Sir Lady Java (1942–2024), entertainer and transgender rights activist 

Sir Lady Java was a noted singer, dancer, and entertainer of the 1960s and ‘70s club scene in Los Angeles who became an early transgender activist.

John Bailey (1942–2023), Academy Awards president during #MeToo

John Bailey was a former film cinematographer who worked on such movies as “Ordinary People” and “Groundhog Day,” before becoming president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group behind the Oscars, during the #MeToo era.

Marion Berry (1942–2023), former U.S. representative from Arkansas 

Marion Berry was a Democrat who represented Arkansas’ 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2011.

Otis Taylor (1942–2023), groundbreaking Chiefs wide receiver

Tall, powerful, and fast, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Otis Taylor helped evolve professional football by changing the way teams and fans saw the position. His strength and speed made him a formidable opponent, leading him to three Pro Bowls and being named AFC Player of the Year in 1971. Taylor’s 46-yard touchdown pass in Super Bowl IV still makes highlight reels to this day, leading the team to an upset victory over the 12-2 Minnesota Vikings.

José Eduardo dos Santos (1942–2022), former president of Angola

José Eduardo dos Santos was the former longtime president of the African nation of Angola, having served from 1979 to 2017.

Max Cleland (1942–2021), U.S. senator from Georgia

Max Cleland was a disabled Vietnam veteran and a former Democratic U.S. senator from Georgia.

B.J. Thomas (1942–2021), "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head" singer

B.J. Thomas was a Grammy-winning pop country singer known for the hits "Hooked on a Feeling" and "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head."

Daryl Dragon (1942–2019), Captain and Tennille musician

Daryl Dragon (1942–2019) was one half of the 1970s soft rock superstar duo Captain and Tennille. They had a No. 1 hit in 1975 with “Love Will Keep Us Together.” The song won a Grammy for Record of the Year.

Albert Lexie (1942–2018), shoe-shine man gave his tips to children’s hospital

Donated more than $200,000 to help “my kids” at children’s hospital in Pittsburgh.

Ivan Koloff (1942–2017), "Russian Bear" pro wrestler

Canadian professional wrestler Ivan Koloff was known as the Russian Bear.

The Songs of Isaac Hayes

As a singer, —who died Aug. 10, 2008—achieved many of his greatest hits by interpreting songs other people had written. "Walk on By" and "The Look of Love," along with many other songs Hayes recorded, were written by Burt Bacharach and . "Let's Stay Together" was first made famous by its songwriter, Al Green. Clifton Davis's "Never Can Say Goodbye" was recorded by before Isaac Hayes took it on.