Ortega “Tega” Henderson
DOB Unknown – May 27, 2009
Ortega Henderson, known as Tega was an up-and-coming rapper/MC who was closely associated with Nelly. He recently worked on an a soon-to-be-released album with St. Louis hip hop group, Da Camp. Ortega Henderson died on May 27, 2009 of injuries he sustained during a shooting the previous May 16th. He was just 25.
Jackson Kaujeua
July 3, 1953 – May 27, 2010
Born in South Africa, Jackson Kaujeua grew up to become a much respected politically active singer, composer and musician. He is perhaps best remembered for his gospel songs. During the mid ’70s, Kaujeua was expelled from his country for his anti-apartheid activities and later moved to the UK where he performed with the popular Black Diamond. He returned home to Namibia after its independence in 1990 and became one of its most popular musicians. Jackson Kaujeua was 56 when he died of a kidney disorder on May 27, 2010.
William Powell
January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977
As one of the founding members of the O’Jays, William Powell helped create a sound that would entertain and inspire countless fans and ultimately land the group in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He left the group due to illness in 1975 and died of cancer on May 26, 1977, but not before helping make several hit records.
Jimmie Rodgers
September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933
Known as “The Singing Brakeman,” Jimmie Rodgers was one of country music’s first superstars, best known for his yodeling. A natural showman at an early age, Rodgers began arranging traveling road shows while still in his early teens. To keep him an eye on him, Rodgers’ father got him a job as a waterboy at the rail yard at which he worked. It was there that Rodgers began learning the guitar from hobos and rail workers. When he was 27, Rodgers came down with tuberculosis. Although it eventually put an end to his career with the railroad, it didn’t stop him from performing and recording. Rodgers recorded several records in the late ’20s, including “Blue Yodel” (or “T For Texas” as it was commonly known) which would make him a household name. By the early ’30s, Rodgers was mostly retired from the road due to the health problems brought on by the tuberculosis. In May of 1933, he traveled to New York for what would be his final recording sessions. It has been said that he needed to lay down and rest between each song. Rodgers died of a lung hemorrhage just two days after his final recording session. He was just 35.
Little Willie John
November 15, 1937 – May 26, 1968
As one of R&B’s unsung heroes, Little Willie John sang with a robust voice and an emotional range that would be cited as an influence by no less than Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Al Green. Discovered at the age of 17 by music impresario Johnny Otis, John signed to King Records where he had a run of hits that included “All Around The World,” “I’m Shakin’,” “Sufferin’ With The Blues,” and “Fever,” which would later be huge hits for both Peggy Lee and Elvis Presley. His songs were also covered by the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, James Brown and the Blasters. His career came to a screeching halt in 1964 when he stabbed a man to death. His notorious bad temper and alcoholism likely played a role in the altercation. John was sent to Washington State Prison where he died of pneumonia in 1968. Recognition for his contributions to popular music finally came three decades later, when John was elected to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
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