André Previn
Composer and conductor of Hollywood films
A prominent musician, recognized for significant contributions as a conductor, composer, and pianist. Began a career in Hollywood, creating scores for films and won multiple Academy Awards. Served as conductor for various renowned orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra. Also made notable contributions to classical music and jazz, merging genres in innovative ways. Transitioned between classical and popular music throughout a prolific career, influencing many in the field.
Won four Academy Awards for film scores
Conducted the London Symphony Orchestra
Recorded extensively in both classical and jazz genres
Other People Born on April 6th
Shannon Boyd-Bailey McCune
Geographer and academic with notable research
Born
April 6th, 1913 113 years ago
Died
1993 33 years ago — 80 years old
A significant figure in geography, contributed extensively to the study of urban and regional planning. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing the field through teaching and research. Published numerous articles and books that advanced geographic thought. Participated in various academic organizations, promoting scholarly exchanges and collaborations.
Continue ReadingJoseph Medill
Journalist and Chicago Mayor
Born
April 6th, 1823 203 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1899 127 years ago — 75 years old
A prominent journalist and politician, dedicated efforts to develop the Chicago Tribune, influencing public discourse through journalism. Served as the 26th Mayor of Chicago, overseeing significant city developments and engaging in political reforms. Supported Republican causes and participated in various community initiatives, solidifying a legacy within local and national politics.
Continue ReadingHarold Eugene Edgerton
Engineer and pioneer in high-speed photography
Born
April 6th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1990 36 years ago — 86 years old
Contributions to the field of electrical engineering included advancements in high-speed photography and stroboscopic lighting. Developed the electronic flash that allowed freezing moments of time in photography, significantly aiding both scientific research and artistic expression. Founded the company Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, which provided innovative solutions in engineering and technology. Served as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where research included the study of motion in sports and nature.
Continue ReadingJ. G. Parry-Thomas
Race car driver and engineer, Real Monza
Born
April 6th, 1884 142 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1927 99 years ago — 42 years old
A Welsh race car driver and engineer, achievements included significant contributions to automotive engineering and racing. Competed in the 1926 French Grand Prix and set a land speed record of 171.021 mph in 1926 with the racing car named Babs. Focused on engineering innovations in vehicle design, particularly in the realm of speed and safety. Collaborated with notable figures in motorsports and contributed to the development of racing technology.
Continue ReadingVirginia Hall
Spy during World War II
Born
April 6th, 1906 120 years ago
Died
1982 44 years ago — 76 years old
An American spy operated in France during World War II for both the United Kingdom and the United States. Hall joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and worked with the French Resistance, gathering intelligence and facilitating operations against the Nazis. She became one of the most effective spies of the war, despite having a wooden leg due to a hunting accident. Hall's skills in espionage and her ability to blend into local environments contributed to the Allied efforts in Europe.
Continue ReadingIvan Dixon
American actor and director of 'Hogans Heroes'
Born
April 6th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
March 16th, 2008 18 years ago — 76 years old
An actor, director, and producer with a career spanning several decades. Best recognized for the role of Staff Sergeant James 'Kinch' Kinchloe on the television series 'Hogan's Heroes', which aired from 1965 to 1971. Directed numerous television episodes, contributing to various significant projects. After his acting career, shifted focus to directing and producing, particularly in television. Advocated for African-American representation in the entertainment industry throughout his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 28th
Charles Bassett
American astronaut and engineer
Born
1931 95 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1966 60 years ago — 35 years old
An accomplished engineer and captain in the U.S. Air Force, dedicated to advancing aerospace technology. Participated in numerous projects focused on test flying and experimental aircraft. Selected as an astronaut in 1966, he was assigned to the Gemini program, aiming for missions that would contribute to human space exploration. Tragically, a plane crash claimed his life shortly before a planned mission. Posthumously honored for contributions to NASA and the advancement of space exploration.
Continue ReadingCharles Nicolle
French biologist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
September 21st, 1866 159 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1936 90 years ago — 69 years old
A French biologist and academic contributed significantly to the understanding of disease transmission. In 1928, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries related to typhus fever and the role of lice as vectors of disease. His research laid the groundwork for advances in public health and preventive medicine. Beyond the Nobel Prize, served as a director of the Pasteur Institute in Tunis, where important work on infectious diseases was conducted. Published over 200 papers and continued to influence the field of microbiology until death in 1936.
Continue ReadingKhosrow II
Shah of Iran, Sasanian Empire
Died
February 28th, 628 1398 years ago — None years old
Ruled as Shah of the Sasanian Empire from 590 to 628. His reign was marked by a restoration of the Persian state, engaging in significant military campaigns, particularly against the Byzantine Empire. Khosrow II successfully captured Jerusalem in 614, leading to the acquisition of the True Cross. His governance included administrative reforms and advancements in arts and architecture. The latter part of his rule faced internal strife and external pressures, culminating in a revolt that led to his downfall and death.
Continue ReadingOwen Chamberlain
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
Born
July 10th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2006 20 years ago — 85 years old
Contributed significantly to particle physics, particularly through research on mesons. Conducted experiments that led to the discovery of the antiproton, which expanded the understanding of the composition of matter. Worked at the University of California, Berkeley, where collaboration with other physicists fostered advancements in the field. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1959 for efforts in experimental particle physics. His work established a foundation for subsequent developments in high-energy physics.
Continue ReadingArthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
American historian and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
October 15th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2007 19 years ago — 89 years old
An influential American historian and critic contributed extensively to the understanding of American history through numerous publications. Served as a special assistant to President John F. Kennedy and was involved in the administration's cultural affairs. Schlesinger authored multiple works, which included explorations of American liberalism and historical narratives. His scholarship and critical analyses shaped discussions around presidential power and American identity.
Continue ReadingRuby Keeler
Actress and dancer in Broadway musicals
Born
August 25th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1993 33 years ago — 83 years old
An influential actress and dancer, starred in several hit Broadway productions during the 1920s and 1930s. Gained notoriety for performances in musicals such as 'No, No, Nanette' and 'Sugar Babies'. Transitioned to film, featuring in Warner Bros. musical films like '42nd Street' and 'Gold Diggers of 1933'. Her contributions to musical theatre and film solidified her prominence in the entertainment industry. Continued performing until the 1980s, showcasing a lasting commitment to dance and musical performance.
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