All the People

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

Billy Mills

American runner, Olympic gold medalist
Born
June 30th, 1938 87 years ago

Achieved prominence as a distance runner, notable for winning the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Overcame significant challenges, including growing up on a Native American reservation and facing limited resources. Competed at the University of Kansas and set NCAA records. Climbed to the pinnacle of athletics with a legendary finishing kick, securing a historic victory in a race that remains celebrated in sports history.

Continue Reading

Billy Mitchell

General and aviation pioneer
Born
December 29th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1936 89 years ago — 56 years old

Served as a United States Army general and became a leading advocate for air power in the military. Played a pivotal role in the development of strategic bombing doctrine. Advocated for the formation of an independent air force, emphasizing the importance of aviation in modern warfare. In the 1920s, conducted numerous tests showcasing the capabilities of bombers against naval targets, leading to significant shifts in military strategy. Faced opposition from military leaders and retired in 1926, continuing to promote air power until death in 1936.

Continue Reading

Billy Mosforth

English footballer and engraver
Born
1857 169 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1929 96 years ago — 72 years old

One of the early figures in English football, contributed both on the pitch as a forward and off it as an engraver. Played for Leeds City in the early days of the Football League. Later, also participated in engraving, showcasing skills in a different medium. His dual contributions allowed for a unique blend of sports and artistry during the early 20th century.

Continue Reading

Billy Murdoch

Australian cricketer and captain
Born
October 18th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
1911 115 years ago — 57 years old

An influential cricketer, made significant contributions to Australian cricket during the late 19th century. Played primarily as a wicketkeeper and batsman, participated in the first Test match played by Australia in 1877. Served as captain of the national team and led Australia in several Test series. Involved in the establishment of the Victorian Cricket Association and was instrumental in the development of cricket in Australia. Worked as a journalist after retirement, covering cricket and other sports.

Continue Reading

Billy Ocean

Singer-songwriter and Grammy Award winner
Born
January 21st, 1950 76 years ago

Born in Trinidad and raised in England, this singer-songwriter gained significant popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. The musical style incorporates elements of pop, soul, and reggae. Chart success included numerous hit singles, with 'Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)' topping the Billboard Hot 100. The artist's work earned a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1985. The dynamic live performances and distinct voice contributed to a lasting presence in the music industry.

Continue Reading

Bill Young

American politician and sergeant
Born
December 16th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
October 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 82 years old

Served as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 10th congressional district from 1971 to 2014. Participated in various committees including Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure. Prior military service in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Continue Reading

Billy Owens

Basketball player and NBA All-Star
Born
May 1st, 1969 56 years ago

Professional basketball player, played primarily as a forward. Entered the NBA in 1991, drafted 3rd overall by the Sacramento Kings. Played for several teams including the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and the Toronto Raptors. Notable for contributing to the Kings in the early 1990s and later having significant roles with other franchises.

Continue Reading

Billy Paul

Soul singer of 'Me and Mrs. Jones'
Born
December 1st, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1934, one of the noted soul singers, achieved fame with the hit single 'Me and Mrs. Jones' in 1972, which reached number one on the Billboard chart. His career began in the 1950s, performing with various artists and recording with notable labels. Active throughout the 60s and 70s, Paul's work featured elements of jazz and R&B, contributing to the soul genre's evolution. He produced several albums during his career, with many songs reflecting social themes and personal narratives. Continued to perform and record into the later years of life, leaving a lasting influence on the soul music scene.

Continue Reading

Billy Pierce

Baseball pitcher and sportscaster
Born
April 2nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old

A professional baseball player, this individual played in Major League Baseball primarily as a pitcher from 1945 to 1964. The player spent the majority of his career with the Chicago White Sox, where he became an All-Star and was integral to the team's success. After retiring from baseball, transitioned to sports broadcasting, providing analysis and commentary on games. The player also participated in the 1959 World Series with the White Sox.

Continue Reading

Billy Porter

Actor and singer, starred in Pose
Born
September 21st, 1969 56 years ago

An American actor and singer achieved recognition for a prominent role in the television series 'Pose', which focused on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the ballroom scene. Porter also gained fame for performances in Broadway productions such as 'Kinky Boots', which earned a Tony Award. His musical career includes a Grammy Award for his album 'Billy Porter'. Additionally, he is celebrated for his distinctive fashion sense and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Continue Reading

Billy Powell

Keyboard player for Lynyrd Skynyrd
Born
1952 74 years ago
Died
January 28th, 2009 17 years ago — 57 years old

An American keyboard player and songwriter played a significant role in the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Joined the band in the early 1970s, contributing to the band's distinctive sound with synthesizers and piano. Participated in the band's albums, including 'Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd' and 'Second Helping.' Survived the tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several band members and later returned to the band, continuing to perform until his death in 2009.

Continue Reading

Billy Preston

Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
September 2nd, 1946 79 years ago
Died
June 6th, 2006 19 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in the music industry, recognized for contributions as a singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor. Gained acclaim for work with artists such as The Beatles and Sly and the Family Stone. Achieved commercial success with hit singles like "Nothing from Nothing" and "Will It Go Round in Circles," both reaching the top of the charts. Served as a session musician for various renowned acts and participated in significant live performances, including the famous concert at Madison Square Garden in 1971 with George Harrison.

Continue Reading