Pathetic Facts

Spanish musicians died when they were 38

Here are 7 famous musicians from Spain died at 38:

Ferdinand of Majorca

Ferdinand of Majorca (April 5, 1278-July 5, 1316) was a Spanish personality.

He was a member of the royal House of Barcelona and the second son of King James II of Majorca. Ferdinand was also a poet and knight, known for his participation in the Battle of Montecatini in 1315. He had a close relationship with his brother and fellow poet, King Sancho of Majorca. However, their relationship was strained due to Ferdinand's ambition to rule over Sardinia, which Sancho reserved for himself. In the end, Ferdinand was captured and executed by the King of Aragon in 1316, bringing an end to his dreams of ruling over a Mediterranean kingdom. Despite his tragic ending, Ferdinand's legacy as a poet and knight survives to this day.

Ferdinand also had a passion for language and culture. He was fluent in Catalan, French, Latin, and Italian and was a patron of the arts. As a poet, he wrote several works in the Occitan language, a romance language spoken in parts of France, Italy, and Spain. His most famous work is the "Cant de la Sibil·la," a song about the Day of Judgment that is still performed in Majorca's Cathedral of Santa Maria.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Ferdinand was also a skilled warrior. He fought in several battles, including the War of the Sicilian Vespers, which pitted the Kingdom of Aragon against the Angevins for control of Sicily. His bravery on the battlefield earned him the nickname "The Valiant."

Ferdinand's death was a significant blow to the House of Barcelona, as he was one of the most promising members of the family. However, his memory lived on, and he was often remembered as a tragic hero who sacrificed his life for his ideals. Today, he is celebrated in Majorca's literature and folklore as a symbol of the island's rich cultural history.

Ferdinand's passion for culture extended beyond poetry, as he was also known for his patronage of architecture and the fine arts. He commissioned the construction of the Palau de l'Almudaina, a Gothic-style palace in Palma that still stands today as a symbol of Majorca's architectural heritage. Ferdinand was also a patron of painting and sculpture, and he was known to have commissioned several works from local artists during his reign.

Despite his ambitions to conquer Sardinia, Ferdinand was also deeply committed to his native Majorca. He was a devout Catholic and a benefactor of the Church, and he founded the Convent of San Francisco in Palma. He also worked to improve the lives of the island's residents, implementing policies to support agriculture and trade.

Ferdinand's tragic ending, captured and executed by the King of Aragon, has been the subject of numerous works throughout history, from plays to historical novels. His death marked a turning point in the history of the House of Barcelona, as it shifted the balance of power in favor of Aragon. However, Ferdinand's legacy as a poet, patron of the arts, and valiant warrior has ensured that he remains an enduring figure in Majorca's rich cultural history.

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Pepe Marchena

Pepe Marchena (April 5, 2015 Marchena, Spain-December 4, 1976 Seville) also known as Jose Tejada Martin, José Tejada Martín or Marchena, Pepe was a Spanish singer, songwriter and actor.

His discography includes: Grands Cantaores du Flamenco and Flamenco Patrimonio De la Humanidad. Genres: Flamenco.

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Teófilo Benito

Teófilo Benito (July 22, 1966 Alcolea de Calatrava-August 15, 2004) was a Spanish personality.

He was best known for his career as a footballer, having played as a midfielder for various Spanish clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano. Benito began his professional football career in 1985 with the youth team of Atlético Madrid before eventually making his senior debut in 1987. He quickly made a name for himself as a technically gifted player with excellent vision on the pitch.

Throughout his career, Benito was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in his hometown of Alcolea de Calatrava where he had established several charities and community projects. His dedication to his community earned him numerous accolades and awards both during and after his career.

Sadly, Benito passed away at the age of 38 due to a heart attack. His legacy, however, remains imprinted in the hearts of those he helped and those who remember his impressive skill on the football field.

In addition to his success on the field and his philanthropic work, Teófilo Benito was also a respected sports commentator and analyst. Following his retirement from football in 2001, he became a regular commentator for Spanish television channels, providing expert analysis and insight into the games he loved. Benito's knowledge and passion for the sport made him a beloved figure in the world of football and his sudden passing was felt by many.

To honor his memory and contributions to both football and his community, the Teófilo Benito Foundation was established in 2005. The foundation aims to continue his humanitarian efforts by promoting education and providing assistance to those in need. The foundation also sponsors football camps and tournaments in his memory, providing opportunities for young players to hone their skills and fulfill their dreams.

Teófilo Benito is remembered not only for his footballing prowess but also for his kindness, dedication, and commitment to making the world a better place. His legacy lives on through the foundation that bears his name and the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Throughout his career, Teófilo Benito was recognized as one of the most talented and versatile players in Spanish football. He played in several positions, including right midfielder, central midfielder, and right back, and his technical abilities earned him the nickname "The Magician" among fans and teammates.

Benito's successful career on the field included winning the Copa del Rey with Real Betis in 1997 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Atlético Madrid in 1992. He retired from professional football in 2001, having played more than 300 games in Spain's top two divisions.

Aside from his philanthropic work and sports commentary, Benito was also an accomplished musician. He played the guitar and sang in a band during his spare time, and he even recorded a CD that was released posthumously.

Despite his many achievements, Teófilo Benito remained humble and was loved by all who knew him. His sudden passing in 2004 was a shock to the football community and his fans alike. However, his memory lives on through the Teófilo Benito Foundation, which continues to honor his legacy and positively impact the lives of others.

Read more about Teófilo Benito on Wikipedia »

Julio Ruiz de Alda Miqueleiz

Julio Ruiz de Alda Miqueleiz (October 7, 1897 Estella-Lizarra-August 23, 1936 Madrid) was a Spanish politician and pilot.

He joined the Spanish Air Force in 1917 and became a member of the Spanish Republican Army during the Spanish Civil War. Ruiz de Alda was a supporter of the left-wing Popular Front and joined the Republican government as Director General of Civil Aviation. He played a key role in the establishment of the Spanish Republican Air Force in 1936. However, he was arrested and executed by the nationalist forces during the early months of the war. Ruiz de Alda is remembered as a pioneer in Spanish aviation and an advocate of modernization in the country's transportation infrastructure.

During his time in the Spanish Air Force, Julio Ruiz de Alda Miqueleiz became one of the country's most accomplished pilots. He was instrumental in shaping the air force's modernization efforts and was recognized as an expert in the field of aviation. In addition to his military service, Ruiz de Alda was involved in the development of commercial aviation in Spain. He helped to create the first airline in the country and was an advocate for the expansion of air travel.

Ruiz de Alda was also known for his political activism. He was a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and played an active role in the country's politics during the Second Spanish Republic. As Director General of Civil Aviation, he was responsible for the creation and regulation of air traffic in Spain. He worked hard to improve Spain's aviation infrastructure and played a key role in establishing a national airline.

Ruiz de Alda's life was cut short by the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. He was arrested by nationalist forces and executed in 1936. Despite his untimely death, he is remembered as a pioneering figure in Spanish aviation and a champion of modernization and progress. His legacy lives on in Spain's thriving aviation industry, which owes much to the vision and dedication of Julio Ruiz de Alda Miqueleiz.

In addition to his military and political contributions, Julio Ruiz de Alda Miqueleiz was also a prolific writer. He authored numerous articles and books on aviation, including "Spanish Aviation in Africa" and "The Future of Spanish Aviation." He was a sought-after public speaker and gave lectures on aviation and transportation throughout Spain. Ruiz de Alda was a true visionary and saw the potential of aviation to transform Spain's economy and society. His passion for aviation and his commitment to progress continue to inspire generations of Spaniards to this day. In recognition of his contributions to Spanish aviation, the Madrid-Barajas Airport was renamed Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport Terminal 4 in honor of Ruiz de Alda and other aviation pioneers. His legacy serves as a shining example of how one person's vision and dedication can change an entire industry and society for the better.

Crisóstomo Henríquez

Crisóstomo Henríquez (April 5, 1594-December 23, 1632 Leuven) was a Spanish personality.

He was a Catholic theologian and philosopher, known for his work on metaphysics and ethics. Henríquez studied at the University of Salamanca and later at the University of Leuven, where he became a professor of philosophy. He was a prolific writer, and his works were highly regarded by his contemporaries. Henríquez was a member of the Society of Jesus, and his writings often reflected his Jesuit training. His work was influential in shaping Catholic philosophy in the early modern period. Despite his early death at the age of 38, his work continued to be studied and admired long after his passing.

One of Henríquez's most famous works is his "Summa Theologica", which was a comprehensive synthesis of Catholic theology at the time. He also wrote extensively on the topic of free will, arguing that humans have the ability to choose their own actions and that God's divine plan allowed for such freedom. In addition to his theological and philosophical works, Henríquez was also interested in natural sciences and wrote a treatise on the nature of light and color. His early death was a great loss to the academic world, but his contributions to Catholic philosophy and theology continue to be revered centuries later.

Henríquez's influence extended beyond academia and into the political realm. He was a vocal supporter of the Spanish crown and defended the rights of the king against the emerging ideas of republican government and popular sovereignty. His defense of monarchy and the divine right of kings was shaped by his Catholic beliefs, which saw the monarch as divinely chosen to rule over his subjects. Henríquez's political views were controversial in his time, and some of his ideas were later condemned by the Church, but his work on the relationship between politics and religion remains an important contribution to the history of political thought. In addition to his theological, philosophical, and political work, Henríquez was also a skilled linguist, and his proficiency in Latin and Greek allowed him to read and interpret classical texts with great insight. His wide-ranging interests and intellectual abilities made him one of the most important figures of his time, and his legacy continues to inspire scholars and thinkers today.

Sabino Arana

Sabino Arana (January 26, 1865 Abando-November 25, 1903 Sukarrieta) was a Spanish politician and writer.

He was the founder and ideologue of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), which sought to establish an independent state for the Basque people. Arana was born into a wealthy family in the Basque region of Spain, and he grew up with a strong sense of pride in his Basque heritage. He became involved in politics at an early age, and he was deeply committed to the idea of Basque self-determination.

Arana was also a prolific writer, and he published a number of books and articles on Basque culture and history. His most famous work is the Biscayan Nationalist Manifesto, which was published in 1895 and laid out the principles of his political movement. Arana's writings were deeply influential in the development of the Basque nationalist movement, and they continue to shape Basque political discourse to this day.

Despite his profound influence, Arana's political career was relatively short. He died in 1903 at the age of 38, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations of Basque nationalists to come. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Basque nationalism.

Arana's political career began in 1882, when he became involved with the Basque Catholic youth group "Gaztelueta". He went on to form his own political organization, Euzko Gaztedi, which later became the Basque Nationalist Party. Arana was a fierce opponent of Spanish rule and believed that the Basque people had a unique cultural and linguistic identity that deserved recognition.

In addition to his nationalist politics, Arana was a devout Catholic and believed that the Basque people's spiritual and cultural identity were intertwined. He founded a Basque language and culture academy, called Euskaltzaleen Batzokija, to promote the Basque language and culture.

Arana's legacy has been a subject of controversy, as some of his writings and statements have been criticized as racist and xenophobic. Nevertheless, his contributions to the development of Basque nationalism are widely recognized, and his ideas continue to influence Basque politics and identity today.

Arana's views on race and ethnicity were controversial. He believed in the superiority of the Basque people, and he wrote that other groups, particularly Spanish and French people, were inferior. He also advocated for the exclusion of non-Basques from Basque territory, and his writings have been criticized as promoting xenophobia and ethnic intolerance. Despite this, Arana is still regarded as an important figure in Basque history, and his contributions to Basque culture and nationalism are recognized and celebrated. In 1932, the PNV erected a monument in his honor in the town of his birth, and his legacy continues to shape Basque politics today.

Read more about Sabino Arana on Wikipedia »

Joanna of Austria, Princess of Portugal

Joanna of Austria, Princess of Portugal (June 24, 1535 Madrid-September 7, 1573 El Escorial) was a Spanish personality. She had one child, Sebastian of Portugal.

Joanna of Austria was the daughter of the powerful couple Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and Isabella of Portugal. Raised in the Spanish court, she was married off to the future King of Portugal, João Manuel, in 1552. However, her husband died only a year later, leaving Joanna a widow at the age of 18.

In 1554, she married her second husband, João's cousin, Prince João of Portugal, who later became King João III. The marriage was arranged to cement an alliance between Spain and Portugal, and Joanna was expected to act as an intermediary between the two countries.

Joanna was known for her intelligence and diplomacy, and she was respected by both her husband and her brother, King Philip II of Spain. She played an important role in mediating disputes between the two countries and even acted as regent of Portugal for a short period of time while her husband was away on diplomatic missions.

After her husband's death in 1557, Joanna returned to Spain and lived a quiet life at the royal court, devoting herself to religion and charitable works. She died in 1573 at the age of 38 and was buried at the Royal Monastery of El Escorial. Her son, Sebastian, would later become King of Portugal, but he died childless in battle against the Moors at the age of 24.

Despite being widowed twice at a young age and never remarrying, Joanna was a respected figure in both Portuguese and Spanish courts. She was also a devoted mother to her son and played an important role in his upbringing. Joanna was known to be a patron of the arts and supported many artists and writers, including the renowned Spanish poet Francisco de Quevedo. She was also devoted to her Catholic faith and lived a pious life, regularly attending mass and participating in religious ceremonies. Throughout her life, Joanna was known for her grace, intelligence, and diplomatic abilities, making her an important figure in both Spanish and Portuguese history.

During her time as regent of Portugal, Joanna implemented several reforms to improve the country's economy and education system. She also sponsored the establishment of several charitable institutions and hospitals, providing aid to the poor and sick. Additionally, Joanna was an avid collector of art and literature, amassing an impressive collection of paintings and books which were later donated to various institutions.

Despite her achievements, Joanna's life was not without tragedy. Her son Sebastian's premature death in battle devastated her, and she was said to have never fully recovered from the loss. Her own death at the age of 38 was also considered a great loss to both the Spanish and Portuguese courts.

Today, Joanna of Austria is remembered as an important figure in the history of both Spain and Portugal. Her intelligence, grace, and diplomatic abilities made her a respected leader and mediator during her lifetime, and her legacy continues to be celebrated by historians and scholars alike.