What Happened This Year 2001

People Who Died in 2001

Jack McDuff

American singer and organist
Born
September 17th, 1926 98 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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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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Florian Fricke

Keyboard player and composer in Popol Vuh
Born
February 23rd, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 57 years old

A German keyboard player and composer, contributed significantly to the Krautrock genre through the band Popol Vuh. Formed in 1970, Popol Vuh became synonymous with blending electronic music, ambient sounds, and traditional melodies. Composed soundtracks for several films, most notably 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God' directed by Werner Herzog, which facilitated a unique fusion of cinematic experience and music. The work emphasized spiritual and atmospheric elements, influencing both film scoring and electronic music production.

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Judy Clay

Soul and gospel singer with notable recordings
Born
September 12th, 1938 86 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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Charles Burlingame

American pilot and airline captain
Born
September 12th, 1949 75 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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Margaret Tafoya

Pueblo potter and traditional artisan
Born
August 13th, 1904 120 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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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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Henry Katzman

Pianist, composer, and painter
Born
March 2nd, 1912 113 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 89 years old

Accomplished in multiple artistic disciplines, this individual made significant contributions to music and visual arts. As a pianist, performances at numerous renowned venues showcased remarkable skills. Compositions encompassed a range of styles, reflecting a deep understanding of classical and contemporary influences. In the realm of painting, works exhibited in various galleries highlighted a distinct aesthetic and thematic exploration. Over decades, interactions with other artists fostered a rich creative community, enhancing the cultural landscape.

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