Arrigo Boito
Italian composer and librettist
One of the notable figures in Italian opera, a career included significant contributions as a composer and librettist. Authored the librettos for several major operas, including 'Falstaff' and 'Otello' for Giuseppe Verdi. Also composed operas such as 'Mefistofele', which received acclaim for its lyrical depth and innovative approach. Boito made contributions to the Italian music scene as a journalist and critic, influencing contemporary composers and the direction of Italian opera during his time.
Wrote the libretto for 'Otello' by Verdi
Composed 'Mefistofele'
Other People Born on February 24th
Eddie Murray
Baseball player; Hall of Famer
Born
February 24th, 1956 69 years ago
Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1977, playing primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter. Represented the Baltimore Orioles for the majority of a career that spanned 21 seasons. Accumulated over 3,200 hits and 500 home runs. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. After retirement, served as a hitting coach for various teams at the Major League level.
Continue ReadingTommy Burleson
American basketball player and champion
Born
February 24th, 1952 73 years ago
A professional basketball player, contributed significantly to the sport during the 1970s. Played as a center and reached the pinnacle of collegiate basketball by winning the NCAA Championship with North Carolina State University in 1974. Entered the NBA where played for the Atlanta Hawks and the Denver Nuggets. Became known for his impressive height and skills on the court, solidifying a reputation in the basketball community.
Continue ReadingMichelle Shocked
Singer-songwriter with acclaimed albums
Born
February 24th, 1962 63 years ago
Born in 1962, this American artist gained recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s for folk and rock music. Debut album, 'Short Sharp Shocked', released in 1988, featured a mix of styles and received critical acclaim. Subsequent works, including 'Arkansas Traveler' and 'Captain Swing', showcased a blend of political themes and personal storytelling. This artist also performed at various festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival, solidifying a dedicated fanbase. Through live performances and recordings, this singer-songwriter contributed to discussions on social issues and expressed personal narratives.
Continue ReadingJohn Vernon
Canadian-American actor known for roles in films
Born
February 24th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
February 1st, 2005 20 years ago — 72 years old
A Canadian-American actor, prominent in film and television, became recognized for distinctive performances throughout a prolific career. Featured in the movie 'Animal House' as Dean Vernon Wormer, this role became iconic and showcased a blend of authority and humor. Additionally, starred in the television series 'Kung Fu' as the character 'The Sheriff.' His versatility allowed appearances in various other genres, contributing to a memorable legacy in the entertainment industry. Work spanned from the 1960s until the early 2000s, leaving a notable mark in popular culture, especially within comedic and dramatic roles.
Continue ReadingSamuel Lover
Irish composer and writer of 'Rip Van Winkle'
Born
February 24th, 1797 228 years ago
Died
1868 157 years ago — 71 years old
Born in Dublin, this individual made significant contributions to music, literature, and painting. He composed numerous operas and songs, with works that resonated with audiences in the 19th century. The most notable literary work is 'Rip Van Winkle', which showcased a blend of narrative and humor. Besides writing, he also pursued painting, gaining recognition in the art community. Lover's work reflected themes of Irish culture and life, and he was part of the artistic circles in London and Dublin, influencing contemporaries across multiple disciplines.
Continue ReadingBud Day
Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient
Born
February 24th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old
A colonel and pilot in the United States Air Force, distinguished for service during the Vietnam War. Day flew over 60 combat missions and was shot down while on a bombing mission in 1967. After surviving capture, endured over five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, facing severe torture and hardships. Released in 1973, continued to serve the military and became a prominent advocate for veterans' rights.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 10th
Warner Fusselle
Sportscaster, Host of MLB on ESPN
Born
April 7th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
June 10th, 2012 13 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1944, a prominent sportscaster in American sports broadcasting. Served as the host for Major League Baseball on ESPN during the 1980s and 1990s. Established a reputation for insightful commentary and engaging presentation style. Contributed to various sports programming, offering coverage for multiple sports including baseball and football. Held roles on several networks throughout a career spanning decades, influencing how sports coverage evolved in television.
Continue ReadingAdolph Zukor
Film producer, co-founder of Paramount
Born
January 7th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1976 49 years ago — 103 years old
Co-founded Paramount Pictures in 1912, influencing the development of the American film industry. Pioneered the use of feature-length films, which transformed the movie-going experience. Produced several successful films during the early 20th century, helping to establish Hollywood as the center of global cinema. Expanded the studio's reach into the international market and negotiated key distribution agreements.
Continue ReadingMarcus Garvey
Jamaican activist and Black Star Line founder
Born
August 17th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1940 85 years ago — 52 years old
Born in Jamaica, a prominent journalist and activist emerged, advocating for the rights and empowerment of people of African descent. Founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, which aimed to unite and uplift the global African community. Established the Black Star Line, a shipping company intended to facilitate trade and transport for the African diaspora. Promoted the philosophy of Black nationalism and Pan-Africanism, encouraging economic independence and self-reliance among African-Americans. Garvey faced legal troubles, including a conviction for mail fraud, leading to deportation from the United States to Jamaica in 1927. Continued activism in Jamaica and later in London. His ideas and initiatives influenced future civil rights movements.
Continue ReadingFrederick Delius
English composer of orchestral music
Born
January 29th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1934 91 years ago — 72 years old
Born in 1862, this English composer rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Delius created a distinctive musical style, blending elements of impressionism and pastoral themes. After spending time in Florida, the composer's works often reflected the American landscape and atmosphere. His orchestral piece, 'On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring,' is widely recognized and showcases his lyrical approach to composition. Delius gained acclaim in Europe, particularly through the advocacy of conductor Thomas Beecham, who brought many of his works to the concert stage, resulting in greater international recognition.
Continue ReadingSigmar Polke
German painter and photographer
Born
February 13th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
June 10th, 2010 15 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent figure in the art world, contributions encompassed painting, photography, and collage. Pioneered innovative techniques combining traditional and experimental methods. Emerged as a key member of the Capitalist Realism movement, which responded to post-war consumer culture in West Germany. Explored themes of capitalism, history, and media, often utilizing humor and irony. Exhibited works globally in galleries and museums.
Continue ReadingAgnes of Austria
Duchess, married to the King of Hungary
Born
1281 744 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1364 661 years ago — 83 years old
Born into the House of Habsburg, played a significant role in European politics through marriage. Became the wife of King Charles I of Hungary, strengthening ties between the Habsburg dynasty and the Kingdom of Hungary. Involved in various political intrigues and alliances, particularly during the struggles for control over Hungarian lands. After the death of her husband, focused on the welfare of her children and the management of the Habsburg territories, ensuring the continuation of the family's influence in Central Europe.
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