 21, 1951 South Africa-February 10, 2006) was a South African personality.
Louis Moolman was widely known as the presenter of the popular Afrikaans news show, "TV 2 Krugerrand". He became a household name in South Africa during the 1980s and 90s, and was one of the country's most recognisable faces on television. Moolman also hosted several other TV shows throughout his career, including "Fiesta" and "Jukebox". He was respected for his professionalism and dedication to his craft, and was loved by audiences for his warm and affable personality. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Moolman remained humble and continued to live a simple life with his family.
He died as a result of stroke.
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Ferdie Aston
Ferdie Aston (September 18, 1871 Cheltenham-October 15, 1926) was a South African personality.
He was a physicist and chemist who is best known for his invention of the Aston mass spectograph, which allowed scientists to measure the atomic masses of elements with unprecedented accuracy. Aston was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1922 for his work in the field of isotopes. He also made significant contributions to the study of organic chemistry, and was instrumental in the development of the theory of isotopes. Despite suffering from poor health throughout his life, Aston remained dedicated to his research and was highly respected by his peers.
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Ivan Toms
Ivan Toms (July 11, 1952 Cape Town-March 25, 2008) also known as Dr. Ivan Toms was a South African physician.
Dr. Ivan Toms was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and played a significant role in advocating for universal access to healthcare in South Africa. He was the founder of the pioneering Cape Town Community Health Centre, which provided free access to healthcare services to all people regardless of their race or socio-economic status. Dr. Toms was also the first openly gay medical practitioner in South Africa and was instrumental in campaigning for the LGBTQ+ community's rights. He was awarded the Order of the Disa by the Western Cape Government for his outstanding contribution to public health in South Africa. Dr. Ivan Toms was a truly inspirational figure who dedicated his life to serving others and fighting for social justice.
He died as a result of meningitis.
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