Died October 23

Linda LaFlamme (1939–2024), keyboardist, co-writer of White Bird

Linda LaFlamme was a musician and founding member of It’s a Beautiful Day, the San Francisco band with which she performed the 1960s anthem, “White Bird.”

Louisiana I-55 Car Crash (2023)

At least seven people have died, and dozens more are injured, after more than 150 cars crashed on Monday, October 23, amidst heavy fog on Interstate 55 in southeast Louisiana.

Michael Kopsa (1956–2022), “Fringe” actor and anime voice artist

Michael Kopsa was an actor in TV shows including “Fringe,” “Stargate SG-1,” and “Mobile Suit Gundam.”

Vanilla Beane (1919–2022), iconic hatmaker

Vanilla Beane was known as “DC’s Hat Lady” for the ionic hats she made for generations of the capitol’s women.

Don Edwards (2022), acclaimed cowboy singer   

Don Edwards was an acclaimed cowboy singer known for his knowledge of the old west as well as his music.

Jerry Jeff Walker (1942–2020), “Mr. Bojangles” singer and songwriter

Jerry Jeff Walker was a singer and songwriter best known for his enduring composition, “Mr. Bojangles.”

Kathryn Johnson (2019), journalist covered key moments in the Civil Rights Movement

Kathryn Johnson was an Associated Press journalist who was there for some of the most pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement.

James Karen (1923 - 2018), recognizable character actor

Appeared in “Poltergeist," “Wall Street,” and many other movies and TV shows.

Frank Barron, the eclectic writing career of a Hollywood character

Frank Barron, who had a varied career as a writer in Hollywood, died Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, according to The Los Angeles Daily News. He was 98.

Pete Burns (1959 - 2016), Dead or Alive singer

Pete Burns, lead singer for the new wave band Dead or Alive, has died at the age of 57 after a cardiac arrest.

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.

Thomas Stemberg (1949–2015), Staples founder

Thomas Stemberg, founder of office supply superstore Staples, died cancer on October 23, 2015 according to The Associated Press. He was 66.

Mother Maybelle

Maybelle Carter may have been the best-known and best-loved mother in all of country music.