Famous deaths in January
In January we lost many luminaries, including "The Matriarch of the Blues" and her mentor, a promising skier and a legendary football coach. Scroll through to read about these and others who passed away
Died Jan. 22 (b. 1926)
Coach Joe Paterno stayed with one team for 61 years. "JoePa" gained an invincible winning record.
Died Jan. 20 (b. 1938)
Singer Etta James was a prolific crossover artist who brought together rhythm and blues and rock and roll . She won many awards in her decades-long career.
Died Jan. 19 (b. 1982)
Sarah Burke was a multi-champion freestyle skier who successfully lobbied to add the superpipe to the 2014 Olympic Games.
Died Jan. 17 (b. 1921)
The life's work of Johnny Otis made him the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues." He influenced musicians Etta James, Jackie Wilson and Little Richard.
Died Jan. 14 (b. 1995)
Arfa Karim Randhawa became a Microsoft Certified Professional at an unprecedented age. Bill Gates invited her to come to the Microsoft headquarters from her home in Pakistan.
Died Jan. 14 (b. 1946)
Nancy Clarke was the White House "flower czar." After inconspicuous beginnings, she became the chief floral designer during the Reagan administration.
Died Jan. 12 (b. 1931)
Charles H. Price was the U.S. ambassador to Belgium , and then was reappointed by President Ronald Reagan to the ambassadorship of the United Kingdom. At that post, he mitigated a civilian bombing.
Died Jan. 9 (b. 1909)
Mae Laborde became a star late in life through famous cameos, including a skit about John McCain She also starred in the most-watched video on this website .
Died Jan. 8 (b. 1938)
Dave Alexander was a blues musician who played with Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters and many others. He helped create boogie-woogie music.
Died Jan. 7 (b. 1948)
Tony Blankley was the press secretary for Newt Gingrich and a political analyst for several news outlets. Blankley also worked for a president.
Died Jan. 5 (b. 1926)
Don Carter was a bowling superstar. He earned the first million-dollar endorsement of any athlete.
Died Jan. 5 (b. 1900)
Frederica Sagor Maas was a rare supercentenarian known for reasons other than longevity. She was a Hollywood writer, who was famous for her memoir about Tinseltown.
Died Jan. 4 (b. 1912)
Eve Arnold was a photojournalist who focused on Marilyn Monroe (see Arnold's photos) and migrant workers. Arnold also photographed Queen Elizabeth II and Malcolm X.
Died Jan. 4 (b. 1947)
Gatewood Galbraith advocated for civil liberties and was a frequent candidate in his home state. He created a theory of "Synthetic Subversion."
Died Jan. 4 (b. 1974)
Kerry McGregor was a musician and actress who became famous on the United Kingdom's "X Factor," for which she was mentored by Sharon Osbourne.
Died Jan. 3 (b. 1917)
Robert L. Carter was a civil rights activist and a New York judge. He assisted a future Supreme Court justice and served as counsel for the NAACP.
Died Jan. 3 (b. 1947)
Bob Weston was a hybrid musician best known for his time with Fleetwood Mac. He left the band amid personal controversy.
Died Jan. 2 (b. 1918)
Gordon Hirabayashi was a sociologist who powerfully opposed the Japanese internment during World War II, notably through Hirabayashi v. United States.
Died Jan. 1 (b. 1922)
Bob Anderson was an Olympic fencer and the choreographer of cinematic standoffs in "Highlander," "The Princess Bride" and "The Lord of the Rings." He was also the lightsaber stuntman for Darth Vader.