Adam Yauch

Full Name: Adam Nathaniel Yauch [MCA/Nathanial Hörnblowér]
Profession: Rocker

Nationality:

Biography: Adam Nathaniel Yauch was an American rapper, bassist, and filmmaker, best known as a founding member of the hip hop group Beastie Boys.

During his high school years, Yauch founded the Beastie Boys. After a brief period at Bard College, the group released their debut album Licensed to Ill in 1986, propelling them into fame when he was just 22 years old. Yauch, under the pseudonym Nathanial Hörnblowér, was the creative force behind many of the Beastie Boys' music videos and took a significant step into the film industry by founding Oscilloscope Laboratories.

By 2010, the Beastie Boys had sold over 40 million records worldwide. Yauch's influence was further recognized when he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2012. A year earlier, Bard College had honored him with the Charles Flint Kellogg Award in Arts and Letters for his contributions to the arts.

Outside of music, Yauch made his mark as a filmmaker, directing the documentary Gunnin' For That #1 Spot in 2008 and producing music albums including Bad Brains' Build a Nation in 2007. His company, Oscilloscope Laboratories, went on to distribute critically-acclaimed films such as Wendy and Lucy (2008) and We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011).

A dedicated practitioner of Buddhism, Yauch was also noted for his advocacy for Tibetan. He founded the Milarepa Fund and organized benefit concerts to support the cause. In his personal life, Yauch married Dechen Wangdu in 1998, and they welcomed their daughter Tenzin Losel that same year.

Yauch faced a health challenge when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, which affected the Beastie Boys' schedule, delaying their album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two and leading to the cancellation of their tour. He died on May 4, 2012, at the age of 47.

Born: August 5, 1964
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Leo

Died: May 4, 2012 (aged 47)
Cause of Death: Cancer