What Happened This Year 2015

People Who Died in 2015

Eldzier Cortor

Painter and muralist of African heritage
Born
January 10th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 99 years old

Significant contributions to American art made through a unique style blending figurative and abstract elements. Recognized for work addressing themes of race and identity. Participated in various exhibitions, with notable works reflecting African American experiences. Influenced the art scene via teaching and mentoring future artists. Held teaching positions at institutions including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Nigel Boocock

Motorcycle racer, competed in the GP
Born
September 17th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 78 years old

Born in England, a prominent motorcycle racer competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing during the 1950s and 1960s. Relocated to Australia where continued racing. Achieved notable success in various competitions and was recognized for skill in speedway racing, particularly in the 1960s. Career included participation in several international events and earned respect in the motorcycle racing community.

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Lew Soloff

Trumpet player and composer known for jazz
Born
February 20th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 71 years old

A trumpet player, composer, and actor, contributed significantly to the jazz genre. Collaborated with prominent artists and bands, including the Blood, Sweat & Tears, participating in their Grammy-winning album. His performances featured in various films and television shows, showcasing his range as an instrumentalist. Soloff also released several albums as a solo artist, entrenching his influence within the jazz community. His versatility allowed him to perform across multiple genres, further establishing his proficiency with the trumpet.

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Will Provine

Biologist and historian of biology
Born
February 19th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 73 years old

A biologist and historian of biology conducted significant research on the relationship between evolution and genetic topics. Provided insights into the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory. Held academic positions at various institutions, contributing to the understanding of the philosophical implications of evolutionary biology through writings and teaching. Authored influential texts that explored the history and philosophy of biology, including topics on natural selection and genetics.

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Eddie Hardin

English singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
February 19th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 66 years old

An English singer-songwriter and pianist, active in the music industry since the late 1960s. Rose to prominence as a member of the band The Spencer Davis Group, contributing to the group's sound and success during that period. Later pursued a solo career and worked on various musical projects, demonstrating versatility in songwriting and performance. Collaborated with several artists and participated in different musical genres over the decades.

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Holly Woodlawn

Actress known for 'Paris, Texas'
Born
October 26th, 1946 78 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Puerto Rico, an actress gained recognition in the 1970s within the Warhol film scene. Gained attention for roles in films including 'Trash' and 'Women in Revolt.' Transitioned into writing, publishing an autobiography that detailed experiences in New York's underground culture and the LGBTQ+ community. Played a significant role in performance art and has been regarded as an iconic figure in the transgender community.

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Klaus Roth

Mathematician; Roth's theorem
Born
October 29th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent British mathematician, contributed significantly to number theory and combinatorics. Developed Roth's theorem, which is a fundamental result in Diophantine approximation. After earning a doctorate under the supervision of Hans Rademacher, published several influential papers in the mid-20th century. Held academic positions at various institutions, including University College London and the University of Pennsylvania. His work continues to influence research in mathematics.

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Setsuko Hara

Japanese actress renowned for cinema classics
Born
June 17th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 95 years old

An acclaimed actress in Japanese cinema, recognized for performances in key films during the post-war era. Worked extensively with director Yasujirō Ozu, contributing to the emergence of modern Japanese film. Featured in notable films including 'Tokyo Story' and 'Late Spring', which are considered masterpieces of cinema. Became a prominent figure in the industry and influenced future generations of filmmakers and actors, while her work remains deeply celebrated in film studies and retrospectives.

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Peter Katin

Pianist and academic with classical music
Born
November 14th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 85 years old

A distinguished pianist and academic, recognition came from performances of classical repertoire, including interpretations of works by Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven. Participation in various music festivals highlighted immense talent, alongside a commitment to music education. Teaching roles at renowned institutions contributed to shaping the next generation of musicians. Additionally, recordings of concertos and solo compositions added to a prolific career in both performance and scholarship.

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