Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999. A symbol of global peacemaking, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

• Writer, President (non-U.S.), Civil Rights Activist
  (1918–2013)

Willie Nelson walked off stage prior to a performance in North Carolina, prompting concern about his well-being. A representative said the 85-year-old country music legend was feeling the effects of a stomach illness.

• Songwriter, Animal Rights Activist, Singer
  (1933–)

Ben E. King was a premier soul and pop singer-songwriter known for hits like “Spanish Harlem,” “Supernatural Thing” and the iconic “Stand By Me.”

• Songwriter, Singer
  (1938–2015)

R&B talent Marc Nelson co-founded Boyz II Men but quit before they hit it big. He continued on as a solo artist and songwriter for well-known performers.

• Songwriter, Actor, Singer
  (1971–)

Actor Judd Nelson has made a career out of playing bad guys and antiheroes. His portrayal of a tough teenager in The Breakfast Club helped him become a star.

• Actor
  (1959–)

The son of John D. Rockefeller Jr., Nelson Rockefeller served four terms as governor of New York. He was later appointed vice president under President Gerald Ford.

• U.S. Vice President, Governor
  (1908–1979)

As housewife and mother on the hit series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Harriet Nelson became one of television's best-loved characters during the 1950s.

• Film Actress, Television Actress
  (1909–1994)

Baby Face Nelson was a bank robber and killer in the 1920s and '30s, and a criminal associate of John Dillinger.

• Criminal
  (1908–1934)

Nelson Riddle arranged music for some of the biggest names in 20th century American music, including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Rosemary Clooney.

• Songwriter
  (1921–1985)

American singer and songwriter Ricky Nelson was an early teen idol who acted out his real-life childhood on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

• Guitarist, Television Personality, Film Actor, Television Actor, Songwriter
  (1940–1985)

Craig T. Nelson is an actor known for his roles on the TV series Coach, and in films like Poltergeist and The Incredibles.

• Television Actor, Film Actor, Television Personality
  (1944–)

Tracy Nelson is an actress and the oldest child of songwriter and actor Ricky Nelson and his wife, actress Kristin Harmon.

• Film Actress, Television Actress
  (1963–)