Hall of Fame Celebrity Birthdays a2z -- D.J.

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D.J.

Last Updated 09-11-2025

D.J. Jam Master Jay -- b.1/21/1965 d.10/30/2002 (37)
Rap Music Performer
Names/Places: RN:Jason Mizell
Group Names: Run-DMC

D.J. Terminator X -- b.8/25/1966
Rap Music Performer
Names/Places: RN:Norman Lee Rogers
Group Names: Public Enemy

Carl Sidney "Cully" Dahlstrom -- b.7/3/1912 N.S. d.12/19/1998 N.S. (86)
NHL Player
Misc: played 1937-1945
Sports Teams: Chicago Blackhawks

Peter Daland -- b.4/12/1921 N.S. d.10/20/2014 N.S. (93)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American
Misc: Swimming Coach

Carroll W. Dale -- b.4/24/1938
NFL Wide Receiver, College Football Player
Misc: in the College Football Hall of Fame
Sports Teams: Virginia Tech (1956-1959), Los Angeles Rams (1960-1964), Green Bay Packers (1965-1972), Minnesota Vikings (1973)

Dick Dale -- b.5/4/1937 N.S. d.3/16/2019 N.S. (81)
Rock and Roll Guitarist
Names/Places: NN: The King of the Surf Guitar
Misc: Surf guitarist

Arthur Daley -- b.7/31/1904 N.S. d.1/3/1974 N.S. (69)
Sports Writer

Kenny MBE Dalglish -- b.3/4/1951
Soccer Striker, Soccer Manager, Scottish
Names/Places: aka Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish

Vernon Dalhart -- b.4/6/1883 d.9/14/1948 (65)
Vaudevillan, Tenor, Opera Singer, Country Music Singer
Misc: or died Sep 15 or Sep 18?

Dražen Dalipagić -- b.11/27/1951 N.S. d.1/25/2025 N.S. (73)
Basketball Figure, Yugoslav
Misc: Serbian; FIBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1991.

Wally Dallenbach Sr. -- b.12/12/1936 N.S. d.4/29/2024 N.S. (87)
Auto Racer
Misc: former long time Indy car driver

Richard Dalley -- b.8/2/1957 N.S.
Ice Dancer

Johnny Dalton -- b.5/21/1943
Rock and Roll Bassist
Group Names: The Kinks

Sir Roger Daltrey -- b.3/1/1944 N.S.
Actor, Rock and Roll Singer/Guitarist, English
Names/Places: b. in London
Misc: NOT b. in 1945 as many sources state
Group Names: The Who (lead), soloist
Song Titles: I Can't Explain, Anyway Anyhow Anywhere, My Generation, Substitute, The Kids Are Alright, I'm a Boy, Happy Jack, Pictures of Lily, I Can See For Miles, Magic Bus, Pinball Wizard, Won't Get Fooled Again, Join Together, Squeeze Box, Who Are You, You Better You Bet, Athena (previous titles as a The Who member), Giving It All Away, Free Me, Walking in My Sleep, After the Fire, Let Me Down Easy, Under a Raging Moon, Days of Light
Album Titles: My Generation, A Quick One, The Who Sell Out, Tommy, Who's Next, Quadrophenia, The Who by Numbers, Who Are You, Face Dances, It's Hard (previous titles as a The Who member), Daltrey, Ride a Rock Horse, One of the Boys, McVicar, Under a Raging Moon
Movie Titles: Tommy

Guiseppe D'Altrui -- b.4/7/1934 N.S. d.2/26/2024 N.S. (89)
Olympic Athlete, Water Polo Player, Italian

Marco D'Altrui -- b.4/25/1964 N.S.
Olympic Athlete, Water Polo Player, Italian

Chuck Daly -- b.7/20/1930 d.5/9/2009 (78)
NBA Coach, NBA Player, College Basketball Coach
Misc: coached Detroit to two NBA titles (1989-90) before leaving in 1992 to coach New Jersey; retired after 1993-94 season with 638 career wins (including playoffs) in 12 years; coached NBA "Dream Team" to gold medal in 1992 Olympics.
Sports Teams: Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (coach 1950-1952), Punxsutawney Area High School (coach 1955-1963), Duke (coach 1963-1969), Boston College (coach 1969-1971), Penn (coach 1971-1977), Philadelphia 76ers (coach 1978-1981), Cleveland Cavaliers (coach 1981-1982), Detroit Pistons (coach 1983-1992), New Jersey Nets (coach 1992-1994), Orlando Magic (coach 1997-1999)

Robert A. "Bob" Daly -- b.12/8/1936
TV Executive, Music Executive, Sports Executive
Misc: led organizations such as CBS Entertainment, Warner Brothers, Warner Music Group, and the Los Angeles Dodgers

Johnny Damon -- b.11/5/1973 N.S.
MLB Player

Louie Dampier -- b.11/20/1944 N.S.
Basketball Guard
Misc: 7x ABA All-Star; one of a few people to play all nine seasons in the ABA (1967-1976)
Sports Teams: Kentucky Colonels (1967-1976), San Antonio Spurs (1976-1979)

Bob Dandridge -- b.11/15/1947 N.S.
NBA Player

Ray Dandridge -- b.8/31/1913 d.2/12/1994 (80)
Baseball Manager, Baseball Player
Names/Places: NN:Hooks and Squat
Misc: Negro Leagues player; played 1933-1955
Sports Teams: Newark Dodgers (1933-1935), Newark Eagles (1936-1939, 1942, 1944), Azules de Veracruz Mexico (1940-1943, 1945-1948), Minneapolis Millers (1949-1952)

Dino Danelli -- b.7/23/1944 N.S. d.12/16/2022 N.S. (78)
Rock and Roll Drummer
Misc: some say b. 1945
Group Names: The Rascals, The Young Rascals

Beth Daniel -- b.10/14/1956
Golfer

Eleanor Suzanne "Ellie" Daniel -- b.6/11/1950 N.S.
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American
Names/Places: aka Ellie Drye

Charles Daniels -- b.3/24/1885 N.S. d.8/9/1973 N.S. (88)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American

Charlie Daniels -- b.10/28/1936 N.S. d.7/6/2020 N.S. (83)
Songwriter, Fiddler, Country Music Singer/Guitarist
Group Names: Charlie Daniels Band
Song Titles: Robot Romp, Uneasy Rider, The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Mississippi, In America, The Legend of Wooley Swamp, Still in Saigon, Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye, Uneasy Rider '88, Simple Man, This Ain't No Rag It's a Flag

Melvin Joe "Mel" Daniels -- b.7/20/1944 N.S. d.10/30/2015 N.S. (71)
Basketball Player
Misc: ABA Rookie of the Year (1968); 2x ABA Most Valuable Player (1969, 1971); 3x ABA champion (Indiana Pacers, 1970, 1972, 1973); 7x ABA All-Star.

Paul Danilo -- b.7/5/1919 d.9/2/2013 (94)
Soccer Player

Rick Danko -- b.12/29/1943 d.12/10/1999 (55)
Songwriter, Bassist, Rock and Roll Singer, Canadian
Misc: some say b. 1942 or Dec 9
Group Names: The Band

Bettye Danoff -- b.5/21/1923 N.S. d.12/22/2011 N.S. (88)
Golfer
Misc: An LPGA Co-Founder

Adrian Dantley -- b.2/28/1955
NBA Forward, Olympic Athlete
Misc: Olympic Gold 1976; 1981 and 1984 top scorer; over 20,000 career points; 6x NBA All-Star (1980-1982, 1984-1986); 2x All-NBA Second Team (1981,1984); NBA Rookie of the Year (1977); NBA All-Rookie First Team (1977); Jazz #4 retired; some say Feb 26 or 1956
Sports Teams: Notre Dame (1973-1976), Buffalo Braves (1976-1977), Indiana Pacers (1977), Los Angeles Lakers (1977-1979), Utah Jazz (1979-1986), Detroit Pistons (1986-1989), Dallas Mavericks (1989-1990), Milwaukee Bucks (1990-1991)

Allison Danzig -- b.2/27/1898 d.1/27/1987 (88)
Tennis Player

Sarah Palfrey Danzig -- b.9/18/1912 d.2/27/1996 (83)
Tennis Player

Les Darcy -- b.10/31/1895 d.5/24/1917 (21)
Boxer, Australian
Names/Places: RFMN:James Leslie

Bobby Darin -- b.5/14/1936 d.12/20/1973 (37)
Movie Actor, Music Executive, Songwriter, Music Publisher, Drummer, Guitarist, Pianist, Pop Singer
Names/Places: b. in New York, NY; RN:Walden Robert Cassotto; Sandra Dee's ex-
Song Titles: Mack the Knife
TV Shows: The Bobby Darin Show

Billy Darnell -- b.2/25/1926 d.9/7/2007 (81)
Wrestler
Misc: major star of the 1940s and 50s

Flip Darr -- b.9/14/1937 N.S. d.7/6/2009 N.S. (71)
Swimmer, American
Names/Places: RN: Ralph Phillip Darr Jr.
Misc: Swimming Coach

Jack Darragh -- b.12/4/1890 d.6/25/1924 (33)
NHL Right Wing, Canadian
Misc: played 1910-1924
Sports Teams: Ottawa Senators

Bernard Darwin -- b.9/7/1876 d.10/18/1961 (85)
Writer, Golfer, Golf Writer, English
Names/Places: grandson of naturalist Charles

Natalie Darwitz -- b.10/13/1983 N.S.
Hockey Player, Olympic Athlete, American

Pavel Datsyuk -- b.7/20/1978 N.S.
NHL Center, Russian

Ray Daughters -- b.8/26/1895 N.S. d.9/16/1967 N.S. (72)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American
Misc: Swimming Coach

Billy Davenport -- b.4/23/1931 d.12/24/1999 (68)
Rock and Roll Drummer
Group Names: The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Rush

Lindsay Davenport -- b.6/8/1976 N.S.
Tennis Player

Allan McLean "Scotty" Davidson -- b.3/6/1892 N.S. d.6/16/1915 N.S. (23)
Soldier, NHL Right Wing, Canadian
Misc: was killed in action in World War I while fighting in Belgium
Sports Teams: Toronto Blueshirts (likely from 1912-1914)

Lenny Davidson -- b.5/30/1944
Bassist, Rock and Roll Singer/Guitarist, English
Group Names: Dave Clark Five

Owen Keir Davidson -- b.10/4/1943 N.S. d.5/12/2023 N.S. (79)
Tennis Player, Australian
Misc: one of three men to win four men's mixed doubles titles at Wimbeldon.

Sven Davidson -- b.7/23/1928 d.5/28/2008 (79)
Tennis Player, Swedish

William Morse "Bill" Davidson -- b.12/5/1922 N.S. d.3/13/2009 N.S. (86)
NBA Owner, NHL Owner
Sports Teams: Detroit Pistons (principal owner), Detroit Shock (principal owner, WNBA), Tampa Bay Lighting (owner)

Dave Davies -- b.2/3/1947
Songwriter, Rock and Roll Singer/Guitarist, English
Names/Places: b. in London; RN:David Russel Davies; Ray's brother
Group Names: The Kinks (co-founder and lead guitarist)

John Griffith Davies -- b.5/17/1929 N.S. d.3/24/2020 N.S. (90)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Australian

Laura Davies -- b.10/5/1963 N.S.
Golfer, English

Michael "Mike" Davies -- b.1/9/1936 d.11/2/2015 N.S. (79)
Tennis Player, Welsh (Wales)

Sir Ray Davies -- b.6/21/1944
Music Producer, Songwriter, Rock and Roll Singer/Guitarist, English
Names/Places: b. in London; RN:Raymond Douglas Davies, Dave's brother
Group Names: The Kinks

Robert Edris "Bob" Davies -- b.1/15/1920 N.S. d.4/22/1990 N.S. (70)
NBA Coach, NBA Player
Names/Places: NN:The Harrisburg Houdini
Misc: star ballhandling guard of the late 1940s and early 1950's. NBA All-Star for the Rochester Royals multiple times; Sacramento Kings #11 retired
Sports Teams: Brooklyn Indians (ABL 1943-1944), Brooklyn Gothams (ABL 1944-1945), Rochester Royals (1945-1955)

Al Davis -- b.7/4/1929 d.10/8/2011 (82)
NFL Owner, NFL Executive, NFL General Manager
Misc: the only one in pro football history to be a scout, assistant coach, head coach, GM, league commissioner, and owner; GM-coach of Oakland 1963-66; helped force AFL-NFL merger as AFL commisioner (April-July,1966); returned to Oakland as managing general partner and directed club to 3 Super Bowl wins (1977,81,84); moved Raiders to Los Angeles in 1982 and back to Oakland in 1995.
Sports Teams: The Citadel (1955-1956), Southern California (1957-1959), San Diego Chargers (1960-1962), Oakland Raiders (coach 1963-1965, part owner and General Manager 1966-1971, principal owner 1972-2011)

Charlotte (Swimmer) Davis -- b.??/??/???? N.S.
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American
Misc: Swimming Coach

Clive Davis -- b.4/4/1932
Businessperson
Misc: Arista Records co-owner

Dave Davis -- b.4/28/1942 N.S. d.12/29/2022 N.S. (80)
Bowler
Misc: the first left-hander to win a major match championship when he won the PBA National crown in 1965.

Donald "Don" Davis -- b.10/25/1938 N.S. d.6/5/2014 N.S. (75)
Banker, Music Producer, Songwriter, Guitarist

Dwight Filley Davis -- b.7/5/1879 N.S. d.11/28/1945 N.S. (66)
Presidential Aide, Tennis Player
Misc: Secretary of War under President Coolidge; donated tennis's Davis Cup

Ernie Davis -- b.12/14/1939 d.5/18/1963 (23)
NFL Player, College Football Player
Misc: the first black to win Heisman Trophy (1961); in the College Football Hall of Fame
Sports Teams: Syracuse University, Cleveland Browns (1962)

Reverend Gary Davis -- b.4/30/1896 d.5/5/1972 (76)
Songwriter, Singer, Banjoist, Harmonicaist, Pianist, Blues Guitarist

George Stacey Davis -- b.8/23/1870 d.10/17/1940 (70)
MLB Manager, MLB Shortstop
Sports Teams: Cleveland Spiders (1890-1892), New York Giants (1893-1901), Chicago White Sox (1902), New York Giants (1903), Chicago White Sox (1904-1909), New York Giants (as manager, 1895, 1900-1901)

Glenn Davis -- b.12/26/1924 d.3/9/2005 (80)
NFL Player, College Football Player
Names/Places: NN:Mr. Outside
Misc: three-time All-America; led Army to national titles in 1944-45; Doc Blanchard's running mate; won Heisman Trophy in 1946.
Sports Teams: U.S. Army, Los Angeles Rams (1950-1951)

Jimmie Davis -- b.9/11/1899 d.11/5/2000 (101)
Governor, Songwriter, Gospel Singer, Country Music Singer
Misc: Governor or Louisiana 1944-48 and 60-64; may have been born as late as 1902

Kerry Davis -- b.8/2/1962 N.S.
Soccer Player, English

Meryl Davis -- b.1/1/1987
Ice Dancer, Olympic Athlete, Skater

Miles Davis -- b.5/26/1926 d.9/28/1991 (65)
Arranger, Composer, Trumpeter, Bandleader, Jazz Singer
Names/Places: b. in Alton, IL; NN:Prince of Darkness; RN:Miles Dewey Davis III; Cicely Tyson's ex-
Misc: important influential & ambitious cool jazz pioneer; not born May 25

Raymond Davis -- b.3/29/1940 N.S. d.7/5/2005 N.S. (65)
Rhythm and Blues Musician
Names/Places: aka: Ray Davis
Group Names: The Parliaments, Parliament, Funkadelic, Temptations

Rick Davis -- b.11/24/1958
Soccer Midfielder

Sammy Davis Jr. -- b.12/8/1925 N.S. d.5/16/1990 N.S. (64)
Judaism Convert, TV/Movie/Stage Actor, Vaudevillan, Impressionist, Dancer, Singer
Names/Places: b. in New York City
Misc: lounge, records, films, theater, & television
Song Titles: Baretta (theme), The Candyman
TV Shows: Sammy Davis Jr. Show

Terrell Davis -- b.10/28/1972
NFL Runningback, College Football Player
Misc: 2x Super Bowl champ, Super Bowl XXXII MVP, 3x Pro Bowl
Sports Teams: Denver Broncos (1995-2011)

Victor Davis -- b.2/10/1964 N.S. d.11/13/1989 N.S. (25)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Canadian

Viola Davis -- b.8/11/1965 N.S.
Actress, Producer
Misc: Stage Plays: Everybody's Ruby, King Hedley II, Fences
TV Shows: City of Angels, How To Get Away From Murder (as Annalise Keating)
Movie Titles: Suicide Squad, Antwone Fisher, Prisoners, Doubt, The Help

Walter Davis -- b.3/1/1912 d.10/22/1963 (51)
Pianist, Blues Singer
Group Names: Yazoo

Walter Davis -- b.9/9/1954 N.S. d.11/2/2023 N.S. (69)
NBA Forward, Olympic Athlete
Misc: Olympic Gold 1976

Willie Davis -- b.7/24/1934 N.S. d.4/15/2020 N.S. (85)
NFL Defensive End
Misc: 5x Pro Bowl, 5x First Team All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl champ, 3x NFL champ; in the Green Bay Packers and Pro Football Halls of Fame
Sports Teams: Cleveland Browns (1958-1959), Green Bay Packers (1960-1969)

Anastasia Davydova -- b.2/2/1983 N.S.
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Russian

Charlie Daw -- b.4/12/1894 d.1/18/1947 (52)
Bowler

Brian Dawkins -- b.10/13/1973
NFL Safety
Misc: 9x Pro Bowl, 5x First-Team All-Pro; Eagles #20 retired
Sports Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1996-2008), Denver Broncos (2009-2011), Philadelphia Eagles (administrator)

Pete Dawkins -- b.3/8/1938
General, Politician, College Football Player
Misc: Heisman Trophy (1958)
Sports Teams: U.S. Army (1956-1958)

Andre Dawson -- b.7/10/1954
MLB Outfielder
Names/Places: NN: The Hawk and Awesome Dawson
Misc: NL MVP 1987, 8x All-Star, 8x Gold Glove, 4x Silver Slugger; over 436 HRs, 314 SBs and 2800 hits; Expos #10 retired
Sports Teams: Montreal Expos (1976-1986), Chicago Cubs (1987-1992), Boston Red Sox (1993-1994), Florida Marlins (1995-1996)

Dermontti Dawson -- b.6/17/1965 N.S.
NFL Center
Misc: 7x Pro Bowl, 6x All Pro; Steelers #63 no longer issued; in the Kentucky Pro Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame
Sports Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1988-2000)

Leonard Ray "Len" Dawson -- b.6/20/1935 N.S. d.8/24/2022 N.S. (87)
Football Announcer, NFL Quarterback
Names/Places: b. in Alliance, OH
Misc: he once fumbled the ball 7 times in a game in 1964; 6x AFL All-Star; Super Bowl IV MVP; Chiefs #16 retired
Sports Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1957-1959), Cleveland Browns (1960-1961), Dallas Texans / Kansas City Chiefs (1962-1975)

Clarence Henry "Hap" Day -- b.6/1/1901 N.S. d.2/17/1990 N.S. (88)
NHL Coach, NHL Defensive
Misc: played 1924-1938
Sports Teams: Toronto St. Pats/Maple Leafs, New York Americans

Leon Day -- b.10/30/1916 d.3/13/1995 (78)
Baseball Figure
Misc: a star pitcher in the Negro Leagues who was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame just six days before his death

Ned Day -- b.11/11/1911 d.11/26/1971 (60)
Bowler
Misc: 3x ABC champion

Pat Alan Day -- b.10/13/1953
Horse Jockey

Ron Dayne -- b.3/14/1978 N.S.
NFL Runningback, College Football Player
Misc: Heisman Trophy (1999); Wisconsin Badgers #33 retired
Sports Teams: University of Wisconsin, New York Giants (2000-2004), Denver Broncos (2005), Houston Texans (2006-2007)

John Deacon -- b.8/19/1951 N.S.
Songwriter, Keyboardist, Rock and Roll Bassist, English
Group Names: Queen

Dixie Dean -- b.1/22/1907 d.3/1/1980 (73)
Soccer Player, English

"Dizzy" Dean -- b.1/16/1911 d.7/17/1974 (63)
Baseball Announcer, MLB Pitcher
Names/Places: b. in Lukas, AR; RFN:Jerome Jan Hannah
Misc: 4x All-Star, 4x MLB strikeout leader, 2x MLB wins leader, NL MVP 1934; St. Louis Cardinal "Gashouse Gang" colorful pitcher; Dean won 163 games and lost 101. His lifetime ERA was 3.03. He once struck out 17 batters in a single game, then a record, but since bettered (Roger Clemens fanned 20); mentioned in "Who's On First?"; Cardinals #17 retired and in Cardinals Hall of Fame
Sports Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1930, 1932-1937), Chicago Cubs (1938-1941), St. Louis Browns (1947)

Everett Dean -- b.3/18/1898 N.S. d.10/26/1993 N.S. (95)
College Baseball Coach, College Basketball Player, College Basketball Coach
Misc: in the College Basketball and Basketball Halls of Fame
Sports Teams: Indiana University (basketball player 1918-1921, basketball coach 1924-1938, baseball coach 1925-1938), Carleton College (basketball coach 1921-1924), Stanford University (basketball coach 1938-1951, baseball coach 1950-1955)

Fred Dean -- b.2/24/1952 N.S. d.10/14/2020 N.S. (68)
NFL Player
Misc: 4x Pro Bowl, 2x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl champ; in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame
Sports Teams: Lousiana Tech, San Diego Chargers (1975-1981), San Francisco 49ers (1981-1985)

Jimmy Dean -- b.8/10/1928 N.S. d.6/13/2010 N.S. (81)
Businessperson, Actor, Composer, Pianist, Country Music Singer/Guitarist
Names/Places: b. in Plainview, TX; RN:Seth Ward
Misc: Sausage King
Song Titles: Big Bad John
TV Shows: Daniel Boone (as Josh Clements), Jimmy Dean Show (as host)

Penny Lee Dean -- b.3/21/1955 N.S.
Swimmer, American
Misc: a long distance swimmer

Mike Deasy -- b.2/4/1941 N.S.
Guitarist

Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. -- b.11/6/1946
NFL Owner, NFL Player
Sports Teams: San Francisco 49ers (owned)

Simone de Beauvoir -- b.1/9/1908 d.4/14/1986 (78)
Novelist, Essayist, Philosopher, Feminist, French

Forrest DeBernardi -- b.2/3/1899 d.4/29/1970 (71)
College Basketball Player
Misc: AAU championships (Kansas City Athletic Club, 1921, Hillyard Shine Alls, 1926-27, Cook Paint Company, 1928-29); 7-time AAU All-America

Fisher DeBerry -- b.6/8/1938
College Baseball Coach, College Football Coach, College Football Player
Misc: in the College Football Hall of Fame
Sports Teams: Wofford College (football player 1956-1960, football coach 1969-1970, baseball coach 1970), Appalachaiun State (football coach 1971-1979), Air Force (football coach 1980-2006)

Inge de Bruijn -- b.8/24/1973 N.S.
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Dutch Republican

Frédérik Edouard Robert "Fred" Deburghgraeve -- b.6/1/1973 N.S.
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Belgiumese

David A. "Dave" DeBusschere -- b.10/16/1940 N.S. d.5/14/2003 N.S. (62)
Executive, NBA Coach, NBA Forward
Names/Places: NN:Defensive Dave
Misc: three-time All-American for U. Of Detroit, then a NBA star for the Detroit Pistons and New York Kncikerbockers. The youngest player / coach in NBA history for Detroit, age 24. Later, also commissioner of the ABA. Was a player-coach of Detroit Pistons (1964-67); played in 8 All-Star games; won 2 NBA titles as player with NY Knicks; ABA commissioner (1975-76); also pitched 2 seasons for Chicago White Sox (1962-63) with 3-4 record; Knicks #22 retired; May 14 is the date of announcement of death
Sports Teams: Unversity of Detroit (1959-1962), Detroit Pistons (player 1962-1968, coach 1964-1967), New York Knicks (1969-1974)

Rick Dees -- b.3/14/1950
Comedian, TV Talk Show Host, Songwriter, Radio Disc Jock, Novelty Singer
Names/Places: b. in Jacksonville, FL; RN:Rigdon Osmond Dees III
Misc: Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 (radio); some say b. 1951
Group Names: Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots, soloist
Song Titles: Disco Duck
TV Shows: Solid Gold, Into the Night With Rick Dees

Frank Deford -- b.12/16/1938 d.5/28/2017 N.S. (78)
Novelist, Journalist, Actor, Sports Writer
Misc: 50-year tenure at Sports Illustrated

Richard Degener -- b.3/14/1912 N.S. d.8/24/1995 N.S. (83)
Diver, Olympic Athlete, American

Leaveil Degree -- b.7/31/1948 N.S.
Rhythm and Blues Singer
Misc: in the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame
Group Names: The Whispers

Ron DeGregorio -- b.??/??/???? N.S.
Hockey Executive
Misc: president of USA Hockey

Henry G. "Dutch" Dehnert -- b.4/5/1898 N.S. d.4/20/1979 N.S. (81)
NBA Player, Basketball Coach
Misc: 4x ABL champion; originated the pivot play. Famed member of the Original Celtics of New York in the 1920s, also a successful pro coach.
Sports Teams: Original Celtics (1926-1928), Cleveland Rosenblums (1928-1930), Detroit Eagles (coach 1939-1941), Sheboygan Red Skins (coach 1944-1946), Cleveland Rebels (coach 1946-1947)

Ed Delahanty -- b.10/30/1867 d.7/2/1903 (35)
MLB Left Fielder, MLB Pitcher
Names/Places: NN:Big Ed
Misc: hit four home runs in one game in 1896
Sports Teams: Philadelphia Quakers (1888-1889), Cleveland Infants (1890), Philadelphia Phillies (1891-1901), Washington Senators (1902-1903)

Eddie Delahoussaye -- b.9/21/1951
Horse Jockey

Óscar de la Hoya -- b.2/4/1973 N.S.
TV Host, Boxer, Olympic Athlete
Misc: US boxer (Olympic-gold-92)
TV Shows: The Next Great Champ (host)

Joe DeLamielleure -- b.3/16/1951 N.S.
NFL Coach, NFL Player
Misc: 6x Pro Bowl, 6x First-team All-Pro, 2x Second-team All-Pro
Sports Teams: Buffalo Bills (1973-1979), Cleveland Browns (1980-1984), Buffalo Bills (1985), Charlotte Rage (1992)

Jack Delaney -- b.3/18/1900 d.11/27/1948 (48)
Boxer, Canadian

James "Jimmy" Delaney -- b.9/3/1914 N.S. d.9/26/1989 N.S. (75)
Soccer Player, Scottish

Zack de la Rocha -- b.1/12/1970 N.S.
Poet, Heavy Metal Singer, Rap-Rock Performer
Group Names: Rage Against the Machine

Giada De Laurentis -- b.8/22/1970
Writer, Chef, TV Hostess, Italian
Misc: in the Culinary Hall of Fame
TV Shows: Giada at Home

Donald Dell -- b.6/17/1938
Attorney, Tennis Player

Alton Delmore -- b.12/25/1908 N.S. d.6/9/1964 N.S. (55)
Country Music Singer/Guitarist
Group Names: Delmore Brothers

Rabon Delmore -- b.12/3/1916 N.S. d.12/4/1952 N.S. (36)
Country Music Singer/Guitarist
Group Names: Delmore Brothers

Graham DeLoach -- b.6/23/1988 N.S.
Country Music Bassist
Group Names: A Thousand Horses

Alfred V. "Al" De Lory -- b.1/31/1930 N.S. d.2/5/2012 N.S. (82)
Music Producer, Arranger, Musician, Conductor

Alex Peter Delvecchio -- b.12/4/1931 N.S. d.7/1/2025 N.S. (93)
NHL General Manager, NHL Center, NHL Left Wing, Canadian
Misc: The Most Gentlemanly Player [1966, 1969]; played 1950-1973
Sports Teams: Detroit Red Wings

Gianni De Magistris -- b.12/3/1950 N.S.
Water Polo Player, Italian

Tony (Boxer) DeMarco -- b.1/14/1932 N.S. d.10/11/2021 N.S. (89)
Boxer
Names/Places: RN: Leonardo Liotta

Jimmy Demaret -- b.5/24/1910 d.12/28/1983 (73)
Golfer
Misc: winner of 44 golf tournaments, but not the U.S. Open.

AnnMaria De Mars -- b.8/15/1958 N.S.
Author, Executive, Judo

Agnes de Mille -- b.9/18/1905 d.10/7/1993 (88)
Author, Stage Actress, Choreographer, Dancer
Names/Places: Cecil's niece, William's daughter
Misc: Oklahoma!

Richard James "Rick" DeMont -- b.4/21/1956 N.S.
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American

Clint Dempsey -- b.3/9/1983 N.S.
Soccer Player, American

Frank (Diver) Dempsey -- b.??/??/???? N.S.
Diver, American

Jack Dempsey -- b.6/24/1895 d.5/31/1983 (87)
Mormon, Boxer, Irish
Names/Places: b. in Manassa, CO; NN:The Manassa Mauler; FN:William H.; d. in New York
Misc: was the longest-lived heavyweight champ; a successful N.Y. restauranteur; heavyweight boxing champ (1919-26), Dempsey was known for his savage attacking style of boxing and lost only 5 bouts in 69 fights. He fought his first bout in 1914 and won the heavyweight title 5 years later.

Michael Stephen Dempsey -- b.11/29/1958
Alternative Rock Bassist, Zimbabwean
Group Names: The Cure

Cy Denneny -- b.12/23/1891 d.9/10/1970 (78)
NHL Left Wing, Canadian
Misc: played from 1914-1929
Sports Teams: Toronto Shamrocks, Toronto Blueshirts, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins

Clara "Clare" Dennis -- b.3/7/1916 N.S. d.6/5/1971 N.S. (55)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Australian
Names/Places: aka Clare Dennis then Clare Golding

Jim Denny -- b.2/28/1911 d.8/27/1963 (52)
Music Executive
Names/Places: RN:James R.
Misc: country booking agent

Willy den Ouden -- b.1/1/1918 N.S. d.12/6/1997 N.S. (79)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Dutch (Netherlands)

John Densmore -- b.12/1/1945
Songwriter, Bassist, Keyboardist, Pianist, Vibes, Rock and Roll Drummer
Names/Places: MN:Paul
Misc: Tympani; some say b. 1943
Group Names: The Doors

Richard Lomar Dent -- b.12/13/1960 N.S.
NFL Defensive End
Misc: Super Bowl XX MVP; 4x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl champ, 100 Sacks Club
Sports Teams: Chicago Bears (1983-1993), San Francisco 49ers (1994), Chicago Bears (1995), Indianapolis Colts (1996), Philadelphia Eagles (1997)

Dominic DeNucci -- b.1/23/1932 N.S. d.8/12/2021 N.S. (89)
Wrestler, American, Italian
Misc: Wrestling trainer

Ralph Depalma -- b.12/18/1882 d.3/13/1956 (73)
Auto Racer, Italian
Misc: Indianapolis 500; Land speed record breaker; an Italian-American racecar driving champion who won the 1915 Indianapolis 500.

Gene DePaul -- b.6/17/1919 d.2/27/1988 (68)
Composer, Songwriter, Pianist

John Henry "Rob" Derbyshire -- b.11/29/1878 N.S. d.11/25/1938 N.S. (59)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Water Polo Player, English

Peter De Rose -- b.3/10/1900 N.S. d.4/23/1953 N.S. (53)
Songwriter, Pianist

Michael "Mike" DeRosier -- b.8/24/1951 N.S.
Rock and Roll Drummer, Canadian
Group Names: Heart

Sugar Pie DeSanto -- b.10/16/1935 N.S. d.12/20/2024 N.S. (89)
Dancer, Soul Singer

Ulise Joseph "Pete" Desjardins -- b.4/10/1907 N.S. d.5/6/1985 N.S. (78)
Diver, Olympic Athlete, American

Victor Arthur "Vic" Desjardins -- b.7/4/1898 N.S. d.11/22/1988 N.S. (90)
NHL Player
Sports Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers

Richard Desmond -- b.3/2/1927 N.S. d.11/1/1990 N.S. (63)
Hockey Player, Olympic Athlete
Misc: played 1945-1952

Kent Desormeaux -- b.2/27/1970 N.S.
Horse Jockey
Misc: won 598 wins in 1989

Jimmy Destri -- b.4/13/1954
New Wave Keyboardist
Group Names: Blondie

Helen Dettweiler -- b.12/5/1914 N.S. d.11/13/1990 N.S. (75)
Golfer
Misc: An LPGA Co-Founder

Donna de Varonna -- b.4/26/1947 N.S.
TV Hostess, Sportscaster, Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American
Names/Places: Joanna Kerns' sister
Misc: won gold medals in 400 IM and 400 freestyle relay at 1964 Olympics; set 18 world records during career; co-founder of Women's Sports Foundation in 1974.
TV Shows: ABC Sports

Roberto DeVicenzo -- b.4/14/1923 N.S. d.6/1/2017 N.S. (94)
Golfer, Argentine

Tommy (Singer) DeVito -- b.6/19/1928 N.S. d.9/21/2020 N.S. (92)
Pop Singer/Guitarist
Misc: some say b. 1935 or 1936
Group Names: The Four Seasons

John Thomas Devitt -- b.2/4/1937 N.S. d.8/17/2023 N.S. (86)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Australian
Misc: 100m freestyle swimmer (Olympic Gold, 1960)

Ronald DeVoe -- b.11/17/1967 N.S.
Rhythm and Blues Singer, New Jack Swing Singer
Group Names: New Edition, Bel Biv & DeVoe

Lew C. DeWitt -- b.3/8/1938 d.8/15/1990 (52)
Songwriter, Tenor, Country Music Singer, Country Music Guitarist
Misc: some say b. 1939
Group Names: The Statler Brothers

Joseph "Joe" Dey -- b.11/17/1907 d.3/3/1991 (83)
Executive, Golfer
Misc: executive director of the USGA and the first commissioner of the PGA Tour

Lemhényi Dezső -- b.12/9/1917 N.S. d.12/4/2003 N.S. (85)
Olympic Athlete, Water Polo Player, Hungarian

Michael Diamond -- b.11/20/1965
Alternative Rock Drummer, Rap-Rock Performer
Names/Places: aka Mike D
Group Names: The Beastie Boys
Song Titles: Fight for your Right (To Party)

Neil Diamond -- b.1/24/1941
Jewish, Composer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Adult-Pop Singer
Names/Places: b. in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Misc: spanned 4 decades with hits and over 14 gold albums
Song Titles: Cherry Cherry, Sweet Caroline, Holly Holly, Cracklin' Rosie, I Am...I Said, Song Sung Blue, Longfellow Serenade, You Don't Bring Me Flowers (with Barbra Streisand), Hello Again, America, Heartlight
Album Titles: Moods, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Serenade, Beautiful Noise, You Don't Bring Me Flowers

Marcos Díaz -- b.1/12/1975 N.S.
Swimmer, Dominican Republican
Names/Places: RN: Marcos Aurelio Diaz Dominguez

Antonio Díaz-Miguel -- b.7/6/1933 N.S. d.2/21/2000 N.S. (66)
Basketball Coach, Spanish
Misc: Spain national basketball team coach (1965-1992)

Ted DiBiase -- b.1/18/1954
Minister, Sports Commentator, Wrestler
Names/Places: aka The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase; RN: Theodore Marvin DiBiase Sr.
Misc: former wrestler and wrestling manager

Karl "Carlo" Dibiasi -- b.10/19/1909 N.S. d.10/28/1984 N.S. (79)
Diver, Olympic Athlete, Italian

Klaus Dibiasi -- b.10/6/1947 N.S.
Diver, Olympic Athlete, Italian
Misc: winner of 5 Olympic diving medals in 4 Games and the only diver to win the same event at 3 successive Games (1968,72,76).

Walter Dick -- b.9/20/1905 d.7/24/1989 (83)
Soccer Forward, Scottish

Little Jimmy Dickens -- b.12/19/1920 d.1/2/2015 (94)
Singer/Guitarist, Country Music Performer
Names/Places: b. in Bolt, WV
Misc: Grand Ole Opry
Song Titles: Take an Old Cold 'Tater (And Wait), Country Boy, Hillbilly Fever, A-Sleeping at the Foot of the Bed, May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose
Album Titles: May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose

Eric Dickerson -- b.9/2/1960 N.S.
NFL Halfback
Misc: ran 2,105 yard NFL record season '84; led NFC 3x's, AFC 2x's, 96 TDs; led NFL in rushing 4 times (1983-84,86,88); NFC Rookie of Year in 1983; All-Pro 5 times, traded from LA Rams to Indianapolis (Oct. 31, 1987) in 3-team, 10-player deal (including draft picks) that also involved Buffalo; 2nd on all-time career rushing list with 13,259 yards in 11 seasons, 90 TDs.
Sports Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1983-1987), Indianapolis Colts (1987-1991), Los Angeles Raiders (1992), Atlanta Falcons (1993)

Bill Dickey -- b.6/6/1907 N.S. d.11/12/1993 N.S. (86)
MLB Manager, MLB Catcher
Names/Places: RFN:William Malcolm
Misc: 11x All-Star, 14x World Series champion; besides catching for some of the game's greatest pitchers, including Lefty Gomez\Dickey played 17 seasons, catching more than 100 games in 13 consecutive seasons and batting .313 lifetime with 202 homers; Yankees #8 retired
Sports Teams: New York Yankees (player 1928-43 and 1946, manager 1946)

Gary Dickinson -- b.3/26/1943
Bowler

Edgar Diddle -- b.3/12/1895 N.S. d.1/2/1970 N.S. (74)
College Football Coach, College Football Player, College Basketball Player, College Basketball Coach
Sports Teams: Centre College (football player 1917, 1919-1920, basketball player 1917, 1919-1920), Western Kentucky University (football coach 1922-1928, basketball coach 1922-1964)

Bo Diddley -- b.12/30/1928 N.S. d.6/2/2008 N.S. (79)
Composer, Songwriter, Blues Guitarist, Rhythm and Blues Singer
Names/Places: b. in McComb, Miss.; NN:Black Gladatior; RN:Ellas Bates, changed to Ellas McDaniels upon adoption
Misc: A diddley bow is a one-stringed musicial instrument from the Southern USA

Leo Diegel -- b.4/27/1899 d.5/5/1951 (52)
Golfer
Misc: prominent in the 1920s and 1930s

Dan Dierdorf -- b.6/29/1949
Sports Commentator, Sports Analyst, Football Announcer, NFL Player
Names/Places: b. in Canton, Ohio
Misc: Pro Bowl 6x
Sports Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1971-1983)
TV Shows: ABC Sports; Monday Night Football (analyst)

Martín Dihigo -- b.5/25/1905 d.5/20/1971 (65)
MLB Outfielder, Cuban
Misc: Negro League, Cuban League, and Mexican League player; in the Cuban Baseball and Mexican Baseball Halls of Fame

Robert "Bob" Dill -- b.4/25/1920 N.S. d.4/16/1991 N.S. (70)
Hockey Player
Sports Teams: Springfield Indians (AHL), St. Paul Saints (USHL), New York Rangers (NHL)

Barry Diller -- b.2/2/1942
TV Executive
Misc: ex-CEO 20th Century Fox Film Corp & Fox Inc.; Fox-TV founder; Diller was responsible for the ill-fated "Late Show with Joan Rivers," the first stab at programming on what would become the Fox network.

Bobby Dillon -- b.2/23/1930 N.S. d.8/22/2019 N.S. (89)
NFL Defensive
Sports Teams: Green Bay Packers

Dean Dillon -- b.3/26/1955
Songwriter, Country Music Singer
Names/Places: Jessie Jo's father
Misc: in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

J. J. Dillon -- b.6/26/1942 N.S.
Wrestler, Wrestling Manager
Names/Places: RN:James Morrison

Jack Dillon -- b.4/23/1891 d.2/3/1962 (70)
Boxer

"Joltin'" Joe DiMaggio -- b.11/25/1914 N.S. d.3/8/1999 N.S. (84)
MLB Center Fielder
Names/Places: b. in Martinez, CA; NN:the Yankee Clipper; RFN:Joseph Paul Jr.; Marilyn Monroe's ex-
Misc: 13x All-Star; AL MVP 1939, 1941, 1947; career 2214 hits, Yankee hit safely in 56 consecutive games, '41; led AL in batting, HRs and RBI twice each; 3-time MVP (1939,41,47); hit .325 with 361 HRs over 13 seasons; led NY Yankees to 10 World Series tites; Yankees #5 retired
Sports Teams: New York Yankees (1936-1942, 1946-1951)

"Dion" Di Muci -- b.7/18/1939
Songwriter, Guitarist, Gospel Singer, Pop Singer, Bandleader
Names/Places: b. in Bronx, NY
Misc: some say b. in 1938
Group Names: Dion and the Belmonts (lead)
Song Titles: Runaround Sue

Patricia Dineen -- b.7/10/1935 N.S. d.2/15/1961 N.S. (25)
Figure Skater

Robert Dineen -- b.7/8/1937 N.S. d.2/15/1961 N.S. (23)
Figure Skater

Marcel Dionne -- b.8/3/1951
NHL Center, Canadian
Misc: 731 Goals; most Hat Tricks scored
Sports Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles, New York Rangers

Nicholas DiOrio -- b.2/4/1921 d.9/11/2003 (82)
Soccer Player

Ilio DiPaolo -- b.11/8/1926 d.5/10/1995 (68)
Wrestler, Italian

Mike Dirnt -- b.5/4/1972 N.S.
Alternative Rock Performer
Names/Places: RN: Michael Ryan Pritchard
Group Names: Green Day

Walt Disney -- b.12/5/1901 d.12/15/1966 (65)
Animator, Writer, TV Host, Movie Producer/Director
Names/Places: b. in Chicago, IL; FN:Walter Elias
Misc: Cartoon Creator, Empire Founder; Created Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Minnie, etc.; produced Snow White, the first animated movie; Disneyland TV Show host; created Disneyland in Anaheim, planned Walt Disney World in Florida that opened five years after his death
TV Shows: Disneyland (host)

Mike Ditka -- b.10/18/1939
Sports Analyst, NFL Coach, NFL Tight End
Names/Places: aka "Da Bearz" coach; aka Michael Keller Ditka; RN:Michael Dyczko
Misc: 5x All Pro and Pro Bowl; in both College and Pro Football Halls of Fame; Chicago Bears Rookie of the Year [1961]; Super Bowl V, VI, XX; Bears and Panthers #89 retired
Sports Teams: Chicago Bears (1961-1966), Philadelphia Eagles (1967-1968), Dallas Cowboys (1969-1972), Dallas Cowboys (Asst. Coach 1973-1981), Chicago Bears (coach 1982-1992), New Orleans Saints (coach 1997-1999)
TV Shows: NBC Sports (analyst)

Vlade Divac -- b.2/3/1968 N.S.
NBA General Manager, NBA Center, Yugoslav
Sports Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings

George (Boxer) Dixon -- b.7/29/1870 d.1/6/1908 (37)
Boxer, Canadian

Larry Dixon -- b.10/23/1966 N.S.
Drag Racer

Willie Dixon -- b.7/1/1915 d.1/29/1992 (76)
Music Producer, Arranger, Composer, Songwriter, Bassist, Guitarist, Blues Singer
Misc: wrote over 500 blues & rock classics

Larry Doby -- b.12/13/1924 d.6/18/2003 (78)
MLB Manager, MLB Player
Misc: first black in baseball's American League (Cleveland Indians), 7x All-Star, World Series champion, 2x AL home run leader; Indians #14 retired
Sports Teams: Newark Eagles (Negro leagues 1942-1943, 1946-1947), Cleveland Indians (1947-1955, 1958), Chicago White Sox (player 1956-1957, 1959, manager 1978), Detroit Tigers (1959), Chunichi Dragons (Nippon Professional Baseball 1962)

Thomas Henderson "Tommy" Docherty -- b.4/24/1928 N.S. d.12/31/2020 N.S. (92)
Soccer Player, Soccer Manager, Scottish
Names/Places: NN:The Doc

Lotte Dod -- b.9/24/1871 d.6/27/1960 (88)
Tennis Player, English

John Doeg -- b.12/7/1908 d.4/27/1978 (69)
Tennis Player, Mexican
Misc: US Open 1930 champ

Robert Pershing "Bobby" Doerr -- b.4/7/1918 N.S. d.11/13/2017 N.S. (99)
MLB Coach, MLB Second Baseman
Misc: 9x All-Star; Red Sox #1 retired
Sports Teams: Boston Red Sox (1937-1944, 1946-1951)

Jerry Doggett -- b.9/14/1916 d.7/7/1997 (80)
Baseball Announcer
Sports Teams: Brooklyn Dodgers (announcer 1956-1957, then the team moved), Los Angeles Dodgers (announcer 1958-1987)

Dennis "Denny" Doherty -- b.11/29/1940 d.1/19/2007 (66)
Songwriter, Pop Singer, Canadian
Misc: some say b. Nov 19, 1941, or 1942
Group Names: The Mamas & the Papas

Lawrence Doherty -- b.10/14/1872 d.12/29/1910 (38)
Tennis Player, English

Peter Doherty -- b.6/5/1913 d.4/6/1990 (76)
Soccer Player, Soccer Manager, North Irish

Reginald Doherty -- b.10/8/1875 d.8/21/1919 (43)
Tennis Player

Thomas Fitzgerald "Tom" Dolan -- b.9/15/1975--3--
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American

Ray Dolby -- b.1/18/1933 N.S. d.9/12/2013 N.S. (80)
Engineer, Inventor, Physicist
Misc: Dolby Noise Reduction Systems A,B,C,HX Pro, 4-channel surround system, 6-track SRD

Chris Doleman -- b.10/16/1961 N.S. d.1/28/2020 N.S. (58)
NFL Defensive End
Sports Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1985-1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994-1995), San Francisco 49ers (1996-1998), Minnesota Vikings (1999)

Micky Dolenz -- b.3/8/1945 N.S.
TV Actor, Cartoon Voice Actor, Producer/Director, Rock and Roll Singer, Rock and Roll Drummer
Names/Places: b. in Los Angeles; George's son; RFN:George Michael, aka LN:Braddock
Group Names: The Monkees
TV Shows: Peyton Place (three episodes as Kitch), The Funky Phantom (as Skip), Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels, Circus Boy (as Corky), The Monkees (as Micky), The Secret Files of the SpyDogs (as Ralph / Scribble)
Movie Titles: Head, Halloween (2007)

Alexander Dolgushin -- b.3/7/1946 N.S. d.4/17/2006 N.S. (60)
Olympic Athlete, Water Polo Player, Soviet

Jim Dombrowski -- b.10/19/1963
NFL Guard, College Football Player, Football Offensive Tackle
Misc: in the College Football Hall of Fame
Sports Teams: University of Virginia, New Orleans Saints (1986-1996)

Ramón Domínguez -- b.11/24/1976 N.S.
Horse Jockey, Venezuelan

Fats Domino -- b.2/26/1928 N.S. d.10/24/2017 N.S. (89)
Composer, Songwriter, Bandleader, Jazz Pianist, Rhythm and Blues Singer
Names/Places: b. in New Orleans; RN:Antoine Domino Jr.
Misc: New Orleans jazzman; His biggest hit on the pop charts is the 1956 song ``Blueberry Hill,'' which reaches No. 2 and receives a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1987. He has nine No. 1 singles on the R&B charts, including ``Ain't That a Shame.''
Song Titles: Ain't That a Shame, I'm in Love Again, Blueberry Hill, I'm Walkin'

Phil Donahue -- b.12/21/1935 N.S. d.8/18/2024 N.S. (88)
Roman Catholic, TV Talk Show Host
Names/Places: b. in Cleveland; RFN:Philip John; Danny Thomas' son-in-law, Marlo Thomas' hubby
TV Shows: The Phil Donahue Show

Tom Donahue -- b.5/21/1928 d.4/28/1975 (46)
Music Producer, Radio Disc Jock
Misc: encouraged and produced many a San Francisco group like the Grateful Dead and helped the Jefferson Airplane obtain a record contract.

Dick Dondeau -- b.12/18/1921 N.S. d.1/18/1989 N.S. (67)
Hockey Player

Aldo Donelli -- b.7/22/1907 d.8/9/1994 (87)
Soccer Player

W. C. "Junie" Donlavey -- b.4/8/1924 N.S. d.6/9/2014 N.S. (90)
Auto Racer
Names/Places: RFMN: Wesley Christian
Misc: former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car owner with a team based in Richmond.

Dan Donnelly -- b.3/??/1788 N.S. d.2/18/1820 N.S. (31)
Boxer, Irish
Misc: no source knows his date of birth, just the month of it.

Mark Neary Donohue -- b.3/18/1937 d.8/19/1975 (38)
Auto Racer
Names/Places: NN:Captain Nice and Dick Monohue
Misc: Sports car racing, Formula One, Indianapolis 500

Donovan -- b.5/10/1946 N.S.
Songwriter, Guitarist, Classic Rock Singer, Scottish
Names/Places: b. in Glasgow; LN:Phillip Leitch or Donald P. Leitch
Misc: some say b. Feb 10 or 1943
Song Titles: Sunshine Superman, Mellow Yellow, Jennifer Juniper, Hurdy Gurdy Man

Anne Donovan -- b.11/1/1961 N.S. d.6/13/2018 N.S. (56)
Basketball Coach, Basketball Player, Olympic Athlete
Misc: Olympic-gold-1984

Art Donovan -- b.6/5/1924 N.S. d.8/4/2013 N.S. (89)
NFL Defensive
Names/Places: NN: The Bulldog
Misc: AFL/NFL defensive tackle
Sports Teams: Baltimore Colts (1950, 1953-1961), New York Yanks (1951), Dallas Texans (1952)

Landon Donovan -- b.3/4/1982 N.S.
Soccer Midfielder, American

"Professor" Mike Donovan -- b.9/27/1847 d.3/24/1918 (70)
Boxer

Thomas Dooley -- b.5/12/1961
Soccer Defender, West German

Vince Dooley -- b.9/4/1932 N.S. d.10/28/2022 N.S. (90)
College Football Coach

Olga Dorfner -- b.5/30/1898 N.S. d.5/7/1983 N.S. (84)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American

Tony Dorsett -- b.4/7/1954
NFL Runningback, College Football Player
Names/Places: b. in Rochester, PA
Misc: won Heisman Trophy in 1976; he led Pittsburgh to the national championship in 1976; all-time NCAA Div. I-A rushing leader with 6,082 yards and 59 TDs (1976); led Dallas to the Super Bowl title as NFC Rookie of Year (1977); spent 13 years with Dallas, NFC Player of Year (1981); ranks third on all-time NFL list with 12,739 yards gained in 12 years; holds NFL record for run from scrimmage (99 yards vs Min. in 1983); 77 TDs; Super Bowls XII, XIII; in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame
Sports Teams: University of Pittsburgh, Dallas Cowboys (1977-1987), Denver Broncos (1988)

Thomas Andrew Dorsey -- b.7/1/1899 N.S. d.1/23/1993 N.S. (93)
Songwriter, Guitarist, Pianist, Blues Singer
Names/Places: NN:The Father of Black Gospel Music
Misc: sang a blend of blues, ragtime, & church songs

Richard Leo "Dick" Dougherty -- b.8/5/1932 N.S. d.11/23/2016 N.S. (84)
Hockey Player, Olympic Athlete

Jimmy Douglas -- b.1/12/1898 d.3/5/1972 (74)
Soccer Player

Robert L. "Bob" Douglas -- b.11/4/1882 d.7/16/1979 (96)
NBA Owner, NBA Coach
Names/Places: NN:The Father of Black Professional Basketball
Misc: the first black hall-of-famer known by the nickname "The Father of Black Professional Basketball."
Sports Teams: New York Renaissance (founder, owner and coach 1923-1949)

Steve Douglas -- b.9/24/1938 d.4/19/1993 (54)
Saxophonist, Blues-Rock Musician
Names/Places: RN:Steven Kreisman

Jean Doumanian -- b.7/28/1942 N.S.
Producer
TV Shows: Saturday Night Live (November 1980 through March 1981 when she was replaced by Dick Ebersol)

Tom Dowd -- b.10/20/1925 N.S. d.10/27/2002 N.S. (77)
Music Producer
Misc: a music producer and engineer who worked with music legends like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Otis Redding, the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd

K. K. Downing -- b.10/27/1951 N.S.
Songwriter, Heavy Metal Guitairst, English
Group Names: Judas Priest

Lamont Dozier -- b.6/16/1941 N.S. d.8/8/2022 N.S. (81)
Music Producer, Composer, Songwriter, Rhythm and Blues Singer
Names/Places: b. in Detroit
Misc: of the Holland-Dozier-Holland Motown team

Gardner Dozois -- b.7/23/1947 N.S. d.5/27/2018 N.S. (70)
Science Fiction Writer, Editor
Misc: He was the founding editor of The Year's Best Science Fiction anthologies (1984-present) and was editor of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine (1984-2004)

Dr. Demento -- b.4/2/1941
Radio Disc Jock, Novelty Singer
Names/Places: NN:King of Dementia; RN:Barrett E. Hansen
Misc: radio: The Dr. Demento Show (host); collects the most historical & hysterical cylinders, 16's, 33 1/3's, 45's, 78's, reel-to-reels, cassettes, 8-tracks, CDs, DAT's, & videos ever recorded; on KPPC 106.7 1970-71, KMET 94.7 1971-87, KLSX 97.1 1987-93, no L.A. stations 1993-94, KSCA 101.9 1994-1997, KLSX 1998-99
Song Titles: Doctor of Dementia, Midnight Stroll, Astrology Rap (previous titles with Barnes and Barnes), Gotta Get a Fake I.D. (guest on the Barnes and Barnes's song), Existential Blues Part II (guest rapper on Tom "T-Bone" Stankus's song)

Dr. Dre -- b.2/18/1965 N.S.
Music Producer, Hard Rapper
Names/Places: RN:Andre Young
Group Names: N.W.A., soloist

Dr. John -- b.11/21/1941 N.S. d.6/6/2019 N.S. (77)
Music Producer, Composer, Songwriter, Bassist, Drummer, Guitarist, Pianist, Bandleader, Rhythm and Blues Singer
Names/Places: b. in New Orleans; RN:Malcolm "Mac" John Rebennack Jr.
Misc: the pioneer of "Swamp Rock".
Group Names: Dr. John

Dr. Phil -- b.9/1/1950
TV Talk Show Host
Names/Places: RN: Phillip C. McGraw
TV Shows: Dr. Phil Show (host)

Bruce Drake -- b.12/5/1905 N.S. d.12/4/1983 N.S. (77)
College Basketball Player, College Basketball Coach
Misc: in the College Basketball and Basketball Halls of Fame
Sports Teams: Oklahoma (player 1926-1929, coach 1938-1955), Air Force (1956-?)

Pete Drake -- b.10/8/1932 N.S. d.7/29/1988 N.S. (55)
Music Executive, Music Producer, Music Publisher, Guitarist
Misc: with his Talking Steel guitar and one of the leading Nashville sessionists

Tom Drake -- b.12/5/1930 d.2/2/2017 N.S. (86)
Politician, Attorney, Wrestler
Misc: Alabama House of Representatives 1960-1992, Speaker 1983-1987

Rick Draney -- b.8/2/1961 N.S.
Tennis Player

Lyle Draves -- b.7/22/1914 N.S. d.1/12/2018 N.S. (103)
Diver, American
Misc: Diving Coach

Vicki Draves -- b.12/31/1924 N.S. d.4/11/2010 N.S. (85)
Diver, Olympic Athlete, American
Names/Places: RN: Victoria Manalo Draves
Misc: platform/springboard diver (Olympic-gold-1948)

Chris Dreja -- b.11/11/1945
Photographer, Singer, Bassist, Pianist, Rhythm Guitarist, Rock and Roll Performer, English
Misc: some say b. 1946
Group Names: The Yardbirds
Song Titles: For Your Love, Heart Full of Soul, Evil Hearted You, I'm a Man, Shapes of Things, Over Under Sideways Down

Clyde "The Glide" Drexler -- b.6/22/1962 N.S.
Sports Commentator, NBA Guard, College Basketball Coach, Olympic Athlete
Misc: The Dream Team 1992, 1x NBA Champion (Houston Rockets, 1995); 10x NBA All-Star (1986, 1988-1993, 1994, 1996, 1997); 1x All-NBA First Team Selection (1992); 2x All-NBA Second Team Selection (1988, 1991); 2x All-NBA Third Team Selection (1990, 1995); member of the "Dream Team" inducted as a unit in 2010; 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Trail Blazers and Rockets #22 retired
Sports Teams: Houston College (1980-1983), Portland Trail Blazers (1983-1995), Houston Rockets (1995-1998), University of Houston (coach 1998-2000)

Barney Dreyfuss -- b.2/23/1865 d.2/5/1932 (66)
MLB Owner
Sports Teams: The Pittsburth Pirates (owned from 1900 until his death)

Charles Grice "Lefty" Driesell -- b.12/25/1931 N.S. d.2/17/2024 N.S. (92)
College Basketball Coach

Gordon Arthur "Gordie" Drillon -- b.10/23/1913 N.S. d.9/23/1986 N.S. (72)
NHL Right Wing, Canadian
Misc: played 1935-1950
Sports Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Montreal Canadiens (NHL), Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets (EHL), Syracuse Stars (IAHL), Valleyfield Braves (QPHL), Saint John Beavers (MSHL)

Graham Drinkwater -- b.2/22/1875 d.9/27/1946 (71)
Businessperson, Philanthropist, NHL Defensive, Canadian

James "Jim" Driscoll -- b.12/15/1880 d.1/30/1925 (44)
Boxer, Welsh (Wales)

John "Paddy" Driscoll -- b.1/11/1895 N.S. d.6/29/1968 N.S. (73)
NFL Coach, NFL Quarterback, College Football Coach
Misc: in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame
Sports Teams: Hammond Pros (1919), Decatur Staleys (1920), Chicago Cardinals (player 1920-1925, coach 1920-1922), Chicago Bears (player 1926-1929, coach 1956-1957), Marquette (college coach 1937-1940)

Jaroslav Drobný -- b.10/12/1921 N.S. d.9/13/2001 N.S. (79)
Tennis Player, Czech

Walt Dropo -- b.1/30/1923 d.12/17/2010 (87)
MLB First Baseman
Sports Teams: Boston Red Sox (1949-1952), Detroit Tigers (1952-1954), Chicago White Sox (1955-1958), Cincinnati Redlegs (1958-1959), Baltimore Orioles (1959-1961)

Chris Drury -- b.8/20/1976
NHL Player, American
Names/Places: RN: Christopher Ellis Drury
Misc: played 1988-2011
Sports Teams: Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers

Kenneth Dryden -- b.8/8/1947 N.S. d.9/5/2025 N.S. (78)
Policeman, Lawyer, Businessperson, NHL Goaltender, Canadian
Misc: led Montreal to 6 Stanley Cup titles; playoff MVP as rookie in 1971; won or shared 5 Vezina Trophies.
Sports Teams: Montreal Voyageurs (AHL), Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens

Spencer Dryden -- b.4/7/1938 d.1/11/2005 (66)
Singer, Drummer, Rock and Roll Performer
Group Names: Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead

Cliff Drysdale -- b.5/26/1941
Tennis Player, South African

Don "Big D" Drysdale -- b.7/23/1936 N.S. d.7/3/1993 N.S. (56)
Baseball Announcer, MLB Pitcher
Misc: 3x World Series champ, with 209-169 record, in 5 World Series, 9 NL All-Star Teams; most consecutive shutout innings (58) in '68; Cy Young Award winner in 1962; Dogers #53 retired
Sports Teams: Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1956-1969)
TV Shows: Monday Night Baseball

Taylor Drysdale -- b.1/14/1914 N.S. d.2/9/1997 N.S. (83)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American

Milena Duchková -- b.4/25/1952--4--
Diver, Olympic Athlete, Czechoslovakian
Misc: in the International Swimming Hall of Fame

James Dudley -- b.5/12/1910 N.S. d.6/1/2004 N.S. (94)
Baseball Player, Wrestling Manager
Misc: ran Turner's Arena in Washington D.C.

William "Bill" Dudley -- b.12/24/1921 N.S. d.2/4/2010 N.S. (88)
NFL Runningback
Misc: returned 1,515 yards in punt returns for 3 TDs
Sports Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1942, 1945-1946), Detroit Lions (1947-1949), Washington Redskins (1950-1951, 1953)

Virginia "Ginny" Duenkel -- b.3/7/1947 N.S.
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, American
Names/Places: aka Ginny Fuldner

Alva Duer -- b.11/18/1904 N.S. d.11/18/1987 N.S. (83)
College Basketball Coach
Misc: National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and United States Olympic Committee administrator
Sports Teams: Pepperdine College (1939-1948)

August Samuel Duesenberg -- b.12/12/1879 N.S. d.1/18/1955 N.S. (75)
Manufacturer, Racing Figure
Misc: an automobile and engine manufacturer who built American racing and racing engines

Terrance Richard "Dick" Duff -- b.2/18/1936
NHL Left Wing, Canadian
Misc: played 1954-1972
Sports Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres

John Duffey -- b.3/4/1934 d.12/10/1996 (62)
Guitarist, Bluegrass Performer
Group Names: Country Gentlemen

Hugh Duffy -- b.11/26/1866 d.10/19/1954 (87)
MLB Manager, MLB Center Fielder
Sports Teams: Chicago White Stockings (1888-1889), Chicago Pirates (1890), Boston Reds (1891), Boston Beaneaters (1892-1900), Milwaukee Brewers (1901), Philadelphia Phillies (1904-1906), Milwaukee Brewers (manager 1901), Philadelphia Phillies (manager 1904-1906), Chicago White Sox (manager 1910-1911), Boston Red Sox (manager 1921-1922)

Paddy Duffy -- b.11/12/1864 N.S. d.7/19/1890 N.S. (25)
Boxer

James Edward "Jim" Duggan Jr. -- b.1/14/1954 N.S.
Wrestler
Names/Places: ring name: Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Tommy Duggan -- b.8/31/1897 d.11/30/1961 (64)
Soccer Player, English

Norman Duke -- b.3/25/1964
Bowler
Misc: the youngest ABC Hall of Fame electee at age 37.

Joe Dumars III -- b.5/24/1963 N.S.
NBA Guard, Olympic Athlete
Misc: of The Dream Team II in the 1994 World Basketball Championships; 2x NBA Champion (1989-1990); NBA Finals MVP (1989); 6x NBA All-Star (1990-1993, 1995, 1997); All-NBA Second Team (1993); 2x All-NBA Third Team (1990-1991); 4x NBA All-Defensive First Team(1989-1990, 1992-1993); NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991); NBA All-Rookie Team (1986); FIBA World Championship gold medalist (1994); Pistons #4 retired
Sports Teams: Detroit Pistons (1985-1999)

Woodrow Charlence "Porky" Dumart -- b.12/23/1916 N.S. d.10/19/2001 N.S. (84)
NHL Left Wing, NHL Forward, Canadian
Misc: played 1935-1954
Sports Teams: Boston Bruins

Amy Dumas -- b.4/14/1975 N.S.
Singer, Wrestler
Names/Places: ring name: Lita

Dennis Dunaway -- b.12/9/1948
Lyricist, Heavy Metal Bassist
Misc: some say b. Mar 15 1946
Group Names: Alice Cooper (1969-1974)

Aynsley Dunbar -- b.1/10/1946
Rock and Roll Drummer, English
Group Names: Nils Lofgren, Eric Burton, John Mayall, Ian Hunter, Whitesnake, David Bowie, Sammy Hagar, Michael Schenker, UFO, Flo and Eddie, Journey, Jefferson Starship, Jeff Beck, Mothers of Invention, sessionist

Barbara Dunbar -- b.??/??/???? N.S.
Swimmer, American

Tim Duncan -- b.4/25/1976 N.S.
NBA Player
Names/Places: b. in Virgin Islands
Sports Teams: San Antonio Spurs

Tommy Duncan -- b.1/11/1911 d.7/25/1967 (56)
Songwriter, Country Music Singer
Misc: country swing vocalist
Group Names: Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

Johnny Dundee -- b.11/19/1893 d.4/22/1965 (71)
Boxer, Italian

Thomas "Tommy" Dunderdale -- b.5/6/1887 N.S. d.12/15/1960 N.S. (73)
NHL Center, Australian
Misc: played 1906-1924
Sports Teams: Winnipeg Strathconas (MPHL), Winnipeg Maple Leafs (MPHL), Winnipeg Shamrocks (MPHL), Montreal Shamrocks (CHA, NHA), Quebec Bulldogs (NHA), Victoria Cougars (PCHA), Portland Rosebuds (PCHA), Saskatoon Crescents (WCHL), Edmonton Eskimos (WCHL)

Tony Dungy -- b.10/6/1955 N.S.
Sports Commentator, NFL Coach, NFL Quarterback
Sports Teams: University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers (player 1977-1978, coach 1981-1988), San Francisco 49ers (player 1979), Indianapolis Colts (coach 2002-2008), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (coach 1996-2011), Kansas City Chiefs (coach 1989-1991), Minnesota Vikings (coach 1992-1995)

Donald "Duck" Dunn -- b.11/24/1941 N.S. d.5/13/2012 N.S. (70)
Songwriter, Soul Singer, Rock and Roll Bassist
Group Names: The Blues Brothers, Booker T. & the MGs, Mar-Keys

Jimmy Dunn -- b.8/21/1897 d.3/6/1987 (89)
Soccer Forward

Larry Dunn -- b.6/19/1953
Music Director, Clarinetist, Organist, Pianist
Group Names: Earth Wind & Fire, sessionist

Ronnie Dunn -- b.6/1/1953 N.S.
Songwriter, Country Music Singer/Guitarist
Group Names: Brooks & Dunn

Veronica Dunne -- b.3/2/1995 N.S.
Actress
TV Shows: Kickin' It, Austin and Ally, The Suite Life on Deck, K.C. Undercover

Don Dunphy -- b.7/5/1908 d.7/22/1998 (90)
Sportscaster, Boxing Figure
Misc: Boxing sportscaster, "Voice of Boxing" caller for over 2000 fights blow-by-blow on radio and TV in his 50-year career; in the National Sportscasters and International Boxing Halls of Fame

Margaret Osborne du Pont -- b.3/4/1918 N.S. d.10/24/2012 N.S. (94)
Tennis Player
Misc: won 5 French, 7 Wimbledon and an unprecedented 24 U.S. national titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles from 1941-62.

"Champion" Jack Dupree -- b.7/4/1910 d.1/21/1992 (82)
Songwriter, Drummer, Guitarist, Pianist, Blues Singer, Boxer
Names/Places: RFN:William

Jermaine Dupri -- b.9/23/1972 N.S.
Music Executive, Music Producer, Songwriter, Rapper

Fanny Durack -- b.10/27/1889 N.S. d.3/20/1956 N.S. (66)
Swimmer, Olympic Athlete, Australian
Names/Places: aka Fanny Gately; RN: Sarah Frances Durack

Elvis Duran -- b.8/5/1964 N.S.
Radio Host

Roberto "No Mas" Durán -- b.6/16/1951 N.S.
Boxer, Panamaian
Names/Places: b. in Panama City; RN: Roberto Durán; NN: Manos de Piedra (Hands of Stone)
Misc: one of only 3 fighters to hold 4 different world titles--lightweight (1972-79); welterweight (1980) junior middleweight (1983) and middleweight (1989-90); lost famous "No Mas" welterweight title bout when he quit in eighth round against Sugar Ray Leonard (1980)

Mike Durbin -- b.5/3/1941
Bowler

Woody Durham -- b.8/8/1941 N.S. d.3/7/2018 N.S. (76)
Sports Announcer

Bill Durnan -- b.1/22/1916 d.10/31/1972 (56)
NHL Goaltender, Canadian
Names/Places: NN:The greatest nearly forgotten player in the history of the NHL
Sports Teams: Montreal Canadiens (possibly 1944-1950)

Leo Ernest Durocher -- b.7/27/1905 N.S. d.10/7/1991 N.S. (86)
TV Host, Sportscaster, MLB Manager, MLB Player
Names/Places: NN:The Lip, who said Nice Guys Finish Last; Laraine Day's ex-hubby
Misc: won 2010 games & 3 NL pennants; coach 1939-73 (Brooklyn, N.Y., Cubs), shortstop/2 baseman 1925-39 (Yankees, Reds, Cardinals); some say b. 1906
Sports Teams: New York Yankees (1925, 1928-1929), Cincinnati Reds (1930-1933), St. Louis Cardinals (1933-1937), Brooklyn Dodgers (1938-1941, 1943, 1945), Brooklyn Dodgers (manager, 1939-1946, 1948), New York Giants (manager, 1948-1955), Chicago Cubs (manager, 1966-1972), Houston Astros (manager, 1972-1973), Taiheiyo Club Lions (manager, 1976)

Françoise Durr -- b.12/25/1942 N.S.
Tennis Player, Algerian
Misc: 1976 US indoor Doubles

Mel Durslag -- b.4/29/1921 N.S. d.7/17/2016 N.S. (95)
Sports Writer
Misc: Los Angeles Herald Express, TV Guide, Los Angeles Times

D.J.

Last Updated 09-11-2025

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