South African musicians died when they were 66
Here are 19 famous musicians from South Africa died at 66:
John van Melle
John van Melle (February 11, 1887 Goes-November 8, 1953) was a South African writer.
He was born in Goes, Netherlands, but emigrated to South Africa with his family when he was a child. Van Melle worked as a teacher, journalist, and translator before becoming a full-time writer. He was known for his stories about the lives of poor Afrikaners in rural South Africa, and his work often dealt with themes of poverty, identity, and the struggle for survival. Van Melle's most famous work is his novel, "Kykuit," which is considered a classic of Afrikaans literature. He also wrote several collections of short stories, including "Dorsland," which chronicled the experiences of Boer migrant workers in the early 20th century. Van Melle was awarded the Hertzog Prize, one of South Africa's most prestigious literary awards, in 1947.
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Koos de la Rey
Koos de la Rey (October 22, 1847 Winburg-September 15, 1914 Witwatersrand) was a South African personality.
He was a general during the Anglo-Boer War and is regarded as one of the greatest military leaders of the time. De la Rey was born in the Orange Free State and later moved to the Transvaal, where he became a farmer and a member of the Volksraad. He played a prominent role in the South African War and was admired for his tactical abilities and bravery. After the war, he worked towards reconciliation between the Boers and the British. De la Rey died in 1914 when he was accidentally shot by a police constable during the Maritz Rebellion. He is still remembered as a hero and a symbol of Afrikaner resistance against British rule.
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Piet Joubert
Piet Joubert (January 20, 1834 Oudtshoorn-March 28, 1900 Pretoria) was a South African personality.
Piet Joubert was a prominent Boer military leader and politician who played a significant role in the history of South Africa. He was instrumental in the establishment of the South African Republic and served as its Vice-President from 1883 to 1900. Joubert was also a renowned military commander, particularly during the First Anglo-Boer War. He won several battles against the British forces and helped secure victories for the Boers. He was known for his strategic mind and tactical brilliance. Despite his military successes, Joubert was also a diplomat who sought peaceful solutions to conflicts. He played a key role in negotiating the Pretoria Convention, which ended the war with the British. Joubert was widely respected by both Boers and British, and his death was mourned by many. He remains an important figure in South African history, and his legacy continues to inspire many today.
He died in peritonitis.
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James H. McClure
James H. McClure (October 9, 1939 South Africa-June 17, 2006 Oxford) a.k.a. James McClure or James Howe McClure was a South African writer.
McClure is best known for his crime fiction novels set in South Africa during apartheid. His debut novel, "The Steam Pig," won the 1971 Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger award for best crime novel of the year. McClure continued to write popular crime novels throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including several featuring his popular detective duo, Kramer and Zondi. He later moved to England and wrote a number of thrillers and non-fiction works. He is considered to be one of the most important crime fiction writers to come out of South Africa.
He died caused by respiratory failure.
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Dalene Matthee
Dalene Matthee (October 13, 1938 Riversdale, Western Cape-February 20, 2005 Mossel Bay) also known as Dalene Scott or Dalena Scott was a South African writer, novelist, actor and teacher. She had three children, Amanda Matthee, Toni Matthee and Hilary Matthee.
Dalene Matthee was best known for her four forest novels, which were inspired by her love of the Knysna Forest in South Africa. These novels include "Kringe in 'n Bos" (Circles in a Forest), "Fiela se Kind" (Fiela's Child), "Moerbeibos" (The Mulberry Forest), and "Toorbos" (Dream Forest). Matthee's work often focused on the experiences of the South African Coloured people, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the natural world. In addition to her writing, Matthee was also a talented performer, working as an actor and director in theater productions. She was a beloved teacher and mentor to many aspiring writers throughout her life.
She died in myocardial infarction.
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Louis Raymond
Louis Raymond (June 28, 1895 Pretoria-January 30, 1962 Johannesburg) was a South African tennis player.
He reached the quarterfinals of the men's doubles event at Wimbledon in 1924 and the same year he also reached the semifinals of mixed doubles. Raymond was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2021. Off the court, he was a prominent lawyer and political activist, serving as an advocate for human rights and racial equality. He was involved in the formation of the African National Congress and was a close confidant of Nelson Mandela. Raymond was also a talented musician and composer, known for several works blending traditional African rhythms with Western classical music.
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Denis Lindsay
Denis Lindsay (September 4, 1939 South Africa-November 30, 2005) was a South African personality.
He was a former first-class cricketer who played for Natal, Transvaal, and South Africa. After his playing career, Denis Lindsay became a prominent cricket administrator and served as the CEO of both Western Province and South African cricket. He was also a respected cricket commentator and writer, and he authored several books on cricket. Lindsay was known for his charismatic personality and his commitment to the development of cricket in South Africa. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the South African Cricket Hall of Fame in 2004, just one year before his tragic death due to a heart attack.
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Fred Susskind
Fred Susskind (June 8, 1891-July 9, 1957) was a South African personality.
Born in Lithuania, Susskind immigrated to South Africa with his family at a young age. He went on to become a successful businessman and philanthropist. Known for his generosity, Susskind donated funds to various educational and cultural organizations in South Africa, including the University of Witwatersrand and the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his philanthropic work, Susskind was also involved in politics and served in the Johannesburg City Council for nearly two decades. He was recognized for his achievements with the award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1955.
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Cyril Vincent
Cyril Vincent (February 16, 1902-August 24, 1968) was a South African personality.
Throughout his career, Cyril Vincent established himself as a journalist, radio broadcaster, and television presenter. He became one of the most recognized broadcasters in South Africa and was known for his distinctive voice and charming personality. Vincent was a pioneer in the radio industry and often covered major events, including the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the first South African Grand Prix.
Vincent was also a prolific writer and authored several books, including "The Voice of South Africa" and "South African Tours and Impressions." He was passionate about his country and often used his platform to promote South Africa and its culture to the world.
Vincent passed away in 1968 at the age of 66, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a respected journalist and beloved broadcaster in South Africa.
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Jim Christy
Jim Christy (December 12, 1904-February 1, 1971) was a South African personality.
He was best known for his career as a rugby player, representing South Africa in 10 international matches between 1928 and 1931. After retiring from rugby, Christy went on to work as a sports journalist, becoming one of the most well-respected and influential rugby writers of his time. He also had a passion for hunting and outdoor life, and authored several books detailing his experiences in the South African wilderness. In addition, Christy was a devout Christian and played an active role in his local church. He passed away in 1971 at the age of 66.
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Robert Carl-Heinz Shell
Robert Carl-Heinz Shell (January 31, 1949 Cape Province-February 3, 2015) was a South African writer.
Robert Carl-Heinz Shell was a renowned South African writer who mainly wrote novels and short stories. Shell was born on January 31, 1949, in Cape Province, South Africa. He grew up in a conservative family and attended the University of Cape Town, where he obtained a degree in English literature. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for various newspapers in South Africa, where he covered political events and issues of social justice.
His debut novel, "The House of the World," was published in 1982 and was critically acclaimed. The book focuses on the life of a family living in South Africa during the apartheid era. Shell's work often explored themes of identity, race, and social inequality.
In addition to his writing, Shell was also an activist and advocate for social and political change in South Africa. He was a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the injustices of the regime.
Shell passed away on February 3, 2015, at the age of 66. His contributions to South African literature and his activism will continue to inspire future generations.
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W. E. G. Louw
W. E. G. Louw (May 31, 1913 South Africa-April 24, 1980) was a South African personality.
He was a renowned Afrikaans poet, novelist, and historian, who is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in Afrikaans literature. Louw's literary career was marked by his exploration of themes related to identity, history, and culture, and he was highly regarded for his skillful use of language and imagery in his writing. In addition to his literary work, Louw was also a respected academic and served as a professor of literature at the University of Cape Town for many years. He was awarded numerous honors during his lifetime, including the Hertzog Prize for Poetry, the highest honor in Afrikaans literature, and he is considered a literary icon in South Africa to this day.
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John Waddington
John Waddington (December 30, 1918-November 24, 1985) was a South African personality.
He was known for his work as a television presenter and radio personality, having hosted numerous shows throughout his career. Waddington was also involved in the music industry, having worked as a producer and promoter for various artists. In addition to his entertainment work, he was also a businessman, owning several successful companies in South Africa. Waddington passed away in 1985 at the age of 66.
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Tony Greig
Tony Greig (October 6, 1946 Queenstown-December 29, 2012 Darlinghurst) also known as Anthony William Greig or Tony was a South African commentator and cricketer.
Greig was a renowned all-rounder in his playing days, who represented England in international cricket between 1972 and 1977. He served as the England cricket team's captain from 1975 to 1977 before captaining the World XI in their tour of Australia in 1978-79. After retiring from the sport, he went on to become a highly respected sports commentator and analyst. He was famous for his distinctive voice, insightful analysis, and passion for the game of cricket. Throughout his career as a commentator, he covered several iconic cricket events such as the 1992 Cricket World Cup and the 2005 Ashes series, among others. His contributions to cricket were recognized when he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2013, posthumously.
He died caused by cancer.
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Len Creese
Len Creese (December 27, 1907-March 9, 1974 Buckland, Kent) was a South African personality.
He was best known for his career as a jazz saxophonist and band leader. Creese began his music career in the 1920s, playing in various bands in South Africa before relocating to Europe in the early 1930s. He quickly established himself as a skilled musician and was in high demand, performing with some of the biggest names in jazz. In the 1950s, Creese formed his own band, Len Creese and His Orchestra, and they enjoyed great success, touring extensively and recording several albums. Besides music, Creese was also an accomplished athlete, having represented South Africa in the 1928 Summer Olympics in the high jump event. He later became a coach and sports administrator. Creese passed away in 1974 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of South Africa's most accomplished musicians and sports figures.
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Johan Heyns
Johan Heyns (May 27, 1928-November 5, 1994 Pretoria) was a South African philosopher and theologian.
Heyns was best known for his work as a professor of theology at the University of Pretoria, where he taught for over 30 years. He was also a prominent member of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa and was an outspoken critic of the system of apartheid that was in place during his lifetime. Heyns was a strong advocate for social justice and equality and was deeply committed to promoting a more just and equitable society in South Africa. His untimely death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a courageous and principled leader who never wavered in his commitment to fighting for justice and human rights for all people.
He died caused by firearm.
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Thomas Francis
Thomas Francis (November 21, 1902 Uitenhage, Eastern Cape-February 24, 1969 Bulawayo) was a South African personality.
Thomas Francis was a renowned artist, playwright, and actor. He grew up in South Africa and showed an early interest in the arts. Francis went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and became a successful actor in both South Africa and England.
In addition to his acting career, Francis was also a talented playwright and painter. He wrote several plays and had his artwork exhibited in galleries throughout South Africa.
Francis was known for his dedication to promoting cultural and artistic activities in South Africa. He founded the Johannesburg Shakespearean Society and was a key supporter of the National Gallery in Cape Town.
Despite his successes, Francis faced discrimination as a person of color in the largely segregated South African society of his time. He eventually settled in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where he continued his artistic pursuits until his untimely death in 1969.
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Yvonne Bryceland
Yvonne Bryceland (November 18, 1925 Cape Town-January 13, 1992 London) also known as Yvonne Heilbuth or Yvonne Brayceland was a South African actor.
Yvonne Bryceland began her acting career in Cape Town before moving to London in the 1960s. She became a prominent figure in the British theatre scene and was known for her powerful performances. Bryceland received critical acclaim for her roles in plays such as "The Birthday Party" and "A Moon for the Misbegotten." She also appeared in several films, including "Chariots of Fire" and "Mrs. Dalloway." Bryceland was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway production of "The American Clock." She was a well-respected acting teacher and mentor to many aspiring actors. Bryceland is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of her time.
She died in cancer.
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C. Louis Leipoldt
C. Louis Leipoldt (December 28, 1880 Worcester-April 12, 1947 Cape Town) also known as Christiaan Louis Leipoldt was a South African personality.
He was a doctor, poet, cook, and writer who became famous for his works in Afrikaans. Leipoldt was the son of a German father and an Afrikaner mother, and he grew up speaking both German and Afrikaans. He studied medicine in London and Edinburgh before returning to South Africa to practice.
Leipoldt was a prolific writer and published several volumes of poetry, including "Oom Gert Vertel en Ander Gedigte" and "Uit die See van Dood" which are still considered classics in Afrikaans literature. He also published a number of cookbooks, including "Leipoldt's Cook and General Guide" which is still used by many South African cooks today.
Leipoldt was also interested in the cultural history of South Africa and wrote extensively on the subject. His book "Bushveld Doctor" tells the story of his years working as a doctor in the rural areas of South Africa, and is considered a classic of South African literature. He was a complex personality, known for his wit, charm and eccentricities, and was considered one of South Africa's leading intellectuals of his time.
Today, Leipoldt is remembered as one of the most important figures in the development of Afrikaans literature and culture. His contributions to cooking, poetry and literature continue to influence South African culture to this day.
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