African-american blues singer.

Born April 26th, 1886 in Alabama. ^[ref]

Died December 22nd, 1939 at 53 years old in Columbus (myocardial infarction). ^[ref]

Bessie Smith

Born April 15th, 1894 in Chattanooga.

Died September 26th, 1937 at 43 years old

Mahalia Jackson

Born October 26th, 1911 in New Orleans.

Died January 27th, 1972 at 60 years old

Miriam Makeba

Born March 4th, 1932 in Johannesburg.

Died November 9th, 2008 at 76 years old

Ella Fitzgerald

Born April 25th, 1918 in Newport News.

Died August 15th, 1996 at 78 years old

Aretha Franklin

Born March 25th, 1942 in Memphis.

Died August 16th, 2018 at 76 years old