Reliving timeless classics
We searched for the finest works of pioneers who died this year, including Frankie Knuckles' house anthem Your Love, which spiked 7x.
Leading lights
Inspirational individuals who blazed a trail
This year we bid a sad farewell to some of the world's greatest visionaries, from the founding father of house music, to a designer of iconic movie monsters, to a dignitary of fashion design. We searched in celebration of their legacies.
The beat goes on
Frankie Knuckles developed the unmistakable sound of house music during the 1980s, and watched it dominate popular music for the next 30 years.
Legendary musician Bobby Womack died in June this year. After a career spanning more than 50 years, his most searched hit this year was Across 110th Street from 1972.
The American folk musician Pete Seeger died in January aged 94. We Shall Overcome became the anthem of the American Civil Rights Movement and was his most searched song.
'per sempre etern'
Tito Vilanova coached FC Barcelona until his life was cut short by cancer in April. The world searched for him throughout his treatment, and observed an emotional minute of silence when he passed.
Goodbye to the Godfather of House
DJ and producer Frankie Knuckles died in March. We searched to unearth his Grammy Award-winning back catalogue, which featured some of the biggest names in music, from Michael Jackson to Diana Ross.
"Walk like you have three men walking behind you."
After fashion designer Oscar de la Renta passed in October, searches for his creations rose 14x. Known for dressing movie stars and high society, his quote became an inspirational epigram.
Art, aliens and a Batmobile
We also lost the surrealist painter and sculptor H. R. Giger, who designed the terrifying creature in the Alien movies. His designs for the Batmobile, though never used, also spiked in search this year.
Top 5 searches for Giger’s Alien creations:
- Facehugger
- Predalien
- Chestbuster
- Alien
- Dog Alien
"She was the wildest, funniest, cleverest, wittiest and the most bonkers of all of us."
The tragic death of Peaches Geldof saw a rise in search for the many different aspects of her life, which included journalism, modeling and motherhood. Her father, Bob, gave this moving tribute.
"In a world..."
The immortal words spoken by Hal Douglas, whose legendary voice was featured on thousands of movie trailers and TV spots. He died in March after a career spanning 60 years.