Barney McKenna

Irish musician and banjo player

Barney McKenna - Artists & Creatives born 1939
Born

1939
87 years ago

Died
Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Ireland

Links & References

Originally from Dublin, a prominent figure in Irish traditional music, playing the banjo and tenor banjo. Co-founded the famous folk group The Dubliners in 1962, which contributed significantly to the global popularity of Irish folk music. Performed for decades, showcasing unique instrumentation and storytelling in songs. Contributed to numerous albums and appeared in various television and festival events, promoting Irish cultural heritage. His work influenced many musicians in the genre, and he continued to perform until his passing in 2012.

Co-founded The Dubliners

Played the banjo and tenor banjo

Other People Who Died on April 5th

Mischa Elman

Ukrainian-American violinist and soloist
Born
January 20th, 1891 135 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1967 58 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1891, one of the most prominent violinists of the early 20th century. Studied under famous teachers and began performing as a child. Gained international acclaim for virtuosic performances. Made significant contributions to popularizing classical music through concert tours and recordings. Collaborated with notable orchestras and conductors, contributing to the legacy of classical music. Recorded extensively, leaving a rich catalog of performances that highlighted the capabilities of the violin.

Continue Reading

Ain-Ervin Mere

Estonian SS officer during WWII
Born
1903 123 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1969 56 years ago — 66 years old

Served as an officer in the German SS during World War II. Participated in military operations on the Eastern Front. Involved in the administration of repressive measures in occupied territories. After the war, remained a controversial figure due to association with the Nazi regime.

Continue Reading

Tell Berna

American middle-distance runner
Born
1891 135 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1975 50 years ago — 84 years old

Competed in middle and long-distance events. Participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, representing the United States. Career highlighted by success in national championships and various track meets.

Continue Reading

Peter Matthiessen

Novel Writer and Paris Review Co-founder
Born
May 22nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2014 11 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent American novelist and short story writer, played a significant role in American literature through both creative writing and editorial work. Co-founded The Paris Review, a prestigious literary magazine that has published numerous acclaimed writers. Produced notable works blending fiction and non-fiction, often exploring nature and the human condition. Achieved recognition for both literary and environmental advocacy.

Continue Reading

Princess Charlotte Wilhelmine of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld

German princess, consort of Duke
Born
1685 341 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1767 258 years ago — 82 years old

Born into the Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld family, this princess became the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg as the consort of Ernest Frederick. Her marriage strengthened the political relationships between families of German nobility. While little is recorded about her personal life, her position contributed to the lineage that eventually connected to later European royalty. She remained in her role until her death in 1767.

Continue Reading

Franciszek Kleeberg

Polish General during WWII
Born
1888 138 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1941 84 years ago — 53 years old

Served as a general in the Polish army during World War II. Commanded Polish forces during the September Campaign in 1939, facing German and Soviet invasions. Led the defense in the Battle of Kock, one of the last organized Polish military actions against the invading armies. After the defeat, was captured by the Germans. Died in captivity in 1941.

Continue Reading