All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

Les Moss

Baseball player and manager, All-Star
Born
1925 101 years ago
Died
August 29th, 2012 14 years ago — 87 years old

Played professional baseball primarily as a catcher from the 1940s to 1950s. Managed multiple teams, including the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox. Contributed to the development of players and coaching staff throughout a lengthy career in baseball. Also served as a scout for various organizations, sharing expertise and knowledge of the game.

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Les Munro

New Zealand soldier and pilot
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2015 11 years ago — 96 years old

Served as a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War II. Participated in the famous Operation Chastise, which targeted German dams in 1943 using the iconic Lancaster bombers. Munro was a key member of 617 Squadron, also known as the Dambusters, which played a significant role in military aviation history. After the war, he contributed to various aviation endeavors and remained active in the veteran community until his passing.

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Les Murray

Australian poet and anthologist
Born
October 17th, 1938 88 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 81 years old

An Australian poet and anthologist emerged as a prominent literary figure in the late 20th century. Contributions included numerous collections of poetry, such as 'The Biplane Houses' and 'Subhuman Redneck Poems'. Work often reflected themes of landscape, culture, and identity, providing insights into Australian life. Murray also served as editor for various anthologies, promoting poetry from both established and emerging voices within the literary community. His influence extended through essays and criticism, further shaping the discourse around poetry in Australia.

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Les Paul

Guitar innovator and pioneer of multi-tracking
Born
June 9th, 1915 111 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2009 17 years ago — 94 years old

A highly influential guitarist and songwriter, contributed significantly to the development of electric guitar technology and recording techniques. Pioneered the use of overdubbing and multi-track recording, which transformed music production. Collaborated with numerous artists and released several successful albums throughout a lengthy career. Popularized the solid-body electric guitar, which became a staple in rock music. His innovative spirit and technical expertise left a lasting legacy in both the music industry and guitar design.

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Lesser Ury

German painter known for Impressionism
Born
November 7th, 1861 165 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1931 95 years ago — 69 years old

Lesser Ury was a German painter associated with the Impressionist movement. Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ury primarily focused on urban scenes and landscapes, capturing the fleeting effects of light and color. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin and later moved to Paris, where he was influenced by the Impressionists. His work was exhibited in several notable exhibitions, and he became an influential figure in German art circles. Ury's paintings often depicted the streets of Berlin, cafes, and landscapes, showcasing his unique approach to color and light. He continued to produce significant works until his death in 1931.

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Lester Allan Pelton

American inventor of the Pelton wheel
Born
September 5th, 1829 197 years ago
Died
1908 118 years ago — 79 years old

An American inventor contributed significantly to hydropower technology. Developed the Pelton wheel, a turbine design that efficiently harnesses energy from flowing water. This innovation played a crucial role in the expansion of hydroelectric power generation in the late 19th century. Established the Pelton Water Wheel Company in 1878 to manufacture his invention, which remains widely used in various applications worldwide. Also involved in several legal disputes over patent rights, ensuring the protection of his innovations.

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Lester Allen

Circus actor and film director
Born
November 17th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1949 77 years ago — 58 years old

An American screen, stage, vaudeville, and circus actor, as well as a film director. Established a career in various realms of performance, engaging audiences through multifaceted talents. Worked extensively in both the circus and vaudeville, showcasing dynamic skills in entertainment. Transitioned into film direction, contributing creatively to the cinematic landscape during the early to mid-20th century.

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Lester Bangs

Music journalist and rock critic
Born
December 14th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1982 44 years ago — 33 years old

A prominent figure in music journalism during the 1970s, known for engaging and often controversial writings on rock music. Contributed to notable publications such as Rolling Stone, Creem, and The Village Voice. Authored several books and essays, encapsulating the ethos of rock 'n' roll culture. Bangs often blended humor and criticism, championing artists while critiquing the industry. His influential style paved the way for future music critics and left a lasting legacy in the field.

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Lester Bowie

Trumpet player and jazz composer
Born
October 11th, 1941 85 years ago
Died
November 8th, 1999 27 years ago — 58 years old

A prominent figure in avant-garde jazz, significantly contributed to the genre through both performance and composition. Co-founded the Art Ensemble of Chicago, which became influential in the jazz scene during the late 1960s and 1970s. Frequently incorporated a variety of musical styles, including funk, blues, and African rhythms, into his performances. Collaborated with numerous notable musicians and released several albums as a bandleader, showcasing distinctive trumpet playing and innovative compositions. His work expanded the boundaries of jazz and inspired future generations of musicians.

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Lester B. Pearson

Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel laureate
Born
April 23rd, 1897 129 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1972 53 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968. Played a significant role in establishing Canada's modern welfare state and promoting peacekeeping initiatives. Instrumental in the creation of the United Nations Emergency Force, which aimed to resolve the Suez Crisis. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for efforts in peacekeeping and international diplomacy.

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Lester Dent

Author of Doc Savage series
Born
October 12th, 1904 122 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1959 67 years ago — 54 years old

Developed the character Doc Savage, a legendary hero in magazines and novels. Contributed significantly to the pulp fiction genre in the 1930s and 1940s. Created intricate plots and adventurous scenarios that captivated readers. Influenced the development of superhero narratives and inspired future writers in the genre.

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Lester Flatt

Bluegrass musician and songwriter
Born
June 19th, 1914 112 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1979 47 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent bluegrass singer-songwriter and musician, contributed significantly to the genre's development. Founded the legendary band, The Foggy Mountain Boys, alongside Earl Scruggs. Gained widespread recognition for the song "The Ballad of Jed Clampett," which served as the theme for the TV show 'The Beverly Hillbillies.' Recorded numerous albums throughout the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing a distinctive style that blended traditional Appalachian music with contemporary influences. Influenced a generation of musicians and served as a key figure in defining bluegrass music.

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