Pathetic Facts

Spanish musicians died when they were 58

Here are 5 famous musicians from Spain died at 58:

José Gonzalvo

José Gonzalvo (January 16, 1920 Mollet del Vallès-May 31, 1978 Barcelona) was a Spanish personality.

José Gonzalvo was a prominent footballer who played as a defender for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. He started his professional football career with CE Sabadell and later joined FC Barcelona in 1943. During his time at FC Barcelona, Gonzalvo won two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey. He also represented Spain in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, where he helped the team to reach the semi-finals. After retiring from playing football, Gonzalvo became a coach and managed several Spanish clubs, including Espanyol and CE Sabadell. He also worked as a football commentator for Spanish television. Gonzalvo remains a revered figure in Spanish football history and is remembered for his outstanding contributions to the sport.

Off the pitch, José Gonzalvo was known for his amicable personality and his dedication to his family. He was married to his wife, Carmen, for over 20 years and had three children. Gonzalvo was also a talented musician and often played the guitar in his leisure time. His love for music inspired him to create a football team made up of musicians that played for local charity events. In addition to his contributions to Spanish football, Gonzalvo was also recognized for his humanitarian work. He was actively involved in supporting people affected by leprosy and helped set up a leprosy hospital in the town of Fontilles. Gonzalvo passed away in 1978 at the age of 58, but his legacy as an accomplished footballer and a kind-hearted individual continues to inspire future generations of football players and fans alike.

Read more about José Gonzalvo on Wikipedia »

Ramón Grosso

Ramón Grosso (December 8, 1943 Madrid-February 13, 2002 Madrid) was a Spanish personality.

He was best known for his work as a television presenter and journalist, having worked for several popular Spanish television networks throughout his career. Grosso was also an accomplished author, having written several books on topics such as politics, culture, and history. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Grosso was also known for his personal life, having been married three times and being the father of six children. He passed away in 2002 due to complications following heart surgery. Despite his untimely death, Grosso's legacy in Spanish media and culture continues to live on today.

Grosso began his career in media as a radio host in the 1960s before moving on to television. He became a household name in Spain during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly for his work hosting game shows and sports programs. Grosso was known for his affable personality and ability to connect with audiences.

In addition to his media work, Grosso was heavily involved in politics. He was a member of the Socialist Party of Madrid and served as a Madrid City Councilor in the late 1970s. Grosso was also a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights in Spain, particularly during the country's transition to democracy in the 1970s.

As an author, Grosso wrote over 20 books on a wide range of subjects. His most famous works include "Historia de España para jóvenes" (History of Spain for Youth), "Toro: Una vida" (Toro: A Life), and "Las cuentas y los cuentos de la independencia" (Accounts and Stories of Independence).

Despite his successes, Grosso also faced controversy throughout his career. In the 1990s, he was accused of having ties to drug trafficking organizations. While these allegations were never proven, they did tarnish his reputation in Spain.

Regardless of these controversies, Ramón Grosso's impact on Spanish media and culture continues to be felt to this day. He is remembered as a charismatic and influential figure in Spanish society.

Read more about Ramón Grosso on Wikipedia »

Juan Escoiquiz

Juan Escoiquiz (April 5, 1762 Navarre-November 27, 1820) was a Spanish writer and politician.

Escoiquiz was known for his advocacy for education, freedom of the press, and constitutional monarchy during his time. He was a professor of literature at the University of Alcalá de Henares and wrote several literary works including five plays, four novels, and a collection of poems. In addition to his writing career, Escoiquiz served as a tutor for the Spanish royal family and was a close confidante of King Joseph Bonaparte during the French occupation of Spain. However, after the French were defeated, he became a member of the Spanish Cortes and was one of the few who protested against Fernando VII's reactionary policies. Escoiquiz died at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy as a respected intellectual and political figure in Spain.

Escoiquiz was born in Navarre, Spain, in 1762, and was raised in a family of moderate means. He received his education at a Jesuit college and later went on to study at the seminary. However, his love for literature and writing led him to take up a career in writing and teaching. He became a professor of literature at the University of Alcalá de Henares and gained a reputation as a well-respected writer, authoring several literary works that were popular during his time.

Escoiquiz's political career began during the French occupation of Spain when he served as a tutor to the young Ferdinand VII. He enjoyed a close relationship with Joseph Bonaparte, who was appointed king of Spain by his brother, Napoleon Bonaparte. Escoiquiz also served as a diplomat and was sent to negotiate with the British government on behalf of the Spanish monarchy.

After the downfall of the French regime in 1814, Escoiquiz became well-known for his advocacy of constitutional monarchy and liberal ideals. He became a member of the Spanish Cortes and was an outspoken critic of the conservative and reactionary policies of the monarch, Ferdinand VII. He was also one of the few who remained faithful to the Cortes when it was dissolved by the king in 1814.

Escoiquiz's legacy as a writer and politician is one of a respected and intelligent figure who advocated for education, freedom of the press, and constitutional monarchy during a pivotal time in Spanish history. He died in 1820 at the age of 58, leaving behind a notable body of work and a reputation as a principled and courageous political figure.

Read more about Juan Escoiquiz on Wikipedia »

Luis Peña

Luis Peña (June 20, 1918 Santander-March 29, 1977 Madrid) also known as Luis Pegna, Luis Peña Illescas, Luis Peña y Illescas or Luis Pegna Illescas was a Spanish actor. He had one child, Lucía Peña Soto.

Peña began his acting career in the 1940s, performing in theater productions before making his way into film. He starred in over 80 films throughout his career, including "La Venganza de Don Mendo" (1962), "Muerte de un ciclista" (1955), and "Los chicos del preu" (1967).

In addition to his acting work, Peña also worked as a director and screenwriter, and was involved in the production of several films. He received critical acclaim for his work in the film industry, and was honored with the Gold Medal for Fine Arts in 1976.

Peña's personal life was marked by tragedy, as his wife and fellow actress, Emma Penella, passed away in 1982. He struggled with alcohol addiction towards the end of his life, and passed away in 1977 at the age of 58. Despite this, Peña is remembered for his contributions to Spanish cinema and theater, and remains a beloved figure in the Spanish acting community.

Peña was born in Santander, Spain in 1918. He received his education in the city and was noted for his theatrical performances in college. After completing his education, Peña moved to Madrid to pursue a career in acting. He began in the theater circuit before transitioning into film.

Peña was known for his versatility as an actor, and his ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles. This led to him being cast in a wide range of films over the course of his career. He was a regular collaborator with Spanish director Luis Garcia Berlanga, and appeared in many of his films.

Peña’s talents extended beyond acting; he was also a skilled director and screenwriter. He directed several films, including "El Señor de La Salle" (1964) and "La hora incógnita" (1964), and wrote the screenplays for several others.

Despite his success, Peña’s personal life was marked by tragedy. After the death of his wife, Emma Penella in 1982, he struggled with alcohol addiction, which ultimately led to his premature death at the age of 58. However, his contribution to Spanish cinema and his legacy lives on.

Read more about Luis Peña on Wikipedia »

Leopoldo O'Donnell, 1st Duke of Tetuan

Leopoldo O'Donnell, 1st Duke of Tetuan (January 12, 1809 Santa Cruz de Tenerife-November 5, 1867 Biarritz) was a Spanish politician.

He served as Prime Minister of Spain on three different occasions and was also a leading figure in the military during the mid-19th century. O'Donnell rose to prominence during the First Carlist War and led successful campaigns against the Carlist rebels.

In 1854, he led a coup against the government and was appointed Prime Minister of Spain. During his tenure, he implemented numerous reforms aimed at modernizing Spain and strengthening its economy. He is credited with establishing the National Militia and with playing a major role in the construction of the Madrid-Zaragoza railway.

In addition to his political and military career, O'Donnell was also a writer and a philanthropist. He wrote several books on military strategy and tactics, as well as on the history of Spain. He was also a generous patron of the arts and made significant donations to numerous cultural institutions in Spain.

In recognition of his service to the country, O'Donnell was made the 1st Duke of Tetuan, a title he held until his death. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important figures in 19th-century Spain and a key architect of the country's modernization.

Throughout his political career, O'Donnell held a variety of important positions in the government and military. He served as Minister of War and Marine under Queen Isabella II, and also held the position of Governor-General of Cuba. In addition, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish army during the Second Carlist War and led several successful campaigns against the rebels.

As Prime Minister, O'Donnell introduced a number of important reforms aimed at modernizing Spain and improving the lives of its citizens. He oversaw the construction of new roads and railways, improved public health and sanitation, and established a modern financial system. He also implemented new laws designed to encourage economic growth and attract foreign investment.

Despite his many accomplishments, O'Donnell was a controversial figure and faced criticism from some quarters for his authoritarian style of government. However, his legacy is largely positive, and he is remembered as a key figure in the modernization of Spain during the 19th century.