What Happened This Year 2001

People Who Died in 2001

Trịnh Công Sơn

Vietnamese guitarist and composer
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
April 1st, 2001 23 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent musician and songwriter, contributed significantly to Vietnamese music during the Vietnam War and beyond. Composed over 600 songs, with themes often reflecting love, war, and peace. Utilized poetic lyrics and various musical styles, blending traditional Vietnamese music with Western influences. Collaborated with various artists and influenced the music scene in Vietnam, establishing a lasting legacy in the country's cultural landscape.

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Charles Daudelin

Sculptor and painter, notable for sculptures
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2001 23 years ago — 81 years old

A Canadian sculptor and painter, recognized for contributions to contemporary art. Worked in various mediums including stone, bronze, and plaster. Created notable public art installations and received acclaim for enhancing urban spaces with large-scale sculptures. Contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Canada through art exhibitions and permanent installations. His works often explore themes of nature and human emotion, reflecting a unique artistic vision.

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Liisi Oterma

Finnish astronomer and comet discoverer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
April 4th, 2001 23 years ago — 86 years old

A Finnish astronomer focused on comet research. Discovered several comets during her career. Conducted significant studies on minor planets and celestial mechanics. Served as a professor of astronomy at the University of Turku. Contributed extensively to the field of astronomy through her research and discoveries.

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Ed Roth

American illustrator and custom car designer
Born
March 4th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
April 4th, 2001 23 years ago — 69 years old

An influential illustrator and designer, primarily active from the late 1940s through the 1970s. Contributed to the custom car culture with unique artwork on hot rods and kustoms. Created the iconic character Rat Fink, representing the car enthusiast community and counterculture of the time. Roth's work combined a distinct artistic style with automotive innovation, gaining recognition in magazines such as 'Car Craft' and 'Hot Rod'. Established a significant impact on the automotive art movement through his creative designs and merchandise.

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Aldo Olivieri

Italian footballer with Torino FC success
Born
1910 115 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2001 23 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent figure in Italian football, Olivieri played primarily as a forward. His professional career started at Torino FC, where he achieved significant success in the Serie A league. Becoming a key player for the team, he contributed to Torino’s dominance during the late 1940s. After his tenure at Torino, he played for other clubs, including Genoa and SPAL. His skills on the field earned him recognition both domestically and internationally.

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Charles Pettigrew

Singer-songwriter, member of Sheryl Crow
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2001 23 years ago — 38 years old

American singer-songwriter gained recognition as a member of the duo Charles & Eddie. The duo's hit song "Would I Lie to You?" achieved commercial success, reaching top charts in multiple countries during the 1990s. Pettigrew contributed to the duo’s distinctive sound with a blend of pop and soul. The duo's debut album 'Duophonic' included hit singles that garnered significant airplay and popularity. Pettigrew’s work showcased a unique vocal style that resonated with audiences worldwide. Pettigrew also pursued a solo career and worked with various artists in the music industry.

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Beatrice Straight

American actress, Academy Award winner
Born
August 2nd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2001 23 years ago — 86 years old

An American actress who achieved recognition for stage, film, and television performances. Straight's career spanned several decades, featuring a celebrated role in the film 'Network' which earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her stage work included performances in notable Broadway productions, showcasing her talent in the performing arts. Television appearances included roles in series such as 'The Waltons' and 'The Good Wife.' Straight's contributions to acting established a respected reputation in the industry.

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David Graf

Actor from Police Academy series
Born
April 16th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2001 23 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1950, this American actor gained recognition through performances in film and television. Best remembered for the role of Eugene Tackleberry in the 'Police Academy' series, he appeared in multiple installments starting with the original 1984 movie. Graf also featured in various television programs, showcasing his comedic talent across different formats. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in drama, which laid the foundation for his acting career. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he played supporting roles in different productions and developed a loyal fan base.

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Willie Stargell

Baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Born
March 6th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2001 23 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1940, this former baseball player played primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball. His career spanned from 1962 to 1982, during which he became a key player for the team. He was instrumental in leading the Pirates to two World Series championships in 1971 and 1979. After retiring, transitioned into coaching roles, sharing knowledge and experience with younger players. The player's contribution to the game was recognized with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988.

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