A Lovin' Spoonful of Zal Yanovsky

As lead guitarist for the Lovin' Spoonful, Zal Yanovsky helped shape the groovy sound of a generation.

Thomas Schelling (1921 - 2016), Nobel Prize-winning economist

The Nobel Prize-winning economist was known for his study of game theory.

Alan Thicke (1947 - 2016), Growing Pains dad

The Canadian actor was best known for his role as kind-hearted psychiatrist-dad Jason Seaver on the 1980s family sitcom “Growing Pains.”

Tommy Nobis (1943 – 2017), longtime Atlanta Falcons linebacker

Tommy Nobis, longtime Atlanta Falcons linebacker, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, following an extended illness, according to The Associated Press. He was 74.

Frank Lary (1930 – 2017), Detroit Tigers pitcher dubbed the “Yankee Killer”

Frank Lary, former All-Star Detroit Tigers pitcher, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, after being hospitalized with pneumonia, according to The Associated Press. He was 87.

Nancy Wilson (1937–2018), award-winning song stylist

Nancy Wilson (1937–2018) was a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer who sang many styles of music but is most closely associated with jazz. Among her notable recordings are the 1964 hit “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,” and her debut single, “Guess Who I Saw Today.” Aware of her singing talent from a young age, she transformed her gift for song into a performing and recording career that spanned more than half a century, beginning in the 1950s and extending until her retirement in the 2010s.

Richard Hatcher (1933–2019), one of the first black mayors of a major U.S. city

Richard Hatcher was the mayor of Gary, Indiana, for 20 years, from 1968 to 1988. When he was elected in 1967, he became one of the first African Americans to serve as mayor of a major U.S. city, and the first to be elected to the office rather than appointed. As mayor, Hatcher took on problems in the city including prostitution and illegal gambling, though his successes there couldn’t overcome problems including the steep decline of the city’s steel industry in the 1970s and ‘80s. Hatcher brought the National Black Political Convention to Gary in 1972, and he was a national voice for civil rights. He served as chairman of Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign and was vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1981 to 1985.

Emil Richards (1932–2019), percussionist who snapped for “The Addams Family” theme song

Emil Richards was a percussionist who played vibraphone and other instruments with some of the great musicians of the 20th century and on popular theme songs.

Joe Simon (1936–2021), Grammy-winning R&B singer

Joe Simon was an R&B singer known for hit singles including “The Chokin’ Kind,” “Power of Love,” and “Get Down, Get Down (Get on the Floor).”

Grand Daddy I.U. (1968–2022), 1990s rapper and producer

Grand Daddy I.U. was a rapper and producer known for singles including “Something New” and “Sugar Free.”

Stephen “tWitch” Boss (1982–2022), “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” DJ and Dancer

Stephen “tWitch” Boss was a dancer and TV personality who was best known as the DJ for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

Sue Thomas (1950–2022), pioneering FBI lip-reader

Sue Thomas was the first deaf person to work with the FBI as a lip-reader and inspired the TV show “Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye.”

Jean Landis (1918–2022), World War II WASP pilot

Jean Landis served with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, flying crucial non-combat missions.

Dick Nunis (1932–2023), Disney exec who expanded theme park empire

Dick Nunis was a longtime Disney executive who oversaw the company’s efforts to expand its theme parks outside of California.

Kenny DeForest (1986–2023), stand-up comedian 

Kenny DeForest was a stand-up comedian known for appearances on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Comedy Central, and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.

Gene Carr (1951–2023), former NHL player with the Kings, Rangers 

Gene Carr was an ice hockey forward in the NHL who played with the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings, and he was known for his friendship with Eagles frontman .

Lorraine O’Grady (1934–2024), conceptual artist and cultural critic

Lorraine O’Grady was a conceptual artist and cultural critic who won acclaim late in life for her mixed-media work, which often explored race and cultural identity, especially from the perspective of a Black woman in the United States.

Diane Delano (1957–2024), Northern Exposure actress

Diane Delano was a veteran actress best known for her roles as Barbara Semanski, the Alaskan state trooper on the quirky “Northern Exposure,” and science teacher Bobbi Glass on the teen drama “Popular.” 

Jimmy Wilkerson (1981–2024), former Chiefs defensive end

Jimmy Wilkerson was a defensive lineman for such NFL teams as the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New Orleans Saints.