April deaths 2011
In April we said farewell to many beloved figures, including a supercentenarian, a writing trailblazer and a modern rock star.
1951-2011
Best known for her 1975 hit "Poetry Man," Phoebe Snow interrupted her promising career to care for her brain-injured daughter.
Bio | Video | Photos
Popular songs:
"Harpo's Blues"
"No Regrets"
"Teach Me Tonight"
"Shakey Ground"
1958 – 2011
Poly Styrene was the British singer for the early punk band X-Ray Spex. Although the group recorded only two studio albums, she is often credited for influencing the riot grrrl movement.
1954-2011
Norwegian athlete Grete Waitz ran her first marathon in 1978. She won that race -- and broke the tape in eight more.
1929-2011
Gorman was a Major League Baseball icon. He managed a team once called the Beaneaters and a team nicknamed the M's.
1951-2011
Finch was a groundbreaking basketball star. As a player, he rivaled Bill Walton in a championship game. As a coach, he was an all-time winner.
1948-2011
Russell was a Texas musician (listen to his songs) who experienced success abroad. He recorded new albums throughout his career, including one last year.
1930-2011
McWherter, a former Tennessee governor, made great strides for minority groups and government transparency.
1925-2011
Blumberg received a Nobel Prize for an important discovery. He worked closely with NASA, right until his death.
1950-2011
O'Brien was an actor best known for his recurring role on a hit TV drama.
1952-2011
McGuire held a renowned position with the National Hockey League and coached several teams.
1933-2011
Edwards was a serial killer who remained at large most of his life and escaped prison. He was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list as early as 1961.
1931-2011
Brill was a fiery sportswriter who wrote for regional newspapers. He made an erroneous prediction in 2004 that incited a conference win.
1896-2011
Breuning was the oldest American supercentenarian ever. Always well dressed, Breuning appeared on television in 2009 to remark on current affairs.
1921-2011
Schaefer was a public servant who served as mayor, governor and comptroller. Schaefer's life was not without controversy, but he remained undefeated for 50 years.
1940-2011
Sarrazin was an actor who starred with Jane Fonda in an acclaimed film. His varied career included science fiction and comedy.
1931-2011
Volkmer was a longtime state representative and a longtime U.S. representative who fought for equal rights. His views on gun control separated him from his political party.
1923-2011
Rusher served as a strong conservative voice through journalism, activism and public speaking. He was a fusionist with strong feelings about former President Ronald Reagan.
1946-2011
Sladen was an actress known for her role in a popular 1970s show. She had a long marriage with a co-star.
1934-2011
Rudolph was a winning golfer on the PGA Tour. One golfer lost against Rudolph on purpose.
1975-2011
Smith was a multi-instrumentalist for TV on the Radio (hear some tracks). The band issued a statement upon his passing.
1923-2011
Pun received one of the highest British military awards and the Burma Star. He bravely persevered alone in a World War II battle.
1921-2011
Pugh was one of the first female TV writers, and she wrote for one of the greatest female-led shows of all time.
