Ali Farka Touré

Malian singer-songwriter and guitarist

Ali Farka Touré - Malian singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born

October 31st, 1939
85 years ago

Died

March 7th, 2006
19 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Mali

Links & References

A prominent Malian musician and guitarist, renowned for blending traditional African music with blues. Achievements include multiple Grammy Awards, reflecting the global influence of his work. His albums, such as "Talking Timbuktu" and "Niafunke," showcased the rich musical heritage of Mali and introduced African music to wider audiences. Collaborated with various international musicians, enhancing cultural exchange through music.

Won two Grammy Awards in 1994 and 2006

Released acclaimed albums like 'Talking Timbuktu'

Pioneered the fusion of African music and blues

Other People Born on October 31st

Senesino

Italian opera singer and actor
Born
October 31st, 1686 338 years ago
Died
1758 267 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Italy, a prominent figure in the 18th century opera scene. Achieved acclaim for rich voice and powerful performances in operatic productions. Performed at renowned theaters including London's Covent Garden. Worked with notable composers such as Handel and was central to the development of opera seria in England. Had a significant influence on the singing style of the time.

Continue Reading

Alexander Alekhine

Russian chess player and World Champion
Born
October 31st, 1892 132 years ago
Died
March 24th, 1946 78 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent chess player, achieved the title of World Chess Champion in 1927 and held it until 1935, then regained it from 1937 until death in 1946. Renowned for innovative strategies and complex play, contributed extensively to chess literature, particularly in opening theory. His rivalry with José Raúl Capablanca and subsequent matches are considered pivotal in chess history.

Continue Reading

Julia Peterkin

American author of Scarlet Sister Mary
Born
October 31st, 1880 144 years ago
Died
August 10th, 1961 63 years ago — 80 years old

An American author wrote about African American life in the rural South during the early 20th century. Scarlet Sister Mary, published in 1928, earned the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1929. Her works often explored themes of culture, spirituality, and heritage. Peterkin's unique perspective contributed to the literary representation of Southern black communities. She published several other works, including children's books and poetry, reflecting her diverse interests and experiences in the South.

Continue Reading

Buddy Lazier

Race car driver, Indy 500 champion
Born
October 31st, 1967 57 years ago

A successful race car driver from the United States, achieved prominence in the IndyCar series. Excelled in open-wheel racing, securing the prestigious Indianapolis 500 title in 1996. Competed for multiple teams throughout the career, including Galles Racing and Hemelgarn Racing. Participated in several seasons of the Indy Racing League, consistently demonstrating skill on challenging tracks.

Continue Reading

Anne Claude de Caylus

Archaeologist and author of 'Recueil d'Antiquités'
Born
October 31st, 1692 332 years ago
Died
1765 260 years ago — 73 years old

An archaeologist and author explored ancient artifacts and contributed to the understanding of classical antiquity. Authored 'Recueil d'Antiquités', a detailed work that illustrated various artifacts and architectural remains. This publication played a significant role in the study and appreciation of archaeology in Europe during the 18th century. Worked extensively in cataloging and analyzing artifacts collected from different regions, enhancing the knowledge of historical contexts.

Continue Reading

Annabella Lwin

Singer-songwriter and record producer
Born
October 31st, 1966 58 years ago

Born in 1966, this Anglo-Burmese artist gained prominence as the lead singer of the band Bow Wow Wow, which blended punk, new wave, and world music influences. The band’s single 'I Want Candy' became a popular hit in the early 1980s, showcasing her distinctive voice and energetic stage presence. After Bow Wow Wow, this artist embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums that highlighted her songwriting skills and eclectic musical style. Collaborations with various artists further demonstrated versatility in the music industry.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 7th

Jean-Pierre Blanchard

Pioneer of balloon flight invention
Born
July 4th, 1753 271 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1809 216 years ago — 55 years old

Inventor and aeronaut, played a key role in advancing balloon flight in the late 18th century. Conducted the first successful manned flight in the United States in 1793, launching from Philadelphia. Collaborated with various scientists and made significant contributions to aerial navigation. Developed different types of balloons and contributed to public demonstrations that popularized ballooning in Europe and America.

Continue Reading

Bradbury Robinson

American football player and physician
Born
February 1st, 1884 141 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1949 76 years ago — 65 years old

An American football player and physician who played as a quarterback. He gained recognition for being the first player to throw a forward pass in a college football game. The forward pass became a crucial component of modern football gameplay. After his sports career, he pursued medicine and contributed to the field as a physician.

Continue Reading

Robert Townsend

Actor and director of Hollywood Shuffle
Born
February 6th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1838 187 years ago — -119 years old

An American actor and director, engaged in film and television since the 1980s. Gained recognition through the film 'Hollywood Shuffle', which was released in 1987 and provided commentary on race and representation in the entertainment industry. Directed the acclaimed television series 'The Parenthood', which aired from 1995 to 2000. Contributed to various projects highlighting African American culture and experiences in media.

Continue Reading

Frederick B. Karl

American politician and lieutenant
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
March 7th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a lieutenant in the United States Army. Held various political offices in Florida, including serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives and as the Mayor of Tampa. Advocated for public service and community development throughout his political career.

Continue Reading

Paul Winfield

American actor in film and television
Born
May 22nd, 1939 85 years ago
Died
March 7th, 2004 21 years ago — 64 years old

This actor achieved prominence in film and television during the 1970s and 1980s. Notable performances include roles in the movie 'Sounder' and the television series 'The Twilight Zone'. The career spanned over three decades, showcasing versatility in both dramatic and science fiction genres. Winfield received critical acclaim for his performances and was recognized as a significant figure in the entertainment industry, particularly for representing African American characters on screen. Winfield also lent his voice to various animated series and films, further expanding his contributions to the arts.

Continue Reading

Yoshihiro Tatsumi

Japanese manga artist and author
Born
June 10th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
March 7th, 2015 10 years ago — 79 years old

An influential manga artist and writer, contributed significantly to the development of the manga genre, particularly through the art of gekiga, a form of graphic novel characterized by its more serious, adult themes. Released the groundbreaking work 'Gekiga, Story of the Life of a Comic Artist' that explored personal experience and societal issues. Established a legacy that shaped modern manga narrative and art style, influencing future generations of creators. Passed away in 2015.

Continue Reading