What Happened This Year 2019

People Who Died in 2019

J. R. Cobb

American guitarist and songwriter
Born
February 5th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 75 years old

An American guitarist and songwriter contributed to the Southern rock genre. Played as a founding member of the band The Atlanta Rhythm Section. Helped craft the band's distinctive sound, which included hits like 'So in to You' and 'Imaginary Lover.' Collaborated with other musicians within the genre and engaged in various songwriting projects throughout a lengthy career.

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Hayden Fry

American football coach and player
Born
February 28th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 90 years old

Played as a college football quarterback before transitioning to coaching. Served as the head coach at North Texas State University, where a successful tenure established a strong program. Later became the head coach at the University of Iowa, leading the team to numerous bowl games and helping to elevate the program's national profile. Introduced innovative offensive strategies that influenced college football coaching practices. Inducted into various halls of fame for contributions to the sport.

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Hussain Muhammad Ershad

Bangladeshi general and politician
Born
February 1st, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 89 years old

Served as the 10th President of Bangladesh from 1983 to 1990. Initially joined the military, rising to the rank of general. Led a military coup in 1982, which brought about a period of martial law. Introduced various reforms during presidency, focusing on infrastructure and health. After losing power, faced legal challenges and controversies regarding past governance, as well as a long-standing influence in Bangladeshi politics.

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Jim Bouton

Baseball pitcher and author of Ball Four
Born
March 8th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 80 years old

A professional baseball pitcher and author, this individual played primarily for the New York Yankees and is recognized for contributions both on and off the field. Active in Major League Baseball from 1962 to 1978, notable achievements include winning a World Series championship with the Yankees in 1962. The memoir 'Ball Four,' published in 1970, provided an unprecedented look into the lives of baseball players and was widely influential in sports journalism. After retiring from baseball, pursued a career in television and radio broadcasting, also contributing writings to various publications. Continued involvement in baseball included managing in minor leagues and coaching.

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Alberto Cortez

Singer-songwriter known for 'Historia de un Amor'
Born
March 11th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1940, this Argentinian-Spanish singer-songwriter built a successful career in music, particularly in Latin American genres. Cortez began his career in Argentina before relocating to Spain, where he gained broader recognition. He wrote many popular songs, blending poetic lyrics with melodic compositions. Among his most celebrated works is 'Historia de un Amor,' which became a classic in the Latin American repertoire. Throughout the career, numerous albums were released, showcasing a range of themes and styles. The artist's unique voice and songwriting skills earned a dedicated following across Spanish-speaking countries.

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Can Bartu

Footballer and basketball player
Born
January 31st, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 83 years old

Gained recognition as a prominent dual-sport athlete in Turkey. Played professional football primarily for Fenerbahçe SK, contributing to multiple league titles. Transitioned to basketball, becoming an essential player for the Turkish national team. Achieved notable success in both sports, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a significant figure in Turkish sports history.

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Altair Gomes de Figueiredo

Brazilian footballer and World Cup champion
Born
January 22nd, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 81 years old

A Brazilian footballer, celebrated for contributions to the sport as a defender. Played for the São Paulo club and represented Brazil in international competitions. Instrumental in Brazil's victory at the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile, showcasing exceptional defensive skills and teamwork. Career included stints in other clubs, further highlighting consistent performance throughout the footballing years.

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D. C. Fontana

Screenwriter of Star Trek series
Born
March 25th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent screenwriter and producer contributed significantly to the Star Trek franchise, particularly during its early years. Worked on the original Star Trek series, helping to shape its narrative and themes. Later involved in various Star Trek spin-offs and adaptations, solidifying a reputation in science fiction television. Also wrote for other series and films, showcasing versatility across different genres.

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Lee Mendelson

Television producer of 'Peanuts' specials
Born
March 24th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 86 years old

A television producer focused on animated specials, prominently associated with the 'Peanuts' franchise. Developed numerous beloved animated adaptations of Charles M. Schulz's comic strip. Collaborated with animator Bill Melendez, producing iconic holiday specials that became annual traditions. Contributed to the production of the Emmy-nominated television documentary 'A Charlie Brown Christmas', which debuted in 1965, and helped solidify the franchise's popularity. Established a production company to continue the legacy of 'Peanuts' through various media.

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