What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Marv Tarplin

Guitarist and songwriter for The Miracles
Born
June 13th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent guitarist and songwriter, contributed significantly to the Motown sound. Joined The Miracles in the early 1960s and played a vital role in shaping their musical style. Wrote and performed on hit songs that defined the era, collaborating closely with Smokey Robinson. His work with The Miracles led to a series of successful albums and singles, impacting the musical landscape of the time.

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Pavol Demitra

Slovak ice hockey player, NHL All-Star
Born
November 29th, 1974 50 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 37 years old

A professional ice hockey player, made significant contributions in the National Hockey League (NHL) and international competitions. Played primarily as a center and left winger. Represented teams including the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, and Minnesota Wild in the NHL. Achieved an NHL All-Star selection in 2003. Competed for Slovakia in multiple international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics. Demitra's career spanned from 1993 to 2011 before premature passing in a plane crash in 2011.

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Cesária Évora

Cape Verdean singer and musician
Born
August 27th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Born in the Cape Verde archipelago, Évora achieved international acclaim as a singer of morna, a traditional genre combining African and Portuguese influences. Her powerful voice and emotive performances captured the essence of Cape Verde's cultural heritage. Évora rose to prominence in the 1990s, particularly after the release of the album 'Mar Azul' in 1991. Subsequent albums, 'Café Atlantico' and 'Voz d'Amor', further solidified her reputation worldwide. Évora often performed barefoot, reflecting her connection to her roots and her humility. She toured extensively, enchanting audiences in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

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Karel Rachůnek

Czech ice hockey player and forward
Born
August 27th, 1979 45 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 32 years old

A professional ice hockey player, played as a forward. Played in the NHL for the Ottawa Senators and the New York Rangers. Represented the Czech Republic in international competitions, contributing to the team's success at various championships. Lost his life in a plane crash in 2011 while playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL.

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Eleanor Ross Taylor

American poet and educator
Born
June 30th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 91 years old

An accomplished poet and educator, this individual contributed significantly to American literature. Published works include 'The Poets of the Future' and 'Wilderness;', which reflect profound themes and engaging language. Teaching roles included positions at various educational institutions, inspiring future generations of writers. The poetry often exhibits a deep connection to nature and personal experience, reinforcing the importance of observation and introspection in the art of writing.

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Gordon Tootoosis

Aboriginal Canadian actor in TV and film
Born
October 25th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Established a prominent career as an Aboriginal Canadian actor, contributing significantly to the representation of Indigenous peoples in film and television. Appeared in acclaimed productions such as the television series 'North of 60' and the movie 'Smoke Signals'. Worked extensively in the industry, bringing depth to Indigenous storytelling and cultural narratives. Engaged with various artistic and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting Aboriginal culture and rights.

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Bo Carpelan

Finnish poet and author of acclaimed works
Born
October 25th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1926, a Finnish poet and author contributed significantly to literature with a focus on themes of identity, nature, and memory. The writer produced poetry, novels, and essays, often reflecting the complexity of human experiences. Published works include 'Kävelykuvia' and 'Blomster', showcasing lyrical prowess and deep introspection. Recognition for contributions to Finnish literature includes several literary awards. Carpelan's works often intertwined personal and cultural references, enriching the Finnish literary landscape.

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Würzel

English singer and guitarist with Motörhead
Born
October 23rd, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1949, this English musician gained prominence as the guitarist for the heavy metal band Motörhead. Starting his career in the early 1980s, this guitarist contributed to the band's distinctive sound during a significant period. In addition to his work with Motörhead, he also released solo albums and collaborated with various artists in the rock genre. His energetic performances and riff-heavy playing style became a hallmark of his contributions to rock music until his passing.

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Manfred Mayrhofer

Philologist and academic researcher
Born
September 26th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

Born in Austria in 1926, a significant figure in philology and linguistics. Focused on the study of historical linguistics and etymology. Engaged in extensive research on the origin and development of languages, particularly Indo-European languages. Contributed to various academic publications and served as a professor at several institutions, shaping the field of philology through teaching and research initiatives.

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