Criss Oliva

Guitarist and songwriter for Savatage

Criss Oliva - Artists & Creatives born April 3rd, 1963
Born
Died
Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent American guitarist and songwriter, significant contributions to the heavy metal genre occurred through work with the band Savatage. The band gained recognition for its unique blend of progressive and heavy metal sounds. Criss Oliva's guitar work and songwriting played a critical role in shaping the band's identity. The album 'Hall of the Mountain King' released in 1987 received acclaim and is considered a hallmark in heavy metal music. Oliva's style combined technical proficiency with melodic riffs. His life was abruptly cut short in 1993, but his legacy continues to influence guitarists and metal musicians.

Played guitar and wrote songs for Savatage

Contributed to the album 'Hall of the Mountain King'

Other People Born on April 3rd

Picabo Street

Alpine skier and Olympic medalist
Born
April 3rd, 1971 54 years ago

A prominent alpine skier, achieved significant success in the 1990s. Won the Olympic gold medal in the downhill event at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. Secured multiple World Cup victories and earned the title of World Champion in the super G discipline in 1996. Known for a competitive spirit and a notable rivalry within the sport.

Continue Reading

Adam Gussow

American scholar and harmonica musician
Born
April 3rd, 1958 67 years ago

A harmonica player, scholar, and memoirist, contributions include a blend of music and academic inquiry. Expertise in blues harmonica led to performances with various artists and solo endeavors. Academic background encompasses the study of American music, particularly focusing on the blues genre. Authored several works reflecting on the harmonica's role in music, as well as personal experiences in the music world. Engaged in teaching music and cultural studies, fostering interest in blues music through educational programs.

Continue Reading

Wesley A. Brown

General and engineer, U.S. Army
Born
April 3rd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 2012 13 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1927, this individual served as a general in the United States Army and made significant contributions to military engineering. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, becoming the first African American graduate of the academy. His military career included various leadership positions, emphasizing engineering and operational command. He retired after a distinguished service career, leaving a legacy in military engineering and leadership.

Continue Reading

Ervin Drake

American songwriter and composer
Born
April 3rd, 1919 106 years ago
Died
January 15th, 2015 10 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent songwriter and composer, contributed to the American music scene through several well-loved songs. Created classics that have been performed and recorded by numerous artists over the decades. Collaborated with various musicians and worked on Broadway shows, leaving a lasting legacy within the music industry.

Continue Reading

Charlotte Coleman

English actress in 'Four Weddings' and 'Love'
Born
April 3rd, 1968 57 years ago
Died
November 14th, 2001 24 years ago — 33 years old

An English actress gained recognition for work on stage and screen. Early career included roles in television, later transitioning to film. Achieved prominence with performances in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and 'The Young Ones.' Continued to receive accolades in various projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Active in theater productions, contributed to the British arts scene, and appeared in numerous television series, showcasing a range of characters.

Continue Reading

Jimmy McGriff

Organist and bandleader, jazz and blues
Born
April 3rd, 1936 89 years ago
Died
May 24th, 2008 17 years ago — 72 years old

An influential American organist and bandleader, contributed significantly to the jazz and blues genres. Began recording in the late 1950s, achieving popularity with rhythm and blues hits. McGriff crafted a distinctive sound characterized by soulful improvisation and lively rhythms. Major works include 'Green Onions' and collaborations with numerous artists, enhancing both live and studio performances through a signature style. Continued to perform and record well into the 2000s, maintaining a dedicated following throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 17th

René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur

French entomologist and scientist
Born
February 28th, 1683 342 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1757 268 years ago — 74 years old

Contributed significantly to entomology through the study of insects. Developed the Réaumur temperature scale and made advancements in the understanding of insect behavior and life cycles. Pioneered the rearing of silkworms in Europe, enhancing the silk industry. Held a position at the French Academy of Sciences.

Continue Reading

Joan Hickson

English actress most known for Miss Marple
Born
August 5th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1998 27 years ago — 92 years old

An English actress with a career spanning several decades. Gained prominence for portraying Miss Marple in the television adaptations of Agatha Christie's detective novels during the 1980s and 1990s. Appeared in various stage productions and films, showcasing a wide range of character roles. Received acclaim for performances in both the West End and on screen, establishing a strong presence in British theatre and television. Continued to work into her later years, earning respect and admiration from peers and audiences alike.

Continue Reading

Jay Livingston

Singer-songwriter, 'Que Sera, Sera'
Born
March 28th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
October 17th, 2001 24 years ago — 86 years old

An American singer-songwriter contributed significantly to the music industry during the mid-20th century. Collaborated extensively with Ray Evans, with whom he co-wrote numerous successful songs. Secured an Oscar Award for Best Original Song for 'Que Sera, Sera' in 1956, a song that became popular through its association with the Doris Day film 'The Man Who Knew Too Much.' The partnership yielded many hit songs that remain standards in American music.

Continue Reading

S. J. Perelman

American humorist and screenwriter
Born
February 1st, 1904 121 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1979 46 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent humorist and screenwriter, this individual contributed to various publications, including The New Yorker. As a screenwriter, collaborated with the Marx Brothers on films that became classics. The humorist won several accolades for witty essays and short stories during a career spanning several decades.

Continue Reading

Pierre Laporte

Canadian politician and Deputy Premier
Born
February 25th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1970 55 years ago — 49 years old

A Canadian lawyer and journalist held significant political roles, including serving as the Deputy Premier of Quebec. Involved in the Liberal Party, contributed to various legislative efforts during a dynamic political period in Quebec. His career was marked by advocacy for social and educational reforms. Engaged in public service during the Quiet Revolution, he emphasized the importance of modernization and governance in Quebec's development.

Continue Reading

Wieland Wagner

German theater director and producer
Born
January 5th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1966 59 years ago — 49 years old

A significant figure in the realm of opera and theater, contributed to the artistic direction of the Bayreuth Festival, which focuses on the works of Richard Wagner. Made strides in modernizing productions and enhancing the visual aspects of operatic performances. Worked on various productions that emphasized a contemporary retelling of classical operas. Held the position of artistic director at the Bayreuth Festival from 1951 to 1966.

Continue Reading