Those We Lost — August 17

Honoring those we lost on August 17 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Pearl Bailey

Full name: Pearl Mae Bailey

Born Mar 29, 1918 — died Aug 17, 1990

Singer, actor, comedian, author, and Broadway star.

Bailey’s warmth, timing, and improvisational ease carried her from Black nightclubs to Broadway, film, television, and concert stages. Her acclaimed performance in the all-Black production of Hello, Dolly! earned a special Tony Award and helped make her one of America’s most beloved entertainers.

Wild Bill Davis

Birth name: William Strethen Davis

Born Nov 24, 1918 — died Aug 17, 1995

Jazz pianist, organist, arranger, composer, and bandleader.

Davis helped establish the Hammond organ as a serious jazz instrument through his powerful orchestral approach and work with Louis Jordan’s Tympany Five. His sound influenced Jimmy Smith and the organists who made the instrument central to soul jazz, rhythm and blues, and Black popular music.

Paul Williams

Full name: Paul Williams Jr.

Born Jul 2, 1939 — died Aug 17, 1973

Singer, choreographer, and founding member of the Temptations.

Williams helped build the Temptations’ early identity through his baritone voice, commanding stage presence, and choreography. He led memorable recordings including “Don’t Look Back” and brought gospel feeling and dramatic intensity to one of Motown’s most important vocal groups.