Jerry Butler (1939–2025), first leader of The Impressions

Jerry “Iceman” Butler was the original lead singer for The Impressions, who went on to a successful solo career and later became a Chicago politician.0

John Amos (1939–2024), star of Good Times and Roots

John Amos was an actor known for his starring roles in such popular shows and movies as “Good Times,” “Roots,” and “Coming to America.”

Terry Kirkman (1939–2023), singer and songwriter with the Association 

Terry Kirkman was a singer and songwriter with the Association, known for such 1960s hits as “Cherish” and “Never My Love.” 

Harry Reid (1939–2021), former U.S. Senate Majority Leader

Harry Reid was a U.S. Senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017, including an eight-year tenure as the Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015.

Jerry Pinkney (1939–2021), children’s book illustrator and author

Jerry Pinkney was a children’s book illustrator and author known for books including the Caldecott Medal-winning “The Lion & the Mouse.”

Phil Spector (1939–2021), influential record producer convicted of murder

Phil Spector was a record producer who worked with artists including the Beatles and Ike & Tina Turner. At the time of his death, he was serving a prison sentence of 19 years to life for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson.

Ed Bruce (1939–2021), country music songwriter

Ed Bruce was a country music singer-songwriter who co-wrote the classic song "Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys."

Bonnie MacLean (1939–2020), pioneering rock poster artist

Bonnie MacLean was a poster artist who created swirling, psychedelic imagery in her concert posters for San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium. One of the only women working as a rock poster artist, MacLean was the Fillmore’s in-house artist from 1967 to 1971, creating posters for concerts including the Doors, the Yardbirds, Pink Floyd, and Cream. Some of her posters are worth thousands of dollars to collectors. MacLean was married to Bill Graham, the Fillmore’s concert promoter, during the 1960s and ‘70s.

Dave Edwards (1939 - 2016), Super Bowl champ with Dallas Cowboys

NFL linebacker Dave Edwards, who played in three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. He was 76.

Don Calfa (1939 - 2016), Weekend at Bernie's actor

Don Calfa, a prolific character actor who appeared in “Weekend at Bernie’s,” died Thursday, December 1, 2016, of natural causes in Palm Springs, California, according to The Associated Press. He was 76.

Tom Hayden (1939 - 2016), Chicago Seven activist

Tom Hayden, an activist, politician, and author who was one of the famed "Chicago Seven" who protested the 1968 Democratic National Convention, died Oct. 23, according to his wife, Barbara Williams. He was 76.