Art Farmer
American trumpet player and composer
A prominent jazz trumpet player and composer, contributed significantly to the bebop and hard bop genres. Studied at the Manhattan School of Music and began performing with various bands during the 1940s. Formed the Jazz Sextet with fellow musicians and collaborated with notable artists such as Thelonious Monk and Quincy Jones. Helped popularize the flugelhorn and established a unique playing style that influenced many musicians. Recorded numerous albums, including 'Meet the Farmer' and 'The Aficionado.'
Led the Jazz Sextet
Popularized the flugelhorn in jazz
Other People Born on August 21st
X. J. Kennedy
American poet and translator
Born
August 21st, 1929 96 years ago
An influential figure in American poetry, contributions include numerous collections and anthologies. Editor for various literary journals, notable works span traditional and contemporary themes. Renowned for engagement in the poetic community through teaching and workshops, significantly shaping modern poetic voices. Activities include translation of various works, enhancing the accessibility of international literature within the American context.
Continue ReadingWilliam IV of the United Kingdom
King of the United Kingdom (1830-1837)
Born
August 21st, 1765 260 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1837 188 years ago — 71 years old
Ascended to the throne as the third son of George III. His reign saw the passage of the Reform Act 1832, which reformed the electoral system and expanded voting rights. The king supported the abolition of slavery and the establishment of the Naval Discipline Act. A keen sailor, he had a strong interest in naval matters and advocated for the Royal Navy's modernization. The period also experienced significant social and economic changes, with the Industrial Revolution transforming Britain.
Continue ReadingFrank Pastore
Baseball player and radio host
Born
August 21st, 1957 68 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 55 years old
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1979 to 1986, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds. Recorded a career-high 14 wins in the 1980 season and contributed to the team's success by appearing in multiple games during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Transitioned to a career in radio after retirement, hosting a talk show on Christian radio, where discussions centered on faith, politics, and current events.
Continue ReadingNicolás Almagro
Tennis player with ATP titles
Born
August 21st, 1985 40 years ago
A professional tennis player from Spain, competed primarily on the ATP tour. Gained prominence in the early 2000s and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 9 in 2012. Excelled on clay courts, capturing multiple ATP titles including the 2012 Nice Open. Participated in all four Grand Slam tournaments, with his best performance being a quarterfinal appearance at the French Open in 2008. Represented Spain in the Davis Cup, contributing to the team's successful campaigns during his tenure. Retired from professional tennis in 2018.
Continue ReadingJerry DaVanon
Baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals
Born
August 21st, 1945 80 years ago
Played as an infielder in Major League Baseball from 1965 to 1970. Notable for time spent with the St. Louis Cardinals and the California Angels. Concluded playing career with a total of 391 games in the MLB, primarily filling roles at shortstop and second base. Was part of the Cardinals organization during their competitive years.
Continue ReadingNikolay Bogolyubov
Mathematician and physicist, statistical physics
Born
August 21st, 1909 116 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1992 33 years ago — 82 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematical physics, particularly in statistical mechanics and quantum field theory. Developed methods for the study of many-body systems and contributed to the theory of superconductivity. His work in functional analysis and operator theory laid foundational approaches used in physics. Served as a professor at various institutions, influencing future generations of mathematicians and physicists. Authored numerous scientific papers and several books, which continue to be referenced in contemporary research.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 4th
Jean-Claude Duvalier
Haitian politician and president
Born
July 3rd, 1951 74 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2014 11 years ago — 63 years old
Served as the 41st President of Haiti from 1971 to 1986. Assumed power after the death of his father, François Duvalier, and ruled the country with an authoritarian regime. Economic instability and human rights violations characterized the tenure. Emigrated to France following a popular uprising that forced resignation. Returned to Haiti in 2011 but faced legal issues regarding corruption and embezzlement of funds during presidency.
Continue ReadingAnne Sexton
Poet and author of 'Live or Die'
Born
November 9th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1974 51 years ago — 45 years old
Born in 1928 in Newton, Massachusetts, this American poet became a central figure in confessional poetry. Notably, the work 'Live or Die' received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1967. Her poetry often explored themes of mental illness and personal experience, providing insight into the struggles of women during her time. As an academic, she taught at several institutions and contributed to the literary community through her teaching and mentorship. Sexton’s candid approach revolutionized the way poetry tackled personal and societal issues.
Continue ReadingBernard Buffet
French painter of Expressionist works
Born
July 10th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1999 26 years ago — 71 years old
Born in Paris, a prominent figure in the mid-20th century French art scene. Buffet developed a distinctive style characterized by bold lines and vivid colors, often depicting somber themes. He gained recognition during the 1940s and 1950s, producing a considerable body of work that included portraits, still lifes, and landscapes. His association with the Art Brut movement and being a member of the tachisme group drew attention to his work, leading to exhibitions across Europe and America. Besides painting, he worked in various media, including printmaking and stage design. Buffet's contribution to art was marked by the creation of numerous artworks that reflected the existential sentiments of his time.
Continue ReadingStefanos Stefanopoulos
Greek Prime Minister and politician
Born
July 3rd, 1898 127 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1982 43 years ago — 84 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1945 to 1946. Played a significant role during the aftermath of World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War, focusing on national reconciliation and recovery. Contributed to the rebuilding of political structures in Greece post-occupation. Participated in legislative reforms aimed at stabilizing the Greek government during a turbulent period.
Continue ReadingSarel Cilliers
South African preacher and activist
Born
September 7th, 1801 224 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1871 154 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1801, this figure was a prominent preacher and activist in South Africa during the 19th century. An influential leader in the Boer community, he played a significant role in the establishment of the Voortrekker movement. Cilliers was a key figure in the Great Trek, where he advocated for the migration of Afrikaans-speaking settlers into the interior of South Africa, seeking to escape British rule. His sermons and writings often inspired the pioneers and provided a sense of purpose and direction during a tumultuous period in South African history. His legacy includes contributions to the cultural and religious identity of Afrikaners.
Continue ReadingAlar Kotli
Estonian architect and urban planner
Born
August 27th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1963 62 years ago — 59 years old
An architect and urban planner contributed to the development of Estonian architecture in the mid-20th century. Worked as the chief designer for the planning of several significant buildings in Tallinn, including the Estonian National Museum and the Tallinn City Hall. Participated in creating urban plans that reflected modernist principles. His architectural philosophy emphasized functionality while integrating contemporary design with local cultural elements. Survived the challenges of political changes throughout his career and played a significant role in shaping Estonia's architectural landscape during the Soviet era.
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