What Happened This Year 2001

People Who Died in 2001

Margaret Tafoya

Pueblo potter and traditional artisan
Born
August 13th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 97 years old

A member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, an influential potter specialized in traditional Pueblo pottery. Techniques included hand-coiling and complex decorative elements, often inspired by ancestral designs. Worked primarily with local clay and natural pigments to create functional and artistic vessels. Received numerous awards for pottery, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Pueblo peoples. Contributed to the preservation and promotion of Native American pottery traditions through her intricate craftsmanship. Active in the art community until her death in 2001.

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Malcolm Shepherd

British Politician and 2nd Baron Shepherd
Born
September 27th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1918, a prominent British politician served as a Labour Party member in the House of Lords. Held positions in various governmental roles, including Minister of State for Trade. Participated actively in debates and discussions, influencing policy direction. Contributed to the development of social welfare programs and was involved in efforts to improve housing and education. Played a key role in the Labour Party during a significant period of political change in the UK.

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Charles Burlingame

American pilot and airline captain
Born
September 12th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 52 years old

An airline captain with over 20 years of experience, played a pivotal role in commercial aviation. Served as a pilot for American Airlines, where he flew various aircraft models. Longtime pilot in the airline industry contributed to operational safety and efficiency. Captained American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001, before it was hijacked and flown into the Pentagon during the terrorist attacks.

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Judy Clay

Soul and gospel singer with notable recordings
Born
September 12th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 63 years old

An influential soul and gospel singer, recognized for a powerful voice and emotive performances. Began musical career in the 1960s, collaborating with various artists. Recorded the hit single 'Storybook Children' with William Bell, which gained significant popularity and chart success. Contributed to the evolution of gospel music through recordings and performances that bridged genres and reached diverse audiences. Continued to participate in music until later years, leaving a lasting legacy in both soul and gospel music.

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Lewis Arquette

Actor in 'The Waltons' and 'The Great Outdoors'
Born
December 14th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 66 years old

An American actor, producer, and screenwriter, contributed to the film and television industry from the 1960s until the early 2000s. Appeared in a variety of television shows and movies, achieving recognition for performances in 'The Waltons', 'The Great Outdoors', and 'The Shadow'. Worked across multiple genres, including drama and comedy. Also undertook roles behind the scenes as a producer and screenwriter, showcasing a multifaceted involvement in the creation of visual content.

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Juan Muñoz

Spanish sculptor and storyteller
Born
June 17th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 48 years old

A prominent sculptor and storyteller, this artist gained recognition for creating intricate installations that often featured figures in dialogue. The works emphasized themes of human interaction and collective experiences. In the mid-1980s, this individual began to achieve significant acclaim, becoming an influential figure in contemporary art. Major exhibitions took place at renowned institutions, showcasing a blend of sculpture and narrative. The ability to evoke emotion through spatial arrangements and materials contributed to a legacy in both visual arts and storytelling.

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Jack McDuff

American singer and organist
Born
September 17th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 75 years old

An American singer and organist, renowned for contributions to the jazz genre. His career spanned several decades, during which he collaborated with a variety of artists. Notable for popularizing the Hammond B-3 organ sound in jazz, McDuff recorded over 30 albums. He performed extensively, gaining a dedicated following and contributing significantly to jazz music. His style incorporated elements of funk and soul, influencing many musicians in the genres that followed.

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Billy Higgins

Drummer and educator in jazz music
Born
October 11th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 65 years old

An influential American drummer and educator, contributed significantly to the jazz genre. Played with notable artists including Ornette Coleman and Charlie Haden. Emphasized the importance of rhythm and improvisation in drumming. Worked extensively as an educator, sharing knowledge with students and young musicians. Recorded numerous albums and participated in several acclaimed projects throughout a career spanning decades.

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Eddie Mathews

Baseball player and manager; MLB All-Star
Born
October 13th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 70 years old

A professional baseball player and manager, this individual played primarily for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves as a third baseman. Career in Major League Baseball spanned from 1952 to 1968. Selected as an All-Star for 12 seasons and participated in the World Series three times, achieving a championship in 1957. Transitioned to managing after retirement, leading teams in MLB during the 1970s and 1980s. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.

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