2008 Deaths

    Odetta Holmes
    "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
    December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.

    Ray Tamarra , Getty

    Bernie Mac
    Comedian, Actor
    Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.

    AP

    Isaac Hayes
    Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
    August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008

    Reuters

    Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
    South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
    March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.

    Reuters

    Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.

    AP

    Shakir Stewart
    The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.

    Getty

    George Carlin
    Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
    May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008

    Getty Images

    Madelyn Dunham
    Barack Obama's grandmother
    October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.

    Getty Images

    Levi Stubbs
    Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.

    Corbis

    Dee Dee Warwick
    Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.

    Corbis

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*This list is automatically generated from live member discussions. It is not editorially selected.

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