Died On This Date (July 28, 2008) Suzanne Tamim / Lebanese Pop Star

Suzanne Tamim
September 23, 1977 – July 28, 2008

Suzanne Tamim was one of Lebanon’s most celebrated pop stars when she was found murdered in her Dubai apartment on July 28, 2008.  The beauty queen got her professional start thanks to an appearance on a Lebanese talent program in 1996.  She went on to record a few popular albums.  Her lifeless body was found in her apartment, he throat having been slit.  Two alleged hired hit men were subsequently arrested, tried and sentenced to death by hanging, but their sentences were overturned pending retrial in March of 2010.



Died On This Date (July 28, 2008) Papa Wendo / Father of Congolese Rumba

Papa Wendo (Born Antoine Kolosoy)
April 25, 1925 – July 28, 2008

“Papa” Wendo Kolosoy was a Congolese musician who successfully blended cha-cha, rumba, and tango, endearing him to world music fans around the globe.  He was affectionately called the “Father of Congolese Music.”  Kolosoy began singing when he was in his early teens working as a sailor along the Congo River – he used his talents to entertain the other passengers.  By the mid ’50s he was one of the most popular Congolese musicians throughout Africa and beyond.  In 1965, Kolosoy began a long hiatus claiming his dislike at politicians using music and musicians to advance their agendas.    Kolosoy returned to music in 1997 after a change in political power in the Congo.  Papa Wendo passed away on July 28, 2008 at the age of 83.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at  Number 1 Albums for the assist.

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Marie Louise - Wendo Kolosoy

Died On This Date (July 16, 2003) Celia Cruz / The Queen Of Salsa

Celia Cruz (Born Ursula Alfonzo)
October 21, 1925 – July 16, 2003

Celia Cruz was an internationally famous Cuban salsa singer who has been rightfully called the Queen of Salsa.  Over the course of a career that spanned 50 years, Cruz earned 23 gold albums, making her one of the most successful Cuban and salsa singers.  Born in Havana, Cruz was exposed to its beautiful music at a very young age, and by the time she was in her early 20s, she was making recordings for local radio stations, and by the time she was 25, she was fronting a popular Cuban orchestra.  In 1959, she and her husband moved to New York City and became U.S. citizens soon after.  Cruz recorded several albums with Tito Puente during the ’60s, but it wasn’t until her 1974 release, Celia y Johnny with Johnny Pacheco, did she hit her stride.  Big concert halls and television appearances soon followed, and Cruz became an international star.  She went on to win three Grammys and another four Latin Grammys.  On July 16, 2003, Celia Cruz died of a brain tumor at the age of 77.  While her body laid in state in downtown Miami, more than 200,000 people came by to pay their respects.

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Celia Cruz


Died On This Date (July 16, 2010) Carlos Torres Vila / Argentinine Folk Singer

Carlos Torres Vila
November 9, 1946 – July 16, 2010

Carlos Torres Vila was a popular Argentinine folk singer whose career exploded during the ’70s thanks to his good looks and romantic folk songs.  He released around two dozen albums over the course of his career.  Carlos Torres Vila was 63 when he passed away following a long illness.

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Los Esenciales: Carlos Torres Vila - Carlos Torres Vila


Died On This Date (July 13, 2010) Manohari Singh / Respected Indian Saxophonist

Manohari Singh
March 8, 1931 – July 13, 2010

Manohari Singh was an award winning Indian saxophonist who was prominently featured on many Bollywood films over the past 50 years.  Since 1958’s Sitaron se aage, Singh contributed his talents to such films as Chalte Chalte and Veer Zaara.  Manohari Singh suffered a fatal heart attack on July 13, 2010.  He was 79.