Those We Lost — July 6

Honoring those we lost on July 6 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Louis Armstrong

Full name: Louis Daniel Armstrong

Born August 4, 1901 — died July 6, 1971

Jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader, composer, entertainer, and American music giant.

Armstrong changed the direction of jazz through his trumpet playing, improvisation, voice, swing, and worldwide presence. From New Orleans to Chicago, New York, and global stages, he became one of the most influential musicians in American history.

Van McCoy

Full name: Van Allen Clinton McCoy

Born January 6, 1940 — died July 6, 1979

Songwriter, producer, arranger, singer, and disco-era hitmaker.

McCoy wrote, arranged, and produced hundreds of songs and became best known for “The Hustle,” one of the signature records of the disco era. His career connected R&B, soul, pop, and dance music through polished songwriting and production.

Mary Elizabeth Branch

Born May 29, 1881 — died July 6, 1944

Educator, college president, administrator, and Black women’s higher education leader.

Branch became president of Tillotson College in Austin, Texas, and helped guide the institution through a critical period of growth. Her work reflected the importance of Black women leaders in education, institution-building, and the long fight for opportunity.