In Memoriam: Remembering the famous figures we lost in 2016
Here’s a look back on those who passed on in 2016.
December 22, 2016
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This photo combination shows performances by pop music icons, from left, Prince in 1985, David Bowie in 1995, and George Michael in 2008. The entertainers were among a number of influential entertainers, sports stars and political figures who died in 2016. (AP Photos)
In 2016 we lost some of the most influential and celebrated figures in music, politics, entertainment and sports. But their contributions to this world won’t soon be forgotten, nor will the joy they brought us. In celebration of the indelible marks they left on their respective fields, here’s a look back on those who passed on in 2016. (Photos: AP)
![Prince FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2007 file photo, Prince performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XLI football game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. Widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive and influential musicians of his era with hits including](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/prince-ap.jpg?w=607&h=442&ssl=1)
Prince (Born June 7, 1958) One of the most innovative and influential artists across multiple music genres known for his eclectic work and flamboyant persona, Prince – born Prince Rogers Nelson – died on April 21. Related Channels: Venus, ‘80s on 8, Heart & Soul, The Groove, Studio 54 Radio, Poptropolis, Road Trip Radio, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio, SiriusXM VOLUME (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
![David Bowie FILE - In this June 5, 2007 file photo, singer David Bowie accepts the lifetime achievement award at the 11th Annual Webby Awards in New York. Sotheby's is to sell more than 200 pieces from David Bowie's extensive art collection, including works by Damien Hirst and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The musician, who died in January 2016, was an avid collector, and served on the editorial board of Modern Painters magazine. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, File)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/david-bowie-ap.jpg?w=632&h=469&ssl=1)
David Bowie (Born January 8, 1947) The innovative singer, songwriter and actor – born David Jones — died on January 10, two days after his 69th birthday. Related Channels: Classic Rewind, Classic Vinyl, The Spectrum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio, 1st Wave, The Coffee House, The Loft, Underground Garage, SiriusXM VOLUME (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, File)
![Nancy Reagan Nancy Reagan (Born July 6, 1921) First Lady of the United States — the lady in red — Reagan solidified her legacy by becoming the vigilant protector of the one left behind by her husband, Ronald. She was an actress before marrying into the world of politics, a role in which she shined. Reagan died on Mar. 6th at the age of 94. Related Channels: POTUS, Progress, Patriot, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_8512090187.jpg?w=300&h=209&ssl=1)
Nancy Reagan (Born July 6, 1921) First Lady of the United States — the lady in red — Reagan solidified her legacy by becoming the vigilant protector of the one left behind by her husband, Ronald. She was an actress before marrying into the world of politics, a role in which she shined. Reagan died on Mar. 6th at the age of 94. Related Channels: POTUS, Progress, Patriot, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty)
![George Martin FILE - In this March 29, 2001, file photo, Sir George Martin, the Beatles producer, makes an appearance during](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/george-martin-ap.jpg?w=300&h=256&ssl=1)
George Martin (Born January 3, 1926) Best known as principle producer, arranger and composer for the Beatles, which earned him the moniker “The Fifth Beatle,” Martin died on March 8. Related Channels: ‘60s on 6, Classic Vinyl, The Loft, The Bridge, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio, Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure, SiriusXM VOLUME (AP Photo/Stephan Chernin, File)
![Glenn Frey SUNRISE, FL - JANUARY 26 : Glenn Frey of the Eagles performs at the Bank Atlantic Center on January 26, 2009 in Sunrise Florida. Credit: mpi04/MediaPunch/IPX](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/glenn-frey-ap.jpg?w=594&h=476&ssl=1)
Glenn Frey (Born November 6, 1948) The acclaimed singer-songwriter and founding member of the Eagles died on January 18. Related Channels: ‘70s on 7, The Blend, Radio Margaritaville, Classic Vinyl, The Bridge, The Garth Channel, No Shoes Radio, The Pink Floyd Channel, SiriusXM VOLUME (Credit: mpi04/MediaPunch/IPX)
![Leonard Cohen Leonard Cohen (Born September 21, 1934) The Canadian singer, songwriter, poet, novelist and painter – best known for writing Hallelujah – died on November 7. Related Channels: The Loft, The Bridge, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio, Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure, The Village, SiriusXM VOLUME (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/leonard-cohen-ap.jpg?w=338&h=476&ssl=1)
Leonard Cohen (Born September 21, 1934) The Canadian singer, songwriter, poet, novelist and painter – best known for writing Hallelujah – died on November 7. Related Channels: The Loft, The Bridge, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio, Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure, The Village, SiriusXM VOLUME (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
![Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali (born January 17, 1942): Former heavyweight boxing and civil rights champion, Muhammad Ali, was highly influential with his uniquely dazzling style inside the ring and unwavering resolve to stand up for what he believed in during the tumultuous 1960's. Related channel: SiriusXM RUSH, ch. 93 (AP Photo)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_6402250127.jpg?w=432&h=455&ssl=1)
Muhammad Ali (born January 17, 1942): Former heavyweight boxing and civil rights champion, Muhammad Ali, was highly influential with his uniquely dazzling style inside the ring and unwavering resolve to stand up for what he believed in during the tumultuous 1960’s. Related channel: SiriusXM RUSH, ch. 93 (AP Photo)
![Maurice White Maurice White attending the Opening Night Performance of the New Broadway Dance Musical HOT FEET featuring the Music of Earth, Wind and Fire at the Hilton Theatre on 42nd Street in New York City. April 30, 2006 Credit RTNWM/MediaPunch/IPX](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/maurice-white-ap.jpg?w=310&h=415&ssl=1)
Maurice White (Born December 19, 1941) The founder, lead songwriter and producer of the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire died on February 4. Related Channels: The Groove, Real Jazz, SiriusXM Urban View, HBCU, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Radio, SiriusXM Silk, SiriusXM VOLUME (Credit RTNWM/MediaPunch/IPX)
![Gene Wilder Gene Wilder (Born Feb. 14, 1934) Wilder breathed pure imagination into the role of Willy Wonka and earned acclaim for his collaborations with Mel Brooks, including Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. He died Aug. 19. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy, Stars, Comedy Greats (AP Photo/David Cantor, file)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/genewilder-e1482273631702.jpg?w=571&h=752&ssl=1)
Gene Wilder (Born Feb. 14, 1934) Wilder breathed pure imagination into the role of Willy Wonka and earned acclaim for his collaborations with Mel Brooks, including Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. He died Aug. 19. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy, Stars, Comedy Greats (AP Photo/David Cantor, file)
![Fidel Castro Image: AP](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_600423033.jpg?w=361&h=238&ssl=1)
Fidel Castro (Born Aug. 13, 1926) One of the most recognized and powerful political figures of modern history, Castro’s communist revolution of Cuba brought the West to the brink of the Cold War. His over a half century rule of the tiny Caribbean Island made his length of power only second to Queen Elizabeth II in the duration of his power. Castro died on Nov. 26th at the age of 90. Related Channels: POTUS, Progress, Patriot, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News (AP)
![Keith Emerson FILE - In this Aug. 12, 1999 file photo, musician Keith Emerson plays the new Van Koevering Interactive Piano, designed by electronic engineer Bob Moog, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Emerson, the keyboardist and founding member of the 1970s progressive rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer, died Thursday, March 10, 2016, at home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 71. (AP Photos/Damian Dovarganes, File)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/keith-emerson-ap.jpg?w=361&h=248&ssl=1)
Keith Emerson (Born November 2, 1944) Widely regarded as one of the greatest keyboardists in rock history for his work with the Nice and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Emerson died on March 11. Related Channels: Classic Vinyl, Deep Tracks, The Bridge, SiriusXM Comes Alive!, SiriusXM VOLUME (AP Photos/Damian Dovarganes, File)
![Merle Haggard Merle Haggard performs on stage during the 2015 Stagecoach Festival at the EmpireClub on Friday, April 24, 2015, in Indio, Calif. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/merle-haggard-ap.jpg?w=287&h=430&ssl=1)
Merle Haggard (Born April 6, 1937) The country music legend whose band the Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound died on April 6, his 79th birthday. Related Channels: The Garth Channel, No Shoes Radio, Willie’s Roadhouse, Outlaw Country, Red White & Booze, SiriusXM VOLUME (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP)
![Pat Summitt Pat Summitt (June 14, 1952): Known for her time as the head coach of the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team, Summitt is the winningest coach in the history of men’s and women’s Division I basketball. She passed away on June 28. Related channel: College Sports Nation, ch. 84 (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_640698447042.jpg?w=645&h=430&ssl=1)
Pat Summitt (June 14, 1952): Known for her time as the head coach of the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team, Summitt is the winningest coach in the history of men’s and women’s Division I basketball. She passed away on June 28. Related channel: College Sports Nation, ch. 84 (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
![Anton Yelchin Anton Yelchin (Born March 11, 1989) The Star Trek actor, who also stunned in indie films Green Room and Like Crazy, died June 19. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/antonyelchin.jpg?w=358&h=288&ssl=1)
Anton Yelchin (Born March 11, 1989) The Star Trek actor, who also stunned in indie films Green Room and Like Crazy, died June 19. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File)
![Antonin Scalia Antonin Scalia (Born March 11, 1936) United States Supreme Court Justice served as the leader of the court’s modern conservative intellect. He was often known for his fiery dissents and fierce opposition of the more liberal side of the bench (however, outside of the courtroom, he was known to enjoy the opera with the very liberal Justice Ginsberg). Scalia passed away on Feb. 13th at age 79. Related Channels: POTUS, Progress, Patriot, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_738405500104.jpg?w=547&h=608&ssl=1)
Antonin Scalia (Born March 11, 1936) United States Supreme Court Justice served as the leader of the court’s modern conservative intellect. He was often known for his fiery dissents and fierce opposition of the more liberal side of the bench (however, outside of the courtroom, he was known to enjoy the opera with the very liberal Justice Ginsberg). Scalia passed away on Feb. 13th at age 79. Related Channels: POTUS, Progress, Patriot, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
![Janet Reno Janet Reno (Born July 21, 1938) Serving as United States Attorney General during the Clinton Administration, Reno broke barriers as the first woman to hold the highest role in the Justice Department. Reno passed away on Nov. 7th at the age of 78. Related Channels: POTUS, Progress, Patriot, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News (AP Photo/Barry Thumma)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_930309033.jpg?w=592&h=424&ssl=1)
Janet Reno (Born July 21, 1938) Serving as United States Attorney General during the Clinton Administration, Reno broke barriers as the first woman to hold the highest role in the Justice Department. Reno passed away on Nov. 7th at the age of 78. Related Channels: POTUS, Progress, Patriot, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News (AP Photo/Barry Thumma)
![John Saunders Photo by Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/john-saunders-espn-800.jpg?w=340&h=192&ssl=1)
John Saunders (born February 2, 1955): A longtime ESPN host, Saunders was one of the most recognizable faces of the network, spending nearly 30 years covering everything from college football, the NBA, and NHL. He died on August 10. Related channel: ESPN Radio, ch. 80 Photo by Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images
![Gordie Howe Gordie Howe (born March 31, 1928): Known as](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_16162547139906.jpg?w=340&h=228&ssl=1)
Gordie Howe (born March 31, 1928): Known as “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe amassed four Stanley Cups during the Red Wings’ 1950’s dynasty, as well as countless other accomplishments on the ice. Howe passed away on June 10. Related channel: SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, ch. 91 (AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File)
![Dennis Green Dennis Green (born February 17, 1949): Dennis Green, who served as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals during his 13-year tenure in the NFL, died on July 21 at the age of 67. Related channel: SiriusXM NFL Radio, ch. 88 (AP Photo/Matt York, File)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_061119036160.jpg?w=357&h=243&ssl=1)
Dennis Green (born February 17, 1949): Dennis Green, who served as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals during his 13-year tenure in the NFL, died on July 21 at the age of 67. Related channel: SiriusXM NFL Radio, ch. 88 (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
![Buddy Ryan Buddy Ryan (born February 17, 1934): Known best for perfecting the](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_16180455645491.jpg?w=357&h=327&ssl=1)
Buddy Ryan (born February 17, 1934): Known best for perfecting the “46” defense with the Chicago Bears, Buddy Ryan was a beloved defensive coordinator and former NFL head coach. He passed away at the age of 82 on June 28. Related channel: SiriusXM NFL Radio, ch. 88 (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
![Debbie Reynolds Debbie Reynolds (April 1, 1932): America’s Sweetheart played Kathy in Singin' in the Rain (1952), setting her on a path to 1950s and 60s film stardom. Her entertainment career continued on screen and stage until her death at age 84 on Dec. 28, 2016, one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher died. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File)](https://i0.wp.com/blog-admin.siriusxm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ap_16363837329063.jpg?w=452&h=480&ssl=1)
Debbie Reynolds (April 1, 1932): America’s Sweetheart played Kathy in Singin’ in the Rain (1952), setting her on a path to 1950s and 60s film stardom. Her entertainment career continued on screen and stage until her death at age 84 on Dec. 28, 2016, one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher died. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File)
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