LaShawn Daniels (1977–2019), songwriter for Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson

LaShawn Daniels was an acclaimed songwriter who wrote for superstars Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. He won a Grammy Award for co-writing Destiny’s Child’s hit song, “Say My Name.” In 2003, he co-wrote the popular song “Love and War” for Tamar Braxton and he appeared on her reality shows, “Braxton Family Values” and “Tamar & Vince.” He also wrote songs for Brandy and Monica, Jennifer Lopez, and the Spice Girls.

Ric Ocasek (1944–2019), lead singer of the Cars

Ric Ocasek was the lead singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist of the Cars, who had a string of hits in the 1970s and ‘80s including “Drive,” “Just What I Needed,” and “Shake it Up.” Their 1984 album “Heartbeat City” was a massive success, and the video for lead single “You Might Think” became the first Video of the Year at the first MTV Video Music Awards. Along with the other members of the Cars, Ocasek was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

Kylie Rae Harris (1989–2019), country music singer

Country singer Kylie Rae Harrisreleased a self-titled EP this year.

Robert Mugabe (1924–2019), former president of Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s former president, had a controversial legacy that swung from liberating Zimbabwe from colonial rule to ruling it himself with an iron fist.

Carol Lynley (1942–2019), star of “The Poseidon Adventure”

Carol Lynley starred in films including “The Poseidon Adventure,” “Blue Denim,” and “Bunny Lake Is Missing.”

John Wesley (1947–2019), “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actor

John Wesley was an actor known for his role as Dr. Hoover on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Other notable television roles include Principal Pratchert on “Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad” and Mr. Jim on “Martin.” He appeared in movies including “Hang ‘Em High,” “Stop or My Mom Will Shoot,” and “Big Fish,” and he had a stage career that included shows at London’s Old Globe Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

Chris March (1963–2019), Beyonce costume designer and “Project Runway” favorite

Fashion designer and “Project Runway” fan favorite who went on to design for celebrities including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Prince, and Madonna.

Camilo Sesto (1946–2019), beloved Spanish singer and songwriter

Camilo Sesto was a Spanish singer, songwriter, and producer whose romantic ballads were huge hits across the Spanish-speaking world in the 1970s and ‘80s. His popular singles include “Algo de Mi” (“Something of Me”), “Donde Estes, Con Quien Estes” (“Wherever You Are, Whoever You’re With”), and “Perdoname” (Forgive Me”). He sold more tha 100 million albums and was called by Billboard “one of the most iconic voices in Latin pop of the ‘70s and ‘80s. In 1975, Sesto starred in a Spanish-language production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and he continued touring and recording into the last years of his life.

Chris Duncan (1981–2019), former Cardinals player battled cancer

Chris Duncan, former Cardinals slugger who was a member of the 2006 World Series championship team, has died following a battle with brain cancer.

Marca Bristo (1953–2019), advocate championed Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990

Marca Bristo, advocate for the disabled, who championed the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, died Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Chicago, after a battle with cancer. She was 66.

Joan Johnson (2019), co-founded pioneering black haircare company Johnson Products

Joan Johnson co-founded Johnson Products Company, the trailblazing black haircare line that included Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen.

Neiron Ball (1992–2019), former Raiders linebacker

Neiron Ball was a former linebacker for the Oakland Raiders who had a standout football career at the University of Florida. Ball was diagnosed with a rare blood vessel disorder called arteriovenous malformationin 2011 which is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain. He was able to return to playing football for the Gators and was a fifth round draft choice of the Raiders in 2015. Nicknamed cWeezyc by his teammates, Ball played one season for the Raiders before being released. He suffered a brain aneurysm in 2018 and had been living in a nursing facility.

Fred McLeod (1952–2019), beloved Cleveland Cavaliers announcer

Longtime Detroit Pistons broadcaster moved to the Cavaliers in 2006.

Sam Davis (1944–2019), member of 1970s Steelers dynasty

Sam Davis was a valuable member of the Pittsburgh Steelers 1970s NFL dynasty. He started at left guard, winning 4 super bowls with the legendary team. In 1976, Davis blocked for running backs Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, helping them become the second pair of teammates in NFL history to each rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. Davis retired after the 1979 season.

Daniel Johnston (1961–2019), influential quirky singer-songwriter

Kurt Cobain and Sonic Youth were fans of his music.

T. Boone Pickens (1928–2019), legendary oil tycoon

Colorful Texas businessman was a generous philanthropist.

Jeff Fenholt (1950–2019), original star of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Broadway

Jeff Fenholt starred in the original Broadway production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” playing the title role.

Anne Rivers Siddons (1936–2019) bestselling author of “Peachtree Road”

Anne Rivers Siddons was the bestselling author of novels including 1988’s “Peachtree Road,” the Atlanta-based story that Pat Conroy called “the Southern novel for our generation.”

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.

Eddie Money (1949–2019), "Two Tickets to Paradise" singer

Popular rocker known for hits "Take Me Home Tonight" and "Shakin'."

Ric Ocasek (1944–2019), lead singer of the Cars

Ric Ocasek was the lead singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for The Cars, known for a string of hits in the 1970s and ‘80s including “Just What I Needed,” “Shake it Up,” and “Drive.” Ocasek’s solo career included the hit single “Emotion in Motion.”

Brian Turk (1970–2019), “Carnivale” actor

Played Gabriel on “Carnivale” and appeared on “Beverly Hills, 90210.”

Mike Stefanik (1958–2019), nine-time NASCAR champion

Mike Stefanikwas a champion of NASCAR whose nine total championship wins made him one of the two drivers with the most championships in NASCAR history.

Cokie Roberts (1943–2019), legendary journalist with NPR and ABC News

Cokie Roberts was a journalist known for her work on NPR’s “Morning Edition” as well as co-anchoring ABC News’ “This Week with Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts.”

Graeme Gibson (1934–2019), author and longtime partner of Margaret Atwood

Graeme Gibson was a Canadian author and conservationist who was the longtime partner of author Margaret Atwood. Gibson wrote novels including “Five Legs” (1969) and “Perpetual Motion” (1982).

Lauren Bruner (1920–2019), one of the last survivors of Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona

Lauren Bruner was a U.S. Navy veteran who was aboard the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on December 7, 1941.

Larry Wallis (1949–2019), original Motorhead guitarist

Larry Wallis was the original guitarist for legendary metal band Motorhead, though he didn’t continue with the band after their early days.

Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (1934–2019), Ohio State football legend

Running back won the 1955 Heisman Trophy.

Barron Hilton (1927–2019), hotel heir and Los Angeles Chargers founder

Barron Hilton was the son of Conrad Hilton who took over the Hilton Hotels business and expanded it to include casinos. He was also a founding owner in the American Football League as the original owner of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Suzanne Whang (1962–2019), former host of “House Hunters”

Suzanne Whang was the host of HGTV’s “House Hunters” from the show’s debut in 1999 through 2007. She was also an actress and comedian, and she had a recurring role as Polly Nguyen on “Las Vegas.” Whang played Carol Cheng on “General Hospital” and made appearances on shows including “Criminal Minds,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Boston Legal.” She won the Best Up & Coming Comedian Award at the 2002 Las Vegas Comedy Festival and the Andy Kaufman Award at the 2004 New York Comedy Festival. She had been battling breast cancer for 13 years.

Sid Haig (1939–2019), star of “House of 1000 Corpses”

Sid Haig was a horror movie icon, starring in films including “House of 1000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects.”

Carl Ruiz (1975–2019), celebrity chef known for Food Network appearances

Carl Ruiz was a celebrity chef and restaurateur who became well known for appearances on Food Network shows including “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Guy’s Grocery Games.”

Aron Eisenberg (1969–2019), “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” actor

Aron Eisenberg was best known for playing Nog on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” He played the character on all seven seasons. Nog was a member of the alien race Ferengi and joined Starfleet. Eisenberg was born with only one kidney which stunted his growth, he stood five feet tall. He made appearances on “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose” and “The Wonder Years” and appeared in the “Star Trek” fan film “Renegades.”

Andre Emmett (1982–2019), Texas Tech basketball legend

Andre Emmett was a basketball legend at Texas Tech University. Playing under head coach Bobby Knight, Emmett was their second all-time leading scorer and an All-American selection in 2004. He was drafted No. 35 overall by the Seattle SuperSonics and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies but only played in a handful of NBA games. He then played internationally and recently was a star in the BIG3 league, finishing second in scoring last season.

J. Michael Mendel (1964–2019), “The Simpsons” and “Rick and Morty” producer

J. Michael Mendel was an Emmy Award-winning producer who worked on television shows including “The Simpsons” and “Rick and Morty.”

Robert Hunter (1941–2019), Grateful Dead lyricist

Wrote lyrics for many Grateful Dead songs including “Dark Star” and “Truckin'.”

Robert McClelland (1929–2019), surgeon tried to save JFK

Robert McClelland was a surgeon who worked to save President John F. Kennedy after he was shot on November 22, 1963. McClelland was a young general surgeon at Dallas’ Parkland Memorial Hospital at the time, having served in the U.S. Air Force for two years before his residency there. When Kennedy was rushed to the hospital after being shot while traveling through downtown Dallas in his motorcade. McClelland, who was working with surgical residents when Kennedy was brought in, was called into surgery along with lead surgeon Malcolm Perry and Charles Baxter. The surgical team did all they could, but they were unable to save the president. Two days later, McClelland was part of the surgical team that tried to save the life of Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, after he was shot by Jack Ruby. Later in McClelland’s career, he taught medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern, and he published the journal “Selected Readings in General Surgery” for about 30 years.

Wally Chambers (1951–2019), former Bears defensive star

Wally Chambers was a star defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears. He was the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 1973 and was a 3-time Pro Bowl selection. Chambers was drafted by the Bears in the first round of the 1973 draft out of Eastern Kentucky University. He recorded an unofficial 14 sacks during the 1976 season. He injured his knee before the 1977 season which greatly affected his abilities. Chambers finished his career with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers in 1979. He became a coach for various college football teams and the New York Jets.

Katy Collins (2019), MMA fighter

Known as “Red Dragon,” she fought for Bellator and RFA.

Jacques Chirac (1932–2019), former president of France

Jacques Chirac was the president of France from 1995 to 2007, as well as mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995 and prime minister of France from 1974 to 1976 and 1986 to 1988.

Leslie Edwards (1924–2019), one of the last Tuskegee Airmen

Leslie Edwards was one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen, the African-American pilots who served in the U.S. military during World War II.

Robert Garrison (1960–2019), “Karate Kid” actor

Robert Garrison was an actor best known for playing Cobra Kai gang member Tommy in the 1984 classic movie “The Karate Kid.” His character Tommy loses a fight to Daniel during the karate championship tournament. Garrison reprised the role in “The Karate Kid II” and on this year’s season of the YouTube series “Cobra Kai.” He also had a role in the movie “Iron Eagle” and guest starred on a number of television series.  

José José (1948–2019), Mexico’s “Prince of Song”

José José was a Mexican singer known as “The Prince of Song” and beloved for romantic ballads including “El Triste” and “Amar y Querer.”

Linda Porter (1933–2019), character actress known for “Superstore” and “Twin Peaks”

Linda Porter was a character actress best known for roles in “Superstore” and “Twin Peaks.”

Wayne Fitzgerald (1930–2019), designed title sequences for “The Graduate” and “The Godfather”

Wayne Fitzgerald was a film title designer who created memorable title sequences for hundreds of movies and television shows. Among his most notable projects were the titles for “The Graduate,” the “Godfather” series, “Chinatown,” and “Footloose.” On television, his credits included “Dallas,” “Matlock,” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Working first for Pacific Title and then striking out on his own to form Wayne Fitzgerald FilmDesign, Fitzgerald was at the forefront of a midcentury shift in style for title sequences. In early Hollywood, the title was simple, a single shot with the movie’s name and a few key personnel credited. As movies became more complicated and more and more names began to be credited in the titles, the sequences got boring – until designers like Fitzgerald got creative. He worked to create a sequence that would set the stage for the movie that followed, as when he introduced “9 to 5” with a hectic montage of people busily starting their workdays. Fitzgerald won three Emmy Awards for his work.

Jessye Norman (1945–2019), Grammy-winning opera singer

Jessye Norman was an operatic soprano known for her matchless voice and for her signature roles including Strauss’ Ariadne. She made her debut on the operatic stage in 1969, portraying Elisabeth in Wagner’s “Tannhauser” in Berlin. Inspired as a girl by listening to performances at New York’s Metropolitan Opera on the radio, Norman made her debut at the Met in 1983, singing the part of Cassandre in “Les Troyens” by Berlioz. She would go on to sing at the Met more than 80 times. Norman performed at the second inaugurations of presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, and she sang at England’s celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th birthday as well as at the bicentennial of the French Revolution. She won five Grammy Awards, including one for lifetime achievement, received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1997, and was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 2009.

Jimmy Spicer (1958–2019), pioneering rapper recorded “Adventures of Super Rhyme”

Jimmy Spicer was a pioneering rapper whose 1980 single “Adventures of Super Rhyme (Rap)” was one of the earliest hip-hop songs. Released not long after the Sugar Hill Gang made history with their “Rapper’s Delight,” “Adventures of Super Rhyme” was a 15-minute storytelling epic, the first of its kind and an influence on later storytelling hip-hop. The song got him signed with Russell Simmons’ Rush Management, and Spicer released further singles including “Money (Dollar Bill Y’all)” and “The Bubble Bunch.” Soon-to-be legendary producers including Rick Rubin and Jellybean Benitez produced singles for Spicer, who worked for Rush Management and opened a recording studio in later years.

Patrick Campbell (2019), rock and roller raised money for Thanksgiving dinners

His band raised enough donations to feed thousands in need.

Azellia White (1913–2019), pioneering Black female pilot

Pilot Azellia White (1913–2019)helped pave the way for black women in aviation. White trained in Tuskegee where her husband was stationed during World War II as a mechanic with the famed Tuskegee Airmen. She received her pilotfs license on March 26, 1946.