Famous people and celebrities who died in January 1979

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 1979. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

• Jan. 3 Conrad Hilton

  Legendary American businessman who founded the Hilton Hotels chain and was a pivotal figure in the hospitality industry.

• Jan. 5 Charles Mingus

  Legendary jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader who revolutionized jazz music through innovative techniques and complex compositions. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist who elevated the bass to a solo melodic instrument. Often compared to Duke Ellington, Mingus was known for his passionate and groundbreaking musical approach.

• Jan. 5 Billy Bletcher

  American actor, singer, and screenwriter (b. 1894)

• Jan. 7 Zbigniew Turski

  Composer dies at age 70

• Jan. 9 Sara Carter

  Vocalist/guitarist (carter family), passes away at 80.

• Jan. 9 Pier Luigi Nervi

  Italian engineer and architect, designed the tour de la bourse and pirelli tower (b. 1891)

• Jan. 9 Avery Claflin

  American composer and banker (d. 1979).

• Jan. 13 Marjorie Lawrence

  Renowned Australian operatic soprano who was celebrated for her powerful dramatic performances in major opera houses worldwide during the mid-20th century. She was particularly famous for her interpretations of Wagner's heroines and her remarkable stage presence.

• Jan. 13 Donny Hathaway

  American producer and singer (earth wind & fire), born 1979

• Jan. 14 Thomas DeSimone

  Lucchese crime family gangster associate (born 1950).

• Jan. 16 August Heissmeyer

  German ss officer (born 1897).

• Jan. 16 Ted Cassidy of Pittsburgh

  Pennsylvania actor (lurch - addams family), died at 46 years old.

• Jan. 16 Fred Elizalde

  Composer dies at 71

• Jan. 18 Cyril Mockridge

  Composer dies at 82

• Jan. 19 Paul Meurisse

  Renowned French actor and former partner of Edith Piaf, Paul Meurisse was a significant figure in mid-20th century French cinema. His film career spanned several decades, starting in 1941 and establishing him as a prominent performer.

• Jan. 19 Moritz Jahn

  German novelist and poet (b. 1884)

• Jan. 22 Ali Hassan Salameh

  Palestinian rebel leader (b. 1940)

• Jan. 22 Ali Hassan Salameh [Abu Hassan]

  Car bomb killed; believed to be responsible for the massacre of 1972 munich olympics athletes.

• Jan. 24 Jerry Damon

  Comedy comedian, that was the week that was, dies at 51.

• Jan. 24 Mabel Taliaferro

  Actress (my love come back), dies at 91

• Jan. 25 J Robertson Hare

  Actor (fighting stock), passes away at 87

• Jan. 26 Nelson Rockefeller

  American businessman and politician who served as the 41st Vice President of the United States from 1974 to 1977.

• Jan. 27 Qalander Ba Ba Auliya

  Sufi master (born 1898)

• Jan. 29 Sonny Payne

  American jazz drummer (b. 1926)