What Happened This Year 2008

People Who Died in 2008

Pavle Kozjek

Slovenian mountaineer and photographer
Born
January 15th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 49 years old

Accomplished in mountaineering, engaged in numerous expeditions across challenging terrains. Contributed to the field of outdoor photography, capturing images of mountains and climbers. Participated in significant climbs in the Himalayas and the Alps, documenting the culture and environment around these areas. Worked on various photography projects that emphasized the beauty and challenges of climbing.

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Mort Garson

Songwriter and composer of electronic music
Born
July 20th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Canada, this songwriter and composer gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. He is recognized for pioneering the use of synthesizers in popular music, blending genres and creating unique soundscapes. Notable works include the albums 'Plantasia' and 'Music for Plants', which showcased innovative electronic compositions aimed at the natural world. Collaborations with artists across various genres further established a distinct style that resonated with audiences.

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Alla Kazanskaya

Actress known for 'The Cranes Are Flying'
Born
June 15th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1920, an actress gained prominence in Soviet cinema. She starred in various films throughout her career, achieving critical acclaim for performances. A notable role includes the film 'The Cranes Are Flying', which received the Palme d'Or at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival. Participated in numerous theatrical productions and showcased talent on stage. Contributed significantly to the arts in the Soviet Union.

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Klaus Dinger

Guitarist and songwriter for Neu!
Born
March 24th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 62 years old

Born in Germany in 1946, contributed significantly to the krautrock genre as a guitarist and songwriter. Co-founded the influential band Neu! in the early 1970s, which became a cornerstone of the genre. Neu! was characterized by its innovative sound and use of rhythm, leaving a lasting influence on many music styles that followed. Additionally worked with other bands, including La Dusseldorf, expanding the fusion of rock and electronic sounds. Contributions shaped the landscape of modern music well beyond his time.

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Christopher Allport

American actor known for 'The 13th Floor'
Born
June 17th, 1947 77 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 61 years old

An American actor with a career spanning several decades in film and television. Gained recognition for his role in the science fiction thriller 'The 13th Floor'. Participated in various television series, including 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'The Love Boat'. Worked extensively in theater and was involved in voice acting as well. Contributions encompassed a range of genres and formats, showcasing versatility in performance.

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Dorothy Porter

Australian poet and playwright, The Monkey's Mask
Born
March 26th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 54 years old

This individual was an influential Australian poet and playwright, recognized for contributions to contemporary Australian literature. One of the hallmark works includes the verse novel 'The Monkey's Mask', which combines elements of crime and romance while exploring themes of desire and identity. The work received critical acclaim and highlighted the innovative use of poetic form in storytelling. Additionally, numerous poetry collections showcased a distinctive voice and exploration of personal and political themes, solidifying a significant presence in the literary scene.

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Nappy Brown

R&B singer-songwriter with blues influence
Born
October 12th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1929, this singer-songwriter contributed significantly to the rhythm and blues genre. Rose to prominence in the 1950s with a blend of R&B and gospel influences. Released the hit single 'Don't Be Ashamed' which gained popularity on the charts. His music featured a unique vocal style characterized by energetic delivery and emotional depth. Continued to perform and record over several decades, influencing younger generations of artists.

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Pervis Jackson

R&B bass singer with The Spinners
Born
May 17th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 70 years old

A bass singer in the R&B group The Spinners, contributed to the band's success during the 1970s. The group achieved significant recognition with hits such as 'I'll Be Around' and 'Could It Be I'm Falling in Love'. Jackson's deep voice was a defining feature of the group's harmonious sound. The Spinners were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying their legacy in the music industry.

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Mike Bell

Professional wrestler and promoter
Born
March 18th, 1971 54 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 37 years old

Born in 1971, a professional wrestler who gained attention in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the late 1990s. In addition to wrestling, involvement in promoting wrestling events was significant, leading to the establishment of various independent wrestling promotions. Recognition came through participation in innovative wrestling matches and collaborations with notable wrestling personalities. Contributions to the wrestling community included training emerging talents and engaging in promotional activities that enhanced wrestling visibility.

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