Those We Lost
Those We Lost — May 26
May
Honoring those we lost on May 26 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.
Little Willie John
Born November 15, 1937 — Died May 26, 1968
Field: R&B / Soul / Blues / Early Rock and Roll Influence
Little Willie John was a powerful R&B singer known for emotional delivery, vocal control, and influence on soul and rock-and-roll-era rhythm and blues.
Why it matters: His voice helped bridge jump blues, R&B, soul, and early rock and roll. His influence reached artists who came after him even though his own life and career were cut short.
Charles B. Rangel
Born June 11, 1930 — Died May 26, 2025
Field: Politics / Congress / Harlem / Congressional Black Caucus / Korean War Veteran
Charles B. Rangel was a longtime Harlem congressman, Korean War veteran, founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and the first African American chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Why it matters: Rangel gives May 26 a major Black political leadership entry. His career connects Harlem politics, federal power, anti-apartheid policy, tax legislation, veteran service, and the rise of Black congressional influence after the Civil Rights era.
