Phil Ochs, Singing Journalist

Though he's remembered as a protest singer, Phil Ochs preferred to think of himself as a 'singing journalist.' On what would have been his 70th birthday, we share some of his greatest 'topical songs.'

Nick Buoniconti (1940–2019), Dolphins Hall of Fame linebacker

He was a leading advocate for football safety.

Willie Brown (1940–2019), Oakland Raiders legend

Willie Brown was the Hall of Fame legendary Oakland Raiders cornerback whose 75-yard interception return for a touchdown helped the franchise win their first Super Bowl in the 1976 season. Brown played football for Grambling State and played his first 4 seasons in the NFL for the Denver Broncos. He was traded to the Raiders before the 1967 season and made four Pro Bowl teams. In Super Bowl XI against the Minnesota Vikings, Davis intercepted a Fran Tarkenton pass and rumbled 75 yards for a touchdown, helping the Raiders seal their first Super Bowl by a score of 32–14. Brown had 39 career interceptions and he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984. He later coached with the Raiders.

Jerry Granelli (1940–2021), drummer for “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

Jerry Granelli was a jazz drummer best known for playing in the Vince Guaraldi Trio for the classic TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Tim Considine (1940–2022), “My Three Sons” star 

Tim Considine was an actor best known for starring as oldest son Mike on the classic TV sitcom “My Three Sons.”

Robert Toll (1940–2022), co-founder of Toll Brothers homebuilders

Robert Toll was the co-founder and former CEO of Toll Brothers, the luxury homebuilding company.

Carol Locatell (1940–2023), Friday the 13th: A New Beginning star

Carol Locatell was an actress who stole the show in her scenes as Ethel in “Friday the 13th: A New Beginning.”

Ginnie Newhart (1940–2023), longtime wife of Bob Newhart

Ginnie Newhart was comedian and actor Bob Newhart’s wife for 60 years, and she is credited with the idea for the iconic series finale to “Newhart.”

Pete Brown (1940–2023), poet and co-writer of rock classics

Pete Brown was an English poet and lyricist who collaborated with music acts like Cream and Jack Bruce, co-writing rock classics such as “White Room” and “Sunshine of Your Love.”

Adrian Street (1940–2023), flamboyant pro wrestler 

Adrian Street was a professional wrestler known for his flamboyant glam persona.

Sharon Farrell (1940–2023), actress on The Young and the Restless

Sharon Farrell was an actress best known for her roles in the films “It’s Alive,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “The Stunt Man,” and “Marlowe,” as well as her seven-year run as Florence Webster on “The Young and the Restless.” 

Ray Hildebrand (1940–2023), Paul & Paula singer 

Ray Hildebrand was a singer and songwriter better known as “Paul” in the 1960s pop duo Paul & Paula, who had a hit with “Hey Paula.”

Jonathan Sheppard (1940–2023), Hall of Fame horse trainer 

Jonathan Sheppard was a thoroughbred trainer whose horses had more steeplechase victories than any other trainer’s in U.S. history.

Jim Tom Hedrick (1940–2023), star of Moonshiners

Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick was a respected Appalachian distiller and fan favorite on the Discovery Channel’s reality television series, “Moonshiners.”