Albert King
Blues guitarist and singer-songwriter
Acclaimed as a pivotal figure in the blues genre, a blend of powerful guitar work and soulful vocal style characterized the artist's career. Active primarily from the 1950s through the 1990s, numerous albums and live performances showcased talent and musicianship. The artist's work greatly influenced the blues-rock movement and inspired countless musicians. Highlights included collaboration with other legendary blues musicians and inclusion in the Blues Hall of Fame.
Released the seminal album 'Born Under a Bad Sign'
Influenced guitarists like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Other People Born on April 25th
Louis IX of France
King of France, led two Crusades
Born
April 25th, 1214 811 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1270 755 years ago — 56 years old
Louis IX served as King of France from 1226 until his death in 1270. He was a devout Christian and actively involved in religious matters. His reign included efforts to reform the administration of justice and improve the welfare of his subjects. He participated in the Seventh and Eighth Crusades, aiming to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. Louis IX was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1297, becoming Saint Louis. His dedication to faith and righteousness influenced his policies and governance.
Continue ReadingHoward Garis
American author of Uncle Wiggily stories
Born
April 25th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 89 years old
Born in 1873, this author created the beloved Uncle Wiggily series, which features the adventures of a kind and gentle rabbit. The stories, first published in the early 20th century, quickly became popular among children and parents alike. The tales often involve themes of friendship and kindness, appealing to young readers. Over the years, numerous stories were written, making Uncle Wiggily a staple in children's literature. The series not only entertained but also contributed significantly to early American children's storytelling.
Continue ReadingOliver Cromwell
English general and politician
Born
April 25th, 1599 426 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 1658 367 years ago — 59 years old
A military and political leader during the English Civil War, commanded the New Model Army against King Charles I. After the king's execution, served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Led campaigns in Ireland and Scotland, shaping the future of England's governance.
Continue ReadingNicolas Oudinot
French general and military leader
Born
April 25th, 1767 258 years ago
Died
September 13th, 1847 178 years ago — 80 years old
Born in France, a prominent military leader during the Napoleonic Wars. Commanded troops in several key battles including the Battle of Eylau in 1807 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. His leadership contributed to various victories and campaigns throughout Europe. Served with distinction, achieving the rank of Marshal of France. Notably participated in the Russian campaign and the defense of Paris.
Continue ReadingGeorge Nēpia
Rugby player and referee in New Zealand
Born
April 25th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1986 39 years ago — 81 years old
Played rugby union for the New Zealand national team, known as the All Blacks, between 1924 and 1930. Participated in the first-ever test match against the British and Irish Lions in 1930. After retiring as a player, worked as a referee in rugby matches, contributing to the sport in different capacities.
Continue ReadingGeorge Roth
American gymnast, 1932 Olympic medalist
Born
April 25th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1997 28 years ago — 86 years old
Competed in gymnastics, winning a bronze medal in the team event at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Contributed to the growth and popularity of gymnastics in the United States during the 1930s. Achieved multiple titles in national competitions, showcasing skill across various gymnastics disciplines.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 21st
Friedrich August von Quenstedt
Geologist and palaeontologist
Born
July 10th, 1809 216 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1889 136 years ago — 80 years old
Contributed significantly to geology and palaeontology during the 19th century. Worked extensively on the classification of fossils, particularly from the Jurassic period. Authored several pivotal works, including the influential treatise 'Die Gesteine Württembergs', detailing the geology of Württemberg. His research focused on the stratigraphy and fossil records, establishing foundational concepts in the study of prehistoric life.
Continue ReadingJohn Eisenhower
Historian and U.S. Ambassador to Belgium
Born
August 3rd, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 21st, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old
Served as the 45th United States Ambassador to Belgium from 1969 to 1971. Held the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army and contributed to military history through writing and research. Authored several books on military history, including a biography of his father, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Had a career in diplomacy and military service that spanned decades.
Continue ReadingViolette Neatley Anderson
American judge and legal pioneer
Born
July 16th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1937 88 years ago — 55 years old
First African American woman to practice law in Illinois. Served as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Advocated for civil rights and women's issues throughout her career, contributing to significant legal advancements. Established a legal practice that focused on serving underrepresented communities. Instrumental in breaking barriers for women and people of color in the legal profession.
Continue ReadingRichard Long
English painter and sculptor
Born
June 2nd, 1945 80 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1974 51 years ago — 29 years old
Born in 1945, this individual is recognized for contributions to land art and environmental art. A career spanned several decades, focusing on using natural materials to create artworks that are often situated in outdoor settings. The practice involved walking in landscapes, with artworks documented through photography. This artist's approach emphasizes the relationship between nature and artistic expression.
Continue ReadingNikolaas Tinbergen
Ethologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 15th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1988 37 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent ethologist and ornithologist, this individual contributed significantly to the study of animal behavior. The research emphasized instinctive behavior in animals and introduced the concept of fixed action patterns. In 1973, shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Konrad Lorenz and Karl von Frisch for discoveries concerning organization and elicitation of individual and social behavior patterns in animals. His work laid foundational principles in ethology and significantly advanced understanding of animal behavior, breeding, and communications.
Continue ReadingTed Healy
Actor and comedian of the 1920s era
Born
October 1st, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1937 88 years ago — 41 years old
An American actor, singer, and screenwriter, gained popularity in the 1920s as a comedian in vaudeville and on Broadway. Created the comedy team The Three Stooges, which later became iconic in film and television. Transitioned to film during the 1930s, appearing in various prominent movies. His work contributed to the evolution of slapstick comedy in American entertainment.
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