No one who died in the 1959 plane crash, that day the music died, was an old man. The pilot, Roger Peterson, was just 21. Buddy Holly was 22; J.P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper," was the old man on the plane, at 28. Youngest of all was a rising star of Chicano rock -- Ritchie Valens. He was 17.
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Away from the characters of Inspector Clouseau or Chance the Gardener, Peter Sellers was a troubled man. Here are some tragic details about Peter Sellers.
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The Doors' history, like the era during which they played, was fraught with tension and destruction. This is the tragic real-life story of the Doors.
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When we think of Aaron Burr, all we know is that he killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. But Aaron Burr had a tragic story in his own right.
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Alexander Hamilton has long been renowned as one of America's Founding Fathers, but he hasn't received quite as much attention in history as fellow founders. Lin-Manuel Miranda's epic rap-musical isn't entirely historically accurate, but it's close-ish. Here's the real story of Alexander Hamilton.
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Cass Elliot is remembered for a few things, especially: Great voice, fun to be around, but, well, chubby
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Despite his mental health struggles, Vincent Van Gogh painted amazing works throughout his short life. This is the tragic real-life story of Vincent Van Gogh.
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In the predawn morning of of December 4, 1969, 14 police officers surrounded 2337 W. Monroe St, the Black Panther stronghold in Chicago. The raid about to be carried out was organized specifically to kill Fred Hampton.
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Here's a look at the sometimes difficult and challenging life of John Candy.
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As dramatic as the French Revolution was, the Tribunal had no interest in drama. Instead, they sentenced Marie Thérèse Louise to death, at the hands of the crowd.
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If you love a good Western (or even a bad Western), you owe a debt to two men: E.Z.C. Judson and William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody.
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Many comedians have created humor that lasts for ages, and one of those comics is Mitch Hedberg, whose drug addiction would send him to an early grave. This is the tragic real-life story of Mitch Hedberg.
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When you look at Mark Twain's history, it's a wonder that he even smiled at all.
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The Notorious B.I.G.'s career was marred with legal troubles, coastal rivalries, and a feud with a former friend that ended in both their untimely murders.
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second female Supreme Court Justice in history. Success didn't come easy. This is the tragic real-life story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
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Having faced down poverty, illness, divorce, and ever-changing public tastes, Cher continues to beat the odds, winning over generation after generation of fans with her unwavering dedication and authenticity. This is Cher's tragic real-life story.
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Joan Jett's first music teacher told her girls couldn't play rock and roll. Her first solo album was rejected by 23 record labels. None of that stopped her.
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Grace Slick, frontwoman for Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, would live to 80, a milestone she passed in 2019. This is her real life story.
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Death is always tragic, but when someone who's brought joy and laughter to millions passes unexpectedly, it can be especially heartbreaking. Here are a few comedians who died tragically.
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On the astronomically slim chance that you're not familiar with Walpurga Hausmännin, here's the inside story, which is actually horribly tragic.
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It's hard to imagine a famous rock band with a happier image than the Foo Fighters, and they've had plenty of drama and tragic incidents.
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Prosecutions of homosexuals increased in England after World War II, and one of the individuals so ensnared was a mathematician -- Alan Turing.
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Before Black Sabbath, metal was barely a thing. After Sabbath, metal was a lifestyle. But all those sinister lyrics and all that heavy riffing came from a dark place. This is the tragic real-life story of Black Sabbath.
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"When I was a kid, I never wanted to be James Bond. I wanted to be Q, because he was the guy who made all the gadgets," said Grant Imahara. Throughout his career, he did exactly that -- a career which ended with his death on Monday, July 13, of a brain aneurysm. He was just 49 years old.
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The phrase "Live fast, die young, and leave a good-looking corpse" became reality for many rock stars, many of whom have died tragically over the years.
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Considering modern longevity -- 78.6 years now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- 60 just seems younger and younger, especially as an endpoint, as it was for Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett.
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In 1977, 'Heroes' became the last performance Marc Bolan, the lead singer and guitarist of the pioneering glam rock band T.Rex, ever played.
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