Pathetic Facts

Spanish musicians died when they were 55

Here are 13 famous musicians from Spain died at 55:

Gabriel Vásquez

Gabriel Vásquez (June 18, 1549 Cuenca-September 30, 1604 Alcalá de Henares) was a Spanish personality.

He was a renowned poet, playwright and humanist of the Spanish Golden Age. Vásquez was born to a noble family and pursued his education in Alcalá de Henares, where he trained as a lawyer. However, he soon became interested in literature and left his legal career to write plays and poetry. He became a leading figure of the Spanish literary scene and was frequently praised by his contemporaries, including Cervantes. Vásquez's works include the plays "The Life of Saint Isidore" and "The Stepmother." He also authored several volumes of poetry, including "Laments and Poems" and "Poems of Love and Other Matters." Vásquez's works often centered on themes of love, honor, and religion. Additionally, he was a prominent figure in the literary academy of Madrid and spent much of his later life working as a scholar and professor at the University of Alcalá de Henares.

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John of God

John of God (March 8, 1495 Montemor-o-Novo-March 8, 1550 Granada) also known as S João de Deus was a Spanish personality.

John of God was actually a Portuguese-born military hero turned Spanish priest who became a renowned and revered figure in Catholicism. He is considered the founder of the Order of Hospitallers, a religious order that focused on caring for the sick and the poor. John of God was known for his faith and his selflessness, and he spent much of his life devoted to helping those in need. He was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1690 and his feast day is celebrated on March 8th.

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Domingo Rey d'Harcourt

Domingo Rey d'Harcourt (April 5, 1883-February 7, 1939 Girona) was a Spanish personality.

He was a painter, journalist, and socialite who played an active role in the cultural scene of Spain during the early 20th century. Rey d'Harcourt was born in San Sebastian and he grew up in a wealthy family that allowed him to travel and study abroad. He spent time in Paris where he absorbed the latest artistic trends and befriended leading artists of the era, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Rey d'Harcourt returned to Spain in the 1910s and became known for his colorful and expressive paintings, which drew inspiration from his travels and his Basque heritage. He was also a regular contributor to several leading publications, such as La Vanguardia and ABC, where he wrote about art, politics, and society.

Rey d'Harcourt's social circle included prominent figures from various fields, such as writer Federico Garcia Lorca, composer Manuel de Falla, and bullfighter Juan Belmonte. He was known for his flamboyant personality and his knack for organizing parties and gatherings that brought together a diverse mix of people.

Rey d'Harcourt died at the age of 55 from a heart attack while attending a bullfight in Girona. Despite his relatively short career, he had a significant impact on the arts and culture of Spain during a transformative period in the nation's history.

José del Castillo

José del Castillo (October 14, 1737-October 5, 1793) a.k.a. Jose del Castillo was a Spanish personality.

He was a prominent painter and artist during the latter half of the 18th century. Castillo was born in Cadiz, Spain and received his early education there. He began his artistic training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Santa Isabel de Hungary in Seville, Spain where he studied under the renowned painter Francisco Varela. In 1757, Castillo moved to Madrid to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of San Fernando where he specialized in religious painting.

Castillo quickly gained recognition for his work and was awarded several honors throughout his career. He became a member of the Royal Academy in 1765 and was later appointed as professor of color and composition at the Academy. In addition to his painting, Castillo was also an accomplished writer and playwright. He authored several plays including "El Casamiento por Sorpresa" and "El Anillo de Giges".

Despite his successes, Castillo's personal life was plagued with tragedy. He lost several family members, including his wife and children, to illness and death. Castillo himself passed away in Madrid in 1793 at the age of 55. His legacy, however, lived on through his contributions to the world of art and culture. Many of his works can still be found in museums and galleries around the world.

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Louis Bertrand

Louis Bertrand (January 1, 1526 Valencia-October 9, 1581) was a Spanish personality.

He was a poet, historian, and biographer who is considered one of the greatest writers of 16th-century Spain. His most notable work is "Historia de la vida y hechos del Emperador Carlos V" (History of the life and deeds of Emperor Charles V), which is a biography of the famous Spanish emperor. Bertrand was also known for his poetry and was a member of the literary group known as the Spanish Renaissance. He was a respected member of Spanish society and held various important positions, including being a royal chronicler and the official historian of the city of Valencia. Despite Bertrand's popularity in his time, his works fell into obscurity after his death until they were rediscovered in the 19th century.

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José Antonio Pareja

José Antonio Pareja (December 7, 1757-May 21, 1813) was a Spanish personality.

He was a military officer who fought for Spain in the American Revolutionary War and later served under King Charles IV. Pareja also played a major role in the Spanish resistance against Napoleon's occupation of Spain during the Peninsular War. He was known for his bravery and strategic abilities on the battlefield, earning him the nickname "El Mariscal de Hierro" (The Iron Marshal). Pareja was also a writer, publishing several works on military tactics and strategy. He died in the Battle of Albuera, one of the bloodiest battles of the Peninsular War. Today, he is remembered as a hero in Spanish military history.

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Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo

Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo (November 3, 1856 Santander-May 2, 1912) a.k.a. Marcelino Menendez y Pelayo was a Spanish writer, literary critic and historian.

He was considered as one of the most prominent scholars of the Spanish Golden Age and held the position of Director of the National Library of Spain. His works were highly regarded for their exhaustive research, and his literary criticism became foundational for further literary analysis in Spain. Menéndez y Pelayo devoted much of his life to the study of Spanish literature and history, producing a significant body of work including books, essays, and articles. His critical analysis of works by Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and many other writers helped to shape the Spanish literary canon. Despite his reputation and accomplishments, Menéndez y Pelayo was known for his humility and integrity, and his intellectual pursuits were driven by a deep love for Spanish culture and language.

Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora

Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora (August 14, 1645 Mexico City-August 22, 1700 Mexico City) a.k.a. Carlos de Siguenza y Gongora was a Spanish philosopher.

Throughout his life, Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora proved to be a true polymath, with interests and expertise that spanned areas such as astronomy, history, literature, mathematics, and theology. He was a notable figure in the intellectual circles of the New Spain, particularly during the Baroque era.

Sigüenza y Góngora was a member of the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language and the Royal Society of London, and he corresponded with some of the most celebrated intellectuals of his time. As an astronomer, he predicted the solar eclipse of 1665, correctly calculated the latitude of Mexico City, and wrote extensively on comets and other astronomical phenomena. He was also a prolific writer, having published works on topics such as the history of Mexico, the indigenous cultures of the region, and the nature of the soul.

Sigüenza y Góngora was a devout Catholic and played an active role in the ecclesiastical and academic institutions of his time. He became the rector of the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, and he was involved in various controversies that embroiled the Church and State in the New Spain.

Despite his contributions to the intellectual and cultural life of colonial Mexico, Sigüenza y Góngora faced opposition and accusations of heresy throughout his career. Nevertheless, his legacy endures as one of the most remarkable examples of scholarship and erudition in the history of the Americas.

Pedro de Alberni

Pedro de Alberni (January 30, 1747 Tortosa-March 11, 1802 Monterey) was a Spanish politician and soldier.

He is best known for his service as the Governor of California from 1796 to 1800. Alberni also played a significant role in the exploration and expansion of the Pacific Northwest. He was instrumental in establishing Spanish control over Nootka Sound, a strategic location for trade with the Indigenous peoples of the region. Alberni was known for his military tactics, particularly the use of artillery, which helped him effectively maintain Spanish rule in the area. He is also credited with constructing a fort in what is now Vancouver, British Columbia, which was named after him (Fort Alberni). In addition to his military accomplishments, Alberni was an accomplished writer and scholar. He authored several works on military science and history, as well as the geography and ethnography of the Pacific Northwest. His contributions to Spanish colonialism in California and the Pacific Northwest continue to be recognized and celebrated to this day.

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Julio Romero de Torres

Julio Romero de Torres (November 9, 1874 Córdoba-May 10, 1930 Córdoba) was a Spanish personality.

He was a painter known for his depictions of Andalusian life, particularly of women. He studied at the School of Fine Arts in Córdoba before moving to Madrid to further his training. Romero de Torres became one of the most popular painters of his time, receiving numerous awards and recognition for his work. His paintings often featured the traditional dress and customs of Andalusia, as well as the strong, sensuous women of the region. He also painted portraits, landscapes, and historical scenes. Romero de Torres' work continues to be celebrated and is displayed in museums and galleries throughout Spain.

Luis Mariano

Luis Mariano (August 13, 1914 Irun-July 14, 1970 Paris) also known as Mariano, Luis or Mariano Eusebio González y García was a Spanish singer.

His albums include 20 chansons d'or, Luis Mariano, XXVème anniversaire: Le Prince de lumière, Luis Mariano, and .

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Antonio de Cabezón

Antonio de Cabezón (March 30, 1510 Castrillo Mota de Judíos-March 26, 1566 Madrid) a.k.a. Antonio de Cabezon or Cabezón, Antonio de was a Spanish personality. He had one child, Hernando de Cabezón.

Discography: , Spanish Instrumental Music From the Time of Charles V, and .

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Francisco Espoz y Mina

Francisco Espoz y Mina (June 17, 1781 Idocin-December 24, 1836 Barcelona) was a Spanish personality.

He was a military commander and a liberal politician who fought against the French occupation in the early 19th century. Espoz y Mina was known for his bravery and strategic thinking, which allowed him to achieve several victories against superior enemy forces. He rose to prominence during the Peninsular War (1807-1814), where he served alongside the Duke of Wellington and other allied commanders. After the war, he became involved in politics and was elected to the Spanish Cortes, where he advocated for constitutional reforms and the abolition of feudal privileges. However, his liberal views put him at odds with the restorationist regime that came to power after the death of Ferdinand VII, and he had to go into exile twice. Despite that, he remained committed to the cause of democracy and civil liberties until his death.