Pavarotti - Died Sept 6th 2007

Along with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, Pavarotti popularised Opera like no other singer.

He once remarked that there was only one period in his life when he wasn't singing and that was when his voice was breaking as a teenager and he had to rest it.

The only other occassion occured at the end of last year when he had to cancel his farewell tour because he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Ever the optimist, he believed he would also overcome that battle. Unfortunately for the rest of us, he was beaten on this occassion.

Throughout his life he sold over 100 million albums - a phenomenal accomplishment by any standards, let alone in the field of Opera. 

He is survived by his wife, their four year old daughter and his three children from a previous marriage.