Sammy Basso (1995–2024), progeria advocate and biologist

Sammy Basso was one of the oldest known people with the premature aging disease progeria, and he worked to find a cure for his own affliction. 

Anne Cox Chambers (1919–2020), media heiress and former ambassador

Anne Cox Chambers was a media heiress and philanthropist who was U.S. ambassador to Belgium during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The daughter of former Ohio governor and one-time presidential candidate James Middleton Cox, she was heiress to the family business, Cox Enterprises, which includes cable provider Cox Communications, Kelley Blue Book, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Chambers was a major donor to Carter’s presidential campaign and supported other Democrats including President Barack Obama. A billionaire before giving much of her fortune to her children in recent years, Chambers was a noted Atlanta philanthropist with beneficiaries including the High Museum of Art, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, and local animal welfare organizations. She was one of the first women to sit on the boards of companies including Coca-Cola.

Juanita Abernathy (1931–2019), civil rights leader

Juanita Abernathy was one of the last remaining civil rights leaders who were there at the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement.

Pegi Young (1952–2019), musician, philanthropist, Neil Young's former wife

Philanthropist and singer Pegi Young co-founded the Bridge School.

Bruce Brown (1937–2017), director of the influential surf movie “Endless Summer”

His film brought surfing into mainstream culture.

Billy Paul (1934 - 2016), Me and Mrs. Jones singer

Billy Paul, a Grammy Award-winning R&B and jazz singer known best for his 1972 No. 1 hit song "Me and Mrs. Jones," died April 24, according to multiple news sources, including The Associated Press. Paul was 81. Paul died at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey, according to the AP, citing information it received from Paul's co-manager, Beverly Gay. “We regret to announce with a heavy heart that Billy has passed away today at home after a serious medical condition,” a statement on Paul’s site read. “We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Blanche and family for their loss, as they and the world grieves the loss of another musical icon that helped pioneered todays R&B music. Billy will be truly missed.” Paul’s manager told Philadelphia’s NBC affiliate that the singer had been hospitalized last week after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Remembering Isaiah Owens

We rememberIsaiah Ikey Owens, the keyboardist for Jack Whites touring band and the leader of his own band Free Moral Agents.

A Lou Rawls Christmas

had "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game," once said. That velvety voice sounds good all year long, but never quite as wonderful as during the holidays.