John Lennon (The Beatles)
John Lennon is known equally for his musical contributions and activism for peace. Rising to fame in the 1960’s, Lennon used his voice initially as a presence within The Beatles. He then splintered off as a solo act — often voicing his displeasure over warfare. Seen as a threat for his high profile criticism, the Nixon administration would even spend years trying to deport him back to the U.K. Tragically, Lennon’s voice was eventually silenced on December 8, 1980 when he was shot by a fan in New York City. His contributions to music are celebrated to this day (some 40 years after his death).