King Oliver

popular name: Peter Tosh

date_of_death: September 11, 1987

age: 42

cause_of_death: Homicide - gunshot wounds

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Peter Tosh was a Jamaican reggae musician who, along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, was one of the core members of the band the Wailers, after which he established himself as a successful solo artist and a promoter of Rastafari. As a solo artist Tosh began recording and released his solo debut, Legalize It, in 1976. The title track soon became popular among endorsers of marijuana legalization, reggae music lovers and Rastafari all over the world, and was a favorite at Tosh’s concerts. He continued to record and tour worldwide before he was killed in a home invasion in 1987.

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: Tex Williams

date_of_death: October 11, 1985

age: 68

cause_of_death: Pancreatic cancer

claim_to_fame: Music

best_know_for: Tex Williams was an American country music singer, songwriter, bandleader and occasional film actor. He is best known for his 1949 hit "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)," which became a major crossover success. Tex Williams, along with Spade Cooley and Bob Wills, was among the most popular bandleaders in the musical genre known as "western swing" in the 1940s and 1950s. Williams began his career in music in the late 1930s, playing in local bands. After serving in World War II, he joined the Spade Cooley Orchestra, where he gained considerable recognition. He later formed his own band, Tex Williams and His Western Caravan, which helped establish his career. In the 1950s, Williams moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to record and perform. Williams' other successes included the cover of a Bob Wills' classic, 'That's What I Like About The West', and also 'Never Trust A Woman', 'Don't Telephone, Don't Telegraph, Tell A Woman', 'Suspicion' and 'Talking Boogie'. Tex's band was a frequent guest on numerous radio and TV programs in the 1950s, including the Grand Ole Opry, Spike Jones, Dinah Shore, the Jo Stafford Show and National Barn Dance. His band split up in 1965 because, as he said, he 'had no use for a band. When you have a band, you have to keep those guys working.' He continued to perform and record throughout his life, although his fame was mostly rooted in his earlier work. Tex's constant smoke, smoke, smoke of cigarettes finally caught up with him, and he died of lung and pancreatic cancer in 1985. He was laid to rest in Eternal Valley Memorial Park, Newall, California.