Jørn Utzon, 1918-2008.

The Danish architect who designed the Sydney Opera House, has passed away. More of his designs can be seen here.

Mitch Mitchell, 1947-2008.

John Mitch Mitchell, the British drummer of The Jimi Hendrix Experience who was offered the drum spot in ELP, has passed away. He can be experienced here.

Jacques Piccard, 1922-2008.

The Belgian-born Swiss oceanographer, hydronaut and engineer, who developed underwater vehicles and explored the deepest point in the oceans, has passed away. His father, Auguste, a physicist and explorer, inspired Tintin’s professor Cuthbert Calculus, while his uncle Jean-Felix, a chemist and explorer, inspired Star Trek’s Captain Picard. Jacques Piccard's mesoscaphe, the Ben Franklin, which explored the Gulf Stream, can be seen in Vancouver.

Yma Sumac, 1922-2008.

The Peruvian soprano with the extraordinary range, whose career spanned over six decades, has passed away. The official site hosts selections from her catalogue.