1770 Ludwig van Beethoven – German composer, who, although by then totally deaf, lead an orchestra in the première performance of his Ninth Symphony

As I understand it, when the 9th symphony was finished he stood with his back to the audience, head down, believing he was a failure. The first violinist had to get up and turn him around to see the crowd roaring with a standing ovation. I still think he's the greatest composer ever.







1980 Colonel Harland Sanders, age 90 - Kentucky Fried Chicken king who was probably the world's best-known human trademark

I still love Kentucky Fried Chicken (and refuse to call it KFC). I want the original recipe with biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy and coleslaw.