Joey Ramone

popular name: Nancy Wilson

date_of_death: December 13, 2018

age: 81

cause_of_death: Long-term respiratory illness

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Nancy Wilson was an American singer whose career spanned over five decades, from the mid-1950s until her retirement in the early 2010s. She was especially notable for her single "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" and her version of the standard "Guess Who I Saw Today". When Wilson traveled to New York City, her distinctive voice enchanted a representative from Capitol Records and she was signed in 1959. In the years that followed, Wilson recorded 37 original albums for the label. Her first hit, "Guess Who I Saw Today," came in 1961. One year later, a collaborative album with Adderley solidified her standing in the jazz community and provided the foundation for her growing fame and career. During her performing career, Wilson was labeled a singer of blues, jazz, R&B, pop, and soul; a consummate actress and the complete entertainer. Wilson also has worked in television, where in 1968 she won an Emmy Award for her NBC series, The Nancy Wilson Show. She has performed on The Andy Williams Show and The Carol Burnett Show and has appeared in series such as Hawaii Five-O, The Cosby Show, Moesha, and The Parkers. Although she often has crossed over to pop and rhythm-and- blues recordings, she still is best known for her jazz performances. In the 1980s, she returned to jazz with a series of performances with such jazz greats as Art Farmer, Benny Golson, and Hank Jones. And to start the new century, Wilson teamed with pianist Ramsey Lewis for a pair of highly regarded recordings. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including two Grammy Awards and honorary degrees from Berklee School of Music and Central State University in Ohio.

popular name: Red Foley

date_of_death: September 19, 1968

age: 58

cause_of_death: Heart attack

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Red Foley was a hugely influential figure in early country music, whose career spanned from the 1930s through the 1960s. Rising to fame through radio programs like the National Barn Dance and the Grand Ole Opry, he became known for his warm baritone voice and crossover appeal that brought country music to wider audiences. Foley recorded numerous hits, including gospel songs like “Peace in the Valley,” which sold millions and showcased his deep religious influence. In addition to his music career, he was a prominent radio and television personality, most notably hosting the popular TV show Ozark Jubilee, one of the first network programs dedicated to country music. His success helped bridge the gap between traditional country, pop, and gospel, paving the way for later mainstream acceptance of the genre. Despite facing financial and personal struggles later in life, Foley remained a respected pioneer whose contributions significantly shaped the growth and popularity of country music in America.

popular name: Keven Conner

date_of_death: January 28, 2003

age: 28

cause_of_death: Auto accident

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Known as the Kings of the Slow Jamz, R&B masters H-Town was founded in 1990 by twin brothers Keven "Dino" Conner, Solomon “Shazam" Conner and their longtime friend Darryl "GI" Jackson. H-Town is best known for their hits during the early to mid–1990s.