Rick James: 5 Fun Facts

Singer Rick James died 10 years ago Aug. 6, but the song that he's known best for may never fade. "Super Freak," released in 1981, was the biggest hit of James' career.

George Irvine (1948 - 2017), NBA coach and player

Former pro player coached NBA’s Indiana, Detroit teams…

Perry Wallace (1948–2017), broke down racial barriers in college basketball

Perry Wallace, who broke down a racial barrier in the Deep South by becoming the first black varsity basketball player in the Southeastern Conference, has died after a battle with cancer.

Susan Bernard (1948–2019), “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” actress

She became publisher of her father’s famous Marilyn Monroe photos.

José José (1948–2019), Mexico’s “Prince of Song”

José José was a Mexican singer known as “The Prince of Song” and beloved for romantic ballads including “El Triste” and “Amar y Querer.”

Steve Priest (1948–2020), Sweet bassist and vocalist

Steve Priest was a founding member, bassist, and vocalist for the legendary UK glam rock band Sweet.

Brian Shul (1948–2023), celebrated aviator and SR-71 pilot 

Brian Shul was a Vietnam-era attack pilot who barely survived being shot down, only to come back as a celebrated SR-71 pilot before becoming an acclaimed public speaker and photographer. 

Dr. Susan Love (1948–2023), influential breast cancer researcher 

Dr. Susan Love, an American surgeon who challenged paternalism in the medical establishment, changed the way breast cancer is researched and treated.

John Gosling (1948–2023), keyboardist for the Kinks

John Gosling was a keyboardist with the British rock group the Kinks throughout the 1970s, and hec2would later form the spinoff band the Kast Off Kinks.c2

Tom Wilkinson (1948–2023), The Full Monty star

Tom Wilkinson was an English actor whose performances in “Michael Clayton” and “In the Bedroom” earned him two Academy Award nominations and who is arguably best known for his work in “The Full Monty” and “Shakespeare in Love.”

John Ashton (1948–2024), Beverly Hills Cop actor

John Ashton was an actor best known for his work in “Some Kind of Wonderful” and the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies.

Raíºl Grijalva (1948–2025), U.S. representative from Arizona

Raíºl Grijalva was a Democrat who represented Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 until his death.