Benny Carter
Saxophonist and composer, Symphony in Riffs
An influential jazz musician, celebrated for virtuosity on the alto saxophone and contributions to the big band genre. Began a career in the 1920s, working with notable orchestras and artists, including Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Composed music across various styles, with 'Symphony in Riffs' being a significant work. Also excelled as a trumpet player and arranger, earning multiple accolades throughout a lengthy career.
Composed 'Symphony in Riffs'
Worked with Duke Ellington and Count Basie
Performed at major jazz festivals
Other People Born on August 8th
Webb Pierce
Country music singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
August 8th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1991 35 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent figure in the country music scene, this singer-songwriter gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for a honky-tonk style, produced numerous chart-topping hits. Some of the most popular songs include "In the Jailhouse Now" and "Love, Love, Love." Also created a distinctive image with flashy suits and a flashy personality. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for significant contributions to the genre.
Continue ReadingRichard Anderson
Actor in 'The Six Million Dollar Man'
Born
August 8th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 91 years old
An American actor and producer. Born in 1926, Anderson began his career in the 1940s. Gained widespread recognition for portraying Oscar Goldman in the television series 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and its spinoff 'The Bionic Woman'. Appeared in various film and television roles over decades, including performances in 'Forbidden Planet' and 'Perry Mason'. Transitioned into producing and continued to be active in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingSylvia Sidney
Actress in 'Fury' and 'Dead End'
Born
August 8th, 1910 116 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1999 27 years ago — 88 years old
An actress whose career spanned over five decades, gaining recognition in both film and television. Gained popularity during the 1930s with roles in notable films such as 'Fury' and 'Dead End'. Appeared in various other productions throughout her career, showcasing a range of characters and emotions. Transitioned into television in the later years, continuing to feature in several acclaimed series, exemplifying versatility in acting. Received accolades and nominations for performances, leaving a lasting influence in the film industry.
Continue ReadingJerry Tarkanian
College basketball coach and innovator
Born
August 8th, 1930 96 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2015 11 years ago — 84 years old
An influential figure in college basketball, led the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to a national championship in 1990. Served as head coach at several universities, including Long Beach State, UNLV, and Fresno State. Tarkanian was known for his innovative coaching strategies and for bringing a fast-paced style of play to the game, which had a lasting effect on college basketball. His teams frequently made deep runs in the NCAA tournament, demonstrating consistent success. Off the court, faced various controversies regarding NCAA rules and regulations, but maintained a loyal following of players and fans.
Continue ReadingErnest Lawrence
American physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
August 8th, 1901 125 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1958 68 years ago — 57 years old
Contributed to the field of nuclear physics and invented the cyclotron, a particle accelerator, which allowed for groundbreaking experiments in nuclear science. Played a significant role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his work on the artificial production of radioactive isotopes. Served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and helped establish the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Continue ReadingCharles Lyttelton
English politician, 9th Governor-General
Born
August 8th, 1909 117 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1977 49 years ago — 67 years old
Served as the 9th Governor-General of New Zealand from 1946 to 1952. Held the title of 10th Viscount Cobham. Engaged in various political roles and contributed to several legislative discussions and initiatives during time in office.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 12th
Rajendra Kumar
Pakistani-Indian actor and producer
Born
July 20th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1999 27 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1929, a prominent figure in Indian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. Gained popularity for lead roles in romantic films and earned the title 'Jubilee Kumar' due to a series of successful films. Featured in significant works such as 'Mother India', 'Sangam', and 'Dastaan'. Also produced films, contributing to the industry beyond acting.
Continue ReadingBoris Galerkin
Mathematician and engineer, creator of FEM
Born
March 4th, 1871 155 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1945 81 years ago — 74 years old
Born in Russia, contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and engineering. Developed the finite element method, a fundamental technique in engineering analysis and simulation. Worked on various problems in structural mechanics and elasticity theory. Published numerous research papers that laid the groundwork for future developments in numerical methods.
Continue ReadingD. T. Suzuki
Japanese author and Zen Buddhism scholar
Born
October 18th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1966 60 years ago — 95 years old
A prominent figure in the introduction of Zen Buddhism to the Western world, extensive writings focused on Zen philosophy transformed the understanding of Eastern spirituality. Worked as a professor of Buddhist literature and philosophy, teaching at universities in Japan and the United States. Contributed to the establishment of various Zen centers, fostering the practice of Zen meditation in the West. Published influential texts that explored the relationship between Zen and modern thought.
Continue ReadingRoger Wolfe Kahn
American bandleader and composer
Born
October 19th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1962 64 years ago — 54 years old
A prominent bandleader and composer during the early 20th century, Kahn led a successful dance band in the 1920s and 1930s. The band was recognized for its innovative arrangements and exciting performances, which brought popularity to various jazz and swing standards. Compositions included popular songs that were widely recorded and performed during the swing era. Kahn's work contributed to the growth of big band music and influenced future generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingCharles Rolls
Engineer and co-founder of Rolls-Royce
Born
August 27th, 1877 149 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1910 116 years ago — 32 years old
An English engineer and businessman, co-founded Rolls-Royce Limited in 1904. The company became a prominent manufacturer of luxury automobiles and aircraft engines. Rolls was instrumental in establishing the high standards of engineering and quality that defined the Rolls-Royce brand. He was also an aviation pioneer, known for his enthusiasm for flying and his contributions to early aviation. Rolls tragically died in a flying accident in 1910.
Continue ReadingKelly Preston
American actress in 'Jerry Maguire'
Born
October 13th, 1962 63 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2020 6 years ago — 57 years old
An American actress gained recognition for roles in films such as 'Twins', 'Jerry Maguire', and 'The Cat in the Hat'. Began career in the early 1980s, appearing in several television shows and films. Earned several award nominations throughout career, including a nomination for a Saturn Award. Additionally, had a successful stint in co-producing films and made guest appearances on various television series.
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