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 (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)Credits:- AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File
Alan Thicke (Born March 1, 1947) The Canadian actor was beloved as patriarch Jason Seaver on the ‘80s sitcom Growing Pains and is the real-life father of musician Robin Thicke. He died Dec. 13. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy
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)Credits:- AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, File
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)Credits:- AP Photo/Bob Daugherty
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)Credits:- AP Photo/Stephan Chernin, File
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)Credits:- mpi04/MediaPunch/IPX
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)Credits:- AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
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)
Alan Rickman (Born Feb. 21, 1946) The English actor and director, widely known for his performances as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series, died Jan. 14. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy (Photo by Grant Pollard/Invision/AP, File)
Phife Dawg (Born November 20, 1970) Founding member of one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time A Tribe Called Quest, Phife Dawg – born Malik Taylor – died on March 22. Related Channels: The Loft, Faction, Backspin, Shade 45, SiriusXM VOLUME (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)
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)
Florence Henderson (Born Feb. 14, 1934) Here’s the story of a lovely lady: The actress and singer was best known as The Brady Bunch matriarch. She died Nov. 24. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy, Stars (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
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 (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 (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)
The actress made America laugh as Ray Romano’s mother Marie on Everybody Loves Raymond and died April 17. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Arnold Palmer (born September 10, 1929): Nicknamed “The King,” Arnold Palmer was a pioneering pro golfer and two-time Masters’ winner. Palmer died at the age of 87 on September 25. Related channel: SiriusXM PGA Tour, ch. 208(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Greg Lake (Born November 10, 1947) The English bassist and guitarist best known as a founding member of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer died on December 7. Related Channels: Classic Vinyl, Deep Tracks, The Bridge, SiriusXM Comes Alive!, SiriusXM VOLUME (Photo by Robb Cohen/Invision/AP)
Sharon Jones (Born May 4, 1956) The acclaimed soul and funk singer who sang lead for Brooklyn-based funk band Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings died on November 18. Related Channels: SiriusXM VOLUME (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
Zsa Zsa Gabor (Born Feb. 6, 1917) A socialite and actress who paved the way for her relative Paris Hilton’s brand of fame, Gabor died Dec. 18. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy, Stars (AP Photo)
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 (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)
Garry Marshall (Born Nov. 13, 1934) The iconic director — best remembered for TV show The Odd Couple and movie Pretty Woman — died July 19. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy
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)
Craig Sager (born June 29, 1951): The beloved NBA sideline reporter, who was known for his flashy suits and solid questions, died on December 15 after a two-year battle with leukemia. Related channel: SiriusXM NBA Radio, ch. 207.(Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Alexis Arquette (Born July 28, 1969) The actress (and sister to David and Patricia Arquette) was a transgender pioneer. She died Sept. 11. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy, Stars (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)
Jose Fernandez (born July 31, 1992): An inspiration to fellow Cubans everywhere, Jose Fernandez was a premiere pitcher in the MLB before tragically dying in a boating accident at the age of 24 on September 25. Related channel: MLB Network Radio, ch. 209 (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Harper Lee (Born Nov. 4, 1925) The author earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. She died Feb. 19. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File)
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 (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)Credits:- AP Photo/Barry Thumma
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 (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 (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 (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)
George Michael (Born June 25, 1963) died peacefully in his home on Dec. 25, 2016. Related Channels: 80s on 8, 90s on 9, The Blend, SiriusXM VOLUME
Garry Shandling (Born November 29, 1949) The comedian, actor, writer and producer best known for his work in It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and The Larry Sanders Show died on March 24. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)
Chyna (Born December 27, 1969) Born Joanie Marie Laurer, Chyna was a true pioneer in professional wrestling who paved the way and set the foundation for the women’s division. She died April 20. Related Channels: SiriusXM Rush, Mad Dog Sports Radio (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Joey Boots (Born May 24, 1967) A frequent contributor to The Howard Stern Show who was best known for the catchphrase “Baba Booey,” Joey Boots – born Joseph Bassolino – died on December 23. Related Channels: Howard 100, Howard 101 (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File)
Carrie Fisher (Born Oct. 21, 1956) The actor was best known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars. She died Dec. 27 at age 60. Related Channels: Entertainment Weekly Radio, Radio Andy (AP Photo/Dave Caulkin)Credits:- AP Photo/Dave Caulkin
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)Credits:- AP Photo/John Rooney, File
Debbie Reynolds died on Dec. 28, 2016, just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher’s death. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)Credits:- AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File
