What Happened This Year 2015

People Who Died in 2015

John Renbourn

Guitarist and songwriter, 'The Pentangle'
Born
August 8th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent English-Scottish guitarist and songwriter, recognized for contributions to folk and blues music. Renbourn was a founding member of the influential folk group The Pentangle, which blended traditional British folk with jazz and blues elements. The group achieved significant success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a distinctive sound characterized by the interplay of guitar lines and vocal harmonies. Renbourn's solo work included several albums, showcasing fingerstyle guitar techniques and original compositions. Collaborations with various musicians and participation in live performances further established his musical legacy.

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Bob Appleyard

Cricketer and businessman with Yorkshire
Born
June 27th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 91 years old

An English cricketer played for Yorkshire County Cricket Club from 1949 to 1964. Achieved renowned first-class cricket career, taking over 1,700 wickets. Represented England in Test matches from 1954 to 1962, contributing to memorable victories. Also engaged in a successful business career post-retirement.

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Indra Bania

Indian actor and director of stage plays
Born
December 24th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 73 years old

Active in the Indian theater scene, contributed significantly to the development and promotion of stage plays. Directed and acted in multiple acclaimed productions, showcasing linguistic and cultural depth. Engaged audiences through innovative storytelling and powerful performances while collaborating with various local theater groups.

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Hermann Zapf

Typography and calligraphy expert
Born
November 8th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 97 years old

A German typographer and calligrapher contributed significantly to the field of type design throughout the 20th century. Developed and designed typefaces including Palatino and Zapfino, which became widely used in various media. Created numerous books on typography, calligraphy, and design, demonstrating expertise and artistic vision. Received various awards for contributions to typography and calligraphy, influencing generations of designers.

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D. Ramanaidu

Indian film director and producer
Born
June 6th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 79 years old

Founded Suresh Productions and played a significant role in the Indian film industry. Directed and produced over 150 films in multiple languages, contributing to cinema's growth in South India. Established a film academy to support aspiring filmmakers and received several awards for excellence in filmmaking. Contributed to various film initiatives and served in different capacities within film organizations.

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Nour El-Sherif

Egyptian actor and producer in cinema
Born
April 28th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 69 years old

Gained prominence in Egyptian cinema during the 1960s. Worked in over 150 films and television series throughout a prolific career. Gained recognition for roles in popular films such as 'The Last Search' and 'The Night of Counting the Years'. Received numerous awards and accolades for performances, including the Best Actor award at the Cairo International Film Festival. Co-founded the Egyptian Actors' Guild and played a pivotal role in improving conditions for performers in the industry. Continued to work actively in film and television until retirement.

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Rico Rodriguez

Jamaican trombonist and ska musician
Born
October 17th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1934, a prominent Jamaican trombonist contributed to the development and popularization of ska music. Rodriguez began his career in the 1950s, collaborating with various artists and bands. His work included recordings with The Skatalites, which were crucial in shaping the ska genre. He later moved to the UK, where he furthered his influence in reggae and ska music, performing with notable groups and musicians. His distinctive style and skilled performances earned recognition within the music community.

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John Guillermin

Director of 'The Towering Inferno'
Born
November 11th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 90 years old

An English-American director, producer, and screenwriter. Began a career in film during the 1950s, contributing to both British and American cinema. Directed the classic disaster film 'The Towering Inferno' in 1974, which became a hallmark of the genre. Also worked on notable films such as 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' and 'King Kong' (1976), showcasing abilities in both drama and action films. Received praise for innovative storytelling and cinematic techniques throughout his career.

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Rajinder Puri

Indian cartoonist and journalist
Born
September 20th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent cartoonist and journalist, contributed to Indian media with a focus on political satire and social commentary. Worked with several publications, including 'The Hindustan Times' and 'The Indian Express'. Active in political activism, utilized cartoons as a medium to critique government policies and societal issues. His work resonated with many during various political events in India.

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