Bessie Smith
Blues singer and actress, 'Empress of the Blues'
Emergence as a leading figure in the blues genre occurred during the 1920s. Recorded over 160 songs, blending emotional depth and vocal strength. Achieved significant acclaim through notable recordings such as 'Downhearted Blues' and 'St. Louis Blues'. Also performed in theater productions that showcased musical talent. Influence extended beyond her time, shaping the development of jazz and rhythm and blues.
Recorded 'Downhearted Blues' in 1923
Performed in the Broadway show 'Porgy and Bess'
Influenced future generations of singers
Other People Born on April 15th
Arshile Gorky
Painter and illustrator of abstract art
Born
April 15th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1948 77 years ago — 44 years old
Born in 1904, this Armenian-American painter became a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Moving to the United States in the 1920s, developed a style that fused elements of surrealism and personal symbolism. Worked in various media, including painting and drawing, drawing inspiration from the work of Picasso and the European avant-garde. Produced significant works like 'The Artist and His Mother', reflecting personal themes and early life experiences. Died in 1948, leaving behind a legacy in modern art.
Continue ReadingArturo Gatti
Boxer and three-time world champion
Born
April 15th, 1972 53 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2009 16 years ago — 37 years old
Born in Italy and later moving to Canada, a professional boxer competed primarily in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions. Gatti held the WBC, IBF, and WBA titles during the career, which spanned from 1991 to 2007. Famed for his exceptional fighting skills, grit, and tenacity inside the ring, each bout further solidified his reputation as an exciting competitor in the sport. Gatti's notable fights included memorable bouts against Micky Ward, creating a legendary trilogy that showcased their intense rivalry and Gatti's remarkable perseverance. After retiring, he also contributed to boxing through coaching and mentoring future fighters.
Continue ReadingJoseph E. Seagram
Canadian businessman and politician
Born
April 15th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1919 106 years ago — 78 years old
Founded Seagram Company Ltd, a major producer of alcoholic beverages. Served as a politician in Canada during the late 19th century. Expanded the company into one of the largest distillers worldwide. Involved in various civic activities and held significant influence in local business.
Continue ReadingAngelo DiGeorge
American endocrinologist and physician
Born
April 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2009 16 years ago — 88 years old
An American physician and endocrinologist, contributed significantly to the understanding of genetic disorders related to the immune system. Focused on the DiGeorge syndrome, a condition characterized by a range of birth defects, including heart defects, poor immune function, and specific facial features. Worked on developing treatment protocols for affected individuals, enhancing the quality of life for patients. Conducted research that paved the way for a better understanding of genetic influences on health.
Continue ReadingNikita Khrushchev
Soviet politician, Premier of the USSR
Born
April 15th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1971 54 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the 7th Premier of the Soviet Union from 1958 to 1964. Played a pivotal role in Soviet politics during the Cold War. Initiated de-Stalinization, easing repressive measures of the Stalin era. Oversaw significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Promoted agricultural reforms and attempted to improve the living standards in the USSR. Lost power after the rise of Leonid Brezhnev and was eventually removed from office in 1964.
Continue ReadingJohannes Stark
German physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
April 15th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1957 68 years ago — 83 years old
Born in Germany in 1874, a physicist focused on the study of atomic structure and phenomena such as the Stark effect, where spectral lines are split into multiple components in the presence of an electric field. This phenomenon provided significant insights into atomic theory. Stark conducted extensive research in the field of spectroscopy and made substantial contributions to the understanding of molecular structure. In 1919, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for these contributions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 26th
Charles Correll
American actor and screenwriter, The Great Gildersleeve
Born
February 2nd, 1890 136 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1972 53 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1890, this American actor and screenwriter gained prominence in the early to mid-20th century. Most recognized for his role as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve in the radio program 'The Great Gildersleeve,' he contributed to the development of the character and series which became a significant influence in radio comedy. In addition to his work in radio, he appeared in various films and television programs, showcasing his talents across multiple platforms. His career spanned several decades, marking a notable presence in the entertainment industry during that time.
Continue ReadingJames Fitzmaurice
Irish soldier and pioneering pilot
Born
January 6th, 1898 128 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1965 60 years ago — 67 years old
A soldier and pilot, this individual played a significant role in aviation history. In 1926, completed a pioneering transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Spain as part of an expedition. This achievement contributed to the development of aviation routes between Europe and North America. He served in the military, participating in various missions during his career. His experiences in both the military and aviation highlighted the advancements in flight technology during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingGeorge Santayana
Philosopher and poet with major works
Born
December 16th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1952 73 years ago — 88 years old
Born in Spain, an influential philosopher, novelist, and poet. Contributed significantly to aesthetics and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of experience in human existence. Wrote several important works, including 'The Life of Reason' and 'Scepticism and Animal Faith'. Also authored poetry that explored existential themes, often reflecting on the nature of truth and beauty. Spent much of his later life in the United States, where he continued to develop his philosophical ideas and engage in intellectual discourse.
Continue ReadingHerbert Tichy
Austrian geologist and mountaineer
Born
June 1st, 1912 113 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1987 38 years ago — 75 years old
Austrian geologist, author, and mountaineer significantly contributed to the fields of geology and alpine exploration. Conducted extensive geological research in the Himalayas and the Alps. Published influential works detailing climbing expeditions and the geology of mountain ranges. Collaborated with prominent mountaineers including Hermann Buhl during significant expeditions. Tichy’s expertise in both geology and mountaineering helped bridge scientific understanding and practical climbing techniques.
Continue ReadingJohn Fitzwilliam Stairs
Canadian businessman and politician
Born
January 19th, 1848 178 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1904 121 years ago — 56 years old
Engaged in various business ventures, including railway and shipping industries. Served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada. Played a significant role in the development of the economic landscape in Canada during the late 19th century. Involved in politics and contributed to policy discussions affecting trade and transportation.
Continue ReadingWilliam Billings
American composer, educator, and musician
Born
October 7th, 1746 279 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1800 225 years ago — 53 years old
Born in 1746, an American composer and educator contributed significantly to the development of choral music in America. He is recognized as one of the first American composers to create a distinctively American musical style, synthesizing European traditions with American folk themes. Billings published a number of works, becoming a founding figure in the American choral tradition. His most famous collection, 'The New-England Psalm-Singer,' featured psalm tunes and anthems widely used in congregations. Billings also worked as a singing school master, teaching numerous students in the Boston area and influencing future generations of musicians.
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