What Happened This Year 2001

People Who Died in 2001

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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Carole Fredericks

Singer and songwriter, best known for 'The Big Easy'.
Born
June 5th, 1952 72 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1952, extensive career as a singer and songwriter encompassed various genres, including pop and rock. Gained prominence in the 1980s, particularly noted for contributions to the soundtrack of the film 'The Big Easy'. Collaborated with artists such as Eric Clapton and recorded several albums. Lived and worked in both the United States and France, where strong following developed due to performances and recordings. Involved in promoting cultural exchange between American and French music scenes.

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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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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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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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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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Sandy Baron

American actor and comedian
Born
May 5th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 65 years old

An actor and comedian recognized for work in television and film. Career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1960s. Gained prominence through performances in comedy clubs and television series. Best known for role as 'Jackie' on the sitcom 'The Dean Martin Show.' Appeared in films such as 'The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington' and 'The In-Laws.' Also featured in 'Seinfeld' as 'Sandy Baron.'

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Delia Derbyshire

Electronic music composer and arranger
Born
May 5th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 64 years old

An English musician, arranger, and composer, credited with pioneering electronic music. Derbyshire worked at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, where she created innovative soundscapes using tape manipulation and electronic instruments. She is most recognized for the iconic theme for the television series Doctor Who, a groundbreaking work in electronic music. Her contributions to the field of audio production and experimental music have influenced many contemporary artists.

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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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