What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Nanci Griffith

Singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner
Born
July 6th, 1953 71 years ago
Died
August 13th, 2021 3 years ago — 68 years old

An influential figure in the folk and country music scene, contributions included storytelling through song and blending of genres. Released multiple acclaimed albums, with 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' receiving a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Emphasized a lyrical style that reflected personal experiences and social issues, gaining a dedicated following.

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Michael Aung-Thwin

Historian of Southeast Asian history
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
August 14th, 2021 3 years ago — 75 years old

A historian and scholar specialized in Burmese and Southeast Asian history. Contributed significantly to the understanding of the region's historical narratives. Published works include 'The Mists of Ramanna: Culture and Process in the Restoration of the Burmese Empire' and 'Burmese History in the British Period: 1824-1948'. Played a crucial role in academics and research related to Southeast Asia. Worked at various institutions where scholarship influenced the study of this region.

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Gerd Müller

Football player and Bundesliga legend
Born
November 3rd, 1945 79 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2021 3 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1945, this football player gained recognition as one of the greatest strikers in the history of the sport. He played primarily for Bayern Munich, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer. As a member of the West Germany national team, he contributed to the team winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup and secured the Golden Boot in the 1970 World Cup. His prolific goal-scoring earned numerous accolades and solidified a legendary status in football.

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Sean Lock

Comedian and actor, notable for panel shows
Born
April 22nd, 1963 61 years ago
Died
August 16th, 2021 3 years ago — 58 years old

A British comedian and actor gained recognition for his work on television, particularly in panel shows. Lock contributed to '8 Out of 10 Cats' as a team captain and appeared in 'The Lock In' and 'Sean Lock: Keep It Light'. His stand-up comedy earned acclaim, with multiple televised performances and specials throughout his career. He also acted in sitcoms and was involved in numerous charity events related to his craft.

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Sonny Chiba

Japanese martial artist and actor
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2021 3 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Fukuoka, Japan, an actor and martial artist specialized in action films. Became prominent in the 1970s with major roles in the 'Street Fighter' film series. Developed a reputation for portraying tough, gritty characters, and showcased martial arts skills that set a standard for action cinema. Established a production company and contributed to the martial arts film genre, influencing many subsequent filmmakers and actors. Later transitioned to television and continued to act in films until the end of life.

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Igor Vovkovinskiy

Tallest person in America
Born
1982 43 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2021 3 years ago — 39 years old

Born in Ukraine, an individual immigrated to the United States at a young age. Studied law while also pursuing a career in acting. Gained attention for being the tallest man in America, reaching a height of 7 feet 8.33 inches. Featured in various media and made appearances on television shows, highlighting unique height with a notable appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'. Advocated for awareness regarding Marfan syndrome, a condition that contributed to extraordinary stature.

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Rod Gilbert

Ice Hockey player with the New York Rangers
Born
July 1st, 1941 83 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 2021 3 years ago — 80 years old

An ice hockey player played for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Garbbed the franchise's all-time scoring leader with 1021 points. Played in 1,065 regular season games and participated in seven NHL All-Star games. Gilbert's contributions extended beyond the ice as he engaged in philanthropic efforts and community service, supporting various charities.

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Elizabeth Blackadder

Painter and printmaker; floral works
Born
September 24th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 2021 3 years ago — 89 years old

A Scottish painter and printmaker, this artist specialized in botanical and floral subjects. Studied at Edinburgh College of Art and later taught there. Developed a unique style that combined elements of realism and abstraction, earning recognition in the art community. Exhibited extensively in galleries and museums, both in the UK and internationally. Received multiple accolades throughout a prolific career, including the prestigious OBE.

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Charlie Watts

Drummer for The Rolling Stones
Born
June 2nd, 1941 83 years ago
Died
August 24th, 2021 3 years ago — 80 years old

A drummer, songwriter, and producer who played with The Rolling Stones for over 50 years, contributing to the band's distinctive sound. Watts began his career in the early 1960s and became a key member of the group, known for its energetic performances and significant influence on rock music. He also worked on various jazz projects and collaborated with other musicians. His style combined a steady rhythm with an affinity for jazz influences, making him a respected figure in the music industry.

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