What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Nilla Pizzi

Italian singer and festival performer
Born
April 16th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2011 14 years ago — 91 years old

An Italian singer achieved recognition in the mid-20th century. Gained fame by winning the first Sanremo Music Festival in 1951 with the song "Grazie dei Fior". Contributed significantly to the Italian music scene with a career spanning several decades. Released numerous albums and singles that popularized traditional Italian music and melodramatic ballads. Continued to perform and record music, influencing generations of singers. Life included various collaborations with notable composers and participation in music festivals across Italy.

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Smiley Culture

English singer and DJ known for reggae
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2011 14 years ago — 48 years old

An English singer and DJ, prominent in the genre of reggae and reggae fusion. Best recognized for contributions to British reggae music, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. Achieved significant success with the single 'Nine to Five' released in 1984. The artist combined elements of DJing and singing, contributing to the evolution of the genre within the UK music scene. Smiley Culture's work addressed social issues alongside showcasing cultural influences from Jamaica. His career spanned over three decades and included a variety of performances and recordings.

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Richard Wirthlin

American religious leader and strategist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
March 16th, 2011 14 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent religious leader and strategist, contributed significantly to the Latter-day Saints movement. Developed strategies for church growth and outreach, focusing on the importance of understanding the audience's needs. Played a pivotal role in various church initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening community ties. His insights into religious culture and societal issues offered guidance to leaders within the church. In addition to religious service, Wirthlin also engaged in political consultancy, advising on campaign strategies and voter behavior analysis.

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Michael Gough

English actor in 'Batman' series
Born
November 23rd, 1916 108 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2011 13 years ago — 94 years old

An English actor, Gough had a prolific career that spanned several decades. He featured prominently in film, television, and stage productions. Gough is recognized for his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the 'Batman' series, particularly in 'Batman' (1989), 'Batman Returns' (1992), and 'Batman Forever' (1995). In addition to his work in superhero films, Gough appeared in numerous television programs such as 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' and 'The Forsyte Saga'. His contribution to theater included performances in productions like 'King Lear' and 'Hamlet'. Gough's extensive career encompassed a wide range of characters and genres.

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Ferlin Husky

Country music singer with hit songs
Born
December 3rd, 1925 99 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2011 13 years ago — 85 years old

Ferlin Husky was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Rising to prominence in the 1950s, he became celebrated for his unique blend of honky-tonk and traditional country music. Husky's career included hits such as 'Gone' and 'Wings of a Dove,' which reached the top of the country charts. He also gained attention for his innovative approach to music, which often incorporated elements of pop and gospel. As a performer, he showcased his talents on various television shows and concert stages throughout the United States. His contributions to the genre earned him a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

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Warren Christopher

United States Secretary of State
Born
October 27th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
March 18th, 2011 13 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 63rd United States Secretary of State from 1993 to 1997 under President Bill Clinton. Played a crucial role in foreign policy, particularly in the Balkans during the Yugoslav Wars. Participated in peace negotiations for the Dayton Agreement, which aimed to end the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, served as Deputy Attorney General and played significant roles in various legal and political capacities throughout a long career in public service.

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Pinetop Perkins

Blues musician and pianist renowned for 'Pinetop's Boogie Woogie'
Born
July 7th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2011 13 years ago — 97 years old

A celebrated blues musician and pianist, contributed significantly to the genre's evolution. Gained recognition in the 1940s while performing with renowned bands and artists. Developed a signature boogie-woogie style that influenced numerous musicians. Released multiple albums showcasing talents, including 'Pinetop's Boogie Woogie', which highlighted his skills as a pianist and composer. Continued to perform and record music well into the later years of life, securing a legacy in the blues community.

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Loleatta Holloway

American singer-songwriter, 'Love Sensation'
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2011 13 years ago — 65 years old

Loleatta Holloway was an American singer-songwriter prominent in the disco and soul genres. She gained recognition for her powerful voice and dynamic performances. Her most successful single, 'Love Sensation,' was released in 1980 and became a major hit, later sampled in several tracks by notable artists. Throughout her career, she also released several albums and collaborated with various musicians, contributing to the dance and R&B scenes.

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Elizabeth Taylor

Actress in 'Cleopatra' and humanitarian
Born
February 27th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2011 13 years ago — 79 years old

An English-American actress and humanitarian, made a significant mark in the film industry from the 1940s through the 2000s. Featured in classic films such as 'National Velvet', 'Cleopatra', and 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'. Accumulated two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Later in life, dedicated efforts toward humanitarian work, particularly raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research.

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