Billy Eckstine
Jazz singer and bandleader
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
A significant figure in jazz, contributing as both a singer and bandleader. Achieved prominence in the 1940s with a distinctive baritone voice. Led the Billy Eckstine Orchestra, which featured numerous legendary musicians including Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. Recorded popular standards such as 'Prisoner of Love' and 'I Apologize.' Transitioned to rhythm and blues in the 1950s, maintaining a successful career in music.
Led the Billy Eckstine Orchestra
Recorded 'Prisoner of Love'
Influenced artists like Sarah Vaughan
Other People Born on July 8th
Faye Emerson
American actress and television personality
Born
July 8th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
March 9th, 1983 42 years ago — 65 years old
An actress started a career in the 1930s, gaining recognition for roles in film and television. She starred in the movie 'Kings Row' (1942) alongside Ronald Reagan and appeared in the popular series 'The Faye Emerson Show' (1950-1951). Her work spanned several decades, contributing to both cinema and early television.
Continue ReadingBryce Love
American football player, 2017 Doak Walker Award
Born
July 8th, 1997 28 years ago
Played college football at Stanford University, where gained recognition for outstanding performance as a running back. Achieved a school-record 1,973 rushing yards in the 2017 season, leading to the receipt of the Doak Walker Award, awarded to the nation's top running back. Declared for the NFL Draft in 2019 after a successful collegiate career.
Continue ReadingPercy Grainger
Pianist and composer of 'Country Gardens'
Born
July 8th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1961 64 years ago — 78 years old
An Australian-American pianist and composer contributed significantly to music in the early 20th century. Grainger's innovative approach blended folk elements with classical techniques. He is recognized for his arrangements of folk tunes and original compositions. Grainger's performances showcased virtuosic piano skills, earning acclaim in concert halls worldwide. His work with the American music scene and promotion of various composers led to a lasting influence on contemporary music. He co-founded the Grainger Museum, which houses his extensive collection of music artifacts.
Continue ReadingY. S. Rajasekhara Reddy
Indian Politician and Chief Minister
Born
July 8th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2009 16 years ago — 60 years old
Served as the 14th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2004 until 2009. Implemented several welfare programs focusing on rural development and healthcare. Played a pivotal role in the introduction of the 'Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu' scheme aimed at providing employment to the youth of the state. Died in a helicopter crash in 2009, leading to significant public mourning and tributes across the region.
Continue ReadingMarlon Humphrey
American football cornerback, Super Bowl champion
Born
July 8th, 1996 29 years ago
Professional American football player, primarily played as a cornerback. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Contributed to the Ravens' Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl LVII and has been recognized for exceptional defensive skills and performance.
Continue Readingİpek Öz
Turkish Tennis Player, National Champion
Born
July 8th, 1999 26 years ago
A professional tennis player specializing in singles and doubles. Achieved notable success in junior competitions, and transitioned to the professional circuit in the late 2010s. Represented Turkey in various international tournaments, contributing to the country's visibility in the sport. Participated in ITF Women’s Circuit events and earned several titles, demonstrating skill and consistency on the court.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 8th
John O'Connell
Irish politician, former Minister of Health
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
March 8th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old
Served as a prominent politician in Ireland for many years. Held the position of Minister of Health, implementing key health policies and reforms. Advocated for improvements in healthcare services and public health initiatives during his tenure. Engaged in various legislative efforts aimed at advancing health access and quality across the nation. Contributed significantly to political discourse surrounding health issues.
Continue ReadingCésar Lattes
Brazilian physicist and academic
Born
July 11th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
March 8th, 2005 20 years ago — 80 years old
A Brazilian physicist and academic contributed significantly to particle physics, particularly in the discovery of the pi meson. His research in high-energy physics helped advance the understanding of subatomic particles. Lattes worked alongside notable scientists like Gell-Mann and Feynman, and played a key role in establishing Brazil’s scientific community in the mid-20th century. He served as a professor at various universities and influenced many students and fellow researchers in the field.
Continue ReadingJosé Raúl Capablanca
Cuban chess grandmaster and world champion
Born
November 19th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1942 83 years ago — 53 years old
A prominent chess player, achieved the title of World Chess Champion in 1921. Renowned for an exceptional endgame skill and deep strategic intuition, contributed significantly to chess theory. Occupied the world champion title until 1927, when defeated by Alexander Alekhine. Respected as one of the greatest chess players in history. Authored several influential chess books and articles, promoting the game globally. Worked as a diplomat and chess promoter throughout his life, further enhancing the popularity of chess.
Continue ReadingHenry Ward Beecher
American minister and social reformer
Born
June 24th, 1813 212 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1887 138 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent American minister, this individual played a significant role in various social reform movements during the 19th century. Known for eloquent preaching and engaging public lectures, emphasized issues such as abolition, women's rights, and education. Served as the pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church in Brooklyn, New York, where he built a large congregation. Authored numerous works including 'Life of Jesus' and contributed to influential publications. Actively campaigned for the abolition of slavery and was associated with the famous Beecher-Tilton scandal, which gained much media attention in the 1870s. Continued to engage in public discourse until death in 1887.
Continue ReadingRon "Pigpen" McKernan
American keyboard player and songwriter
Born
September 8th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1973 52 years ago — 27 years old
A founding member of the Grateful Dead, contributed as a keyboardist and vocalist. Played a significant role in shaping the band's unique sound, integrating blues and rock elements. McKernan's songwriting contributed to the band's early success, with several songs featuring his distinct style. His performance presence was notable in live concerts, particularly during the band's formative years.
Continue ReadingEdward Terry Sanford
United States Assistant Attorney General
Born
1865 161 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1930 95 years ago — 65 years old
Served as the United States Assistant Attorney General and as a jurist. Appointed to the United States Supreme Court, authored substantial opinions that shaped jurisprudence. His tenure on the court included significant cases that impacted civil rights and federal authority.
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