Joey Ramone

popular name: Professor Longhair

date_of_death: January 30, 1980

age: 61

cause_of_death: Heart attack

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Professor Longhair (or "Fess" for short) was a Louisiana born singer and pianist who performed New Orleans blues. He was active in two distinct periods, first in the heyday of early rhythm and blues and later in the resurgence of interest in traditional jazz after the founding of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1970. His piano style has been described as "instantly recognizable, combining rumba, mambo, and calypso". During his career Professor Longhair had only one national commercial hit, "Bald Head", in 1950, under the name Roy Byrd and His Blues Jumpers. He also recorded his favorites, "Tipitina" and "Go to the Mardi Gras". He lacked crossover appeal among white and wide audiences. Yet, he is regarded as being a musician who was highly influential for other prominent musicians such as Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and Dr. John. Upon his death, he was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana.

popular name: Randy Rhoads

date_of_death: March 19, 1982

age: 25

cause_of_death: Blunt force trauma (airplane crash)

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Randy Rhoads was an American guitarist and co-founder and original guitarist of the heavy metal band Quiet Riot. When Quiet Riot continued to struggle with marginal success, the young musician tried out for Ozzy and became the guitarist and co-songwriter for Ozzy Osbourne's first two solo albums - Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981). His life was cut short in a stupid and completely avoidable plane crash as the second tour of the group was just getting started. Rhoads was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. He also placed 36th on Rolling Stone Magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists. He placed fourth on Guitar World Magazine's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists and 26th in Guitar World's 50 Fastest Guitarists list.

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.