In the last week many notable Americans have passed away. This article will cover a few of these amazing people from various walks of life that shaped American life and culture in their respective fields. From politicians to entertainers and athletes, this article will pay homage to what they accomplished.
Politicians
Richard H. Solomon was the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines for six months from September 1992 until March 1993. He would leave this role to serve as president of the United States Institute of Peace until 2012. Solomon died on March 13 of brain cancer at age 79.
Kika de la Garza was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas' 15th district from 1965 to 1997. He also served in the U.S. Navy, and was deployed in Korea. Kika de la Garza died on March 13 from kidney failure at age 89.
Entertainers
Joey Alves was the founding rhythm guitarist of the hard-rock group Y&T and was with the band until 1988. Y&T reached their height in the 1980s with singles "Mean Streak" and "Summertime Girls." Alves died on March 12 from ulcerative colitis and other complications at age 63.
Tommy LiPuma was a music producer who had 33 Grammy nominations and 5 Grammy wins. He worked with numerous musicians over five decades, most notably Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand and Anita Baker, selling over 75 million albums.
Li Puma died on March 13 following a brief illness at age 80.
Chuck Berry was one of the pioneers of rock and roll music during the 1950s, when he had several hit songs. His only number one single was the 1972 song "My Ding-a-Ling" and he was one of the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Berry continued being active in music until the end, announcing a new album, "Chuck," last October. Chuck Berry died on March 18 at age 90, with an official cause of death yet to be announced.
Sports
Dave Stallworth was a college All-American basketball player for Wichita State, having his jersey retired by the school. Stallworth was the number three pick in the 1965 NBA draft and would play most of his eight seasons in the NBA with the New York Knicks, helping them to win the 1970 NBA championship.
Stallworth died on March 15 after a battle with a heart condition at age 75.
Bob Bruce was a pitcher who played Major League Baseball for eight seasons for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves. He is best known for the nine-strike/three strikeout half-inning he threw in April 1964, becoming the 12th pitcher in MLB history to accomplish the feat. Bruce died on March 15 at the age of 87.
