Gone but not forgotten. It’s a phrase that will echo in the hearts and minds of those who lost a loved one over the past calendar year. While that special person may no longer exist in the physical state, their memory and the impact that they left with their families and communities will live on.
From a national perspective, we have also lost several notable figures that left indelible impressions through their music, merits and words. They too, will be gone but not forgotten. Let’s take a look back at some of the notable deaths of 2010. Rest in peace.
Notable Deaths of 2010
James Moody Age: 85
Moody was a noted Jazz saxophonist who recorded more than 50 solo albums and collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Lionel Hampton and B.B. King. He passed away December 9 at age 85.
Shirley Verrett Age: 79
Verrett was an acclaimed American mezzo-soprano and soprano who, during the 1970s and 1980s, was ine of the world’s top opera singers.
Al Goodman Age: 67
Goodman was a baritone who performed on many soul and pop hits in the 1970s, including “Love on a Two-Way Street” and “Special Lady.”
Solomon Burke Age: 70
Burke was a soul pioneer whose powerful vocals earned him the moniker “King of Rock & Soul.”
Albertina Walker Age: 81
As the “Queen of Gospel,” Albertina Walker left an indelible impression on the music industry with her soul-stirring vocal ministry.
Harold Dow Age: 62
Dow served as a longtime correspondent for the CBS hit show “48 Hours.”
Abbey Lincoln Age: 80
Lincoln was a noted jazz singer and songwriter.
Al Goodman Age: 67
Goodman a member of The Moments, the R&B group who released the hit, “Love on a Two Way Street.”
Jack Tatum Age: 61
Tatum was a feared NFL defensive back, who spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Raiders.
Marvin Isley Age: 56
Marvin Isley was a bass player who contributed to the Isley Brothers distinctive sound.
Garry Shider Age: 56
Shider was the longtime musical director of Parliament-Funkadelic, whose impressive work would earn him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Gary Coleman Age: 42
Coleman rose to fame as a child star on the hit TV series “Diff’rent Strokes.”
Ali-Ollie Woodson Age: 58
Woodson was best known for his stint as a vocalist with The Temptations.
Lena Horne Age: 92
Horne was a noted jazz singer and actress who was responsible for breaking several racial barriers in Hollywood.
Hank Jones Age: 91
Jones was a jazz pianist and composer most noted for his stint as Ella Fitzgerald’s pianist and his accompaniment of Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy.
Dorothy Height Age: 98
Height was the leading female voice of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. She also led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years.
Guru Age: 43
Guru was a member of rap duo Gang Starr who was well respected for the intellectual themes in his lyrics.
Ron Banks Age: 58
Banks was a founding member of R&B group The Dramatics.
Marva Wright Age: 62
Wright was a New Orleans blues and soul singer who worked the clubs on Bourbon Street.
Teddy Pendergrass Age: 59
Legendary singer Teddy Pendergrass rose to fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. He would then go on to experience a successful solo career, which was derailed by a 1982 car wreck that paralyzed him.
Eunice W. Johnson Age: 93
Johnson was the creator of the influential Ebony Fashion Fair, and was also responsible for naming Ebony magazine.
