David Raksin
Composer known for 'Laura' score
A significant American composer and educator, contributions spanned film and concert music. Raksin's most recognized work, the score for the 1944 film 'Laura,' became a standard in American cinema. Raksin also composed music for other films, including 'Too Late for Tears' and 'The Bad and the Beautiful.' In addition to film scores, Raksin was an influential educator, teaching composition and music theory at various institutions, impacting numerous students in the field of music.
Composed the score for 'Laura'
Worked on music for 'The Bad and the Beautiful'
Taught music composition in educational settings
Other People Born on August 4th
Ernesto Maserati
Italian race car driver and engineer
Born
August 4th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1975 50 years ago — 77 years old
Born in Italy, a prominent race car driver and engineer contributed significantly to the automotive industry. Developed high-performance vehicles and gained recognition in racing competitions. Founded Maserati S.p.A. and helped establish the brand as a symbol of luxury and speed. Later, focused on engineering advancements within automotive design, influencing future automobile technologies.
Continue ReadingHenri Berger
Composer and bandleader, wrote marches
Born
August 4th, 1844 181 years ago
Died
October 14th, 1929 96 years ago — 85 years old
Born in 1844, a German composer and bandleader contributed significantly to military and concert band repertoire. His compositions, particularly marches, became standards in band literature. Many of his works were performed by military bands and concert ensembles and remain popular in the United States. Berger served as a bandmaster in the Hawaiian Kingdom, helping to establish a strong musical tradition in the islands. He left a lasting legacy through his extensive catalog of compositions.
Continue ReadingBrian Crozier
Historian and journalist, wrote on history
Born
August 4th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2012 13 years ago — 94 years old
Born in 1918, the individual was a historian and journalist with a focus on the historical analysis of political issues. The work spanned several decades and involved contributions to various publications in both Australia and the United Kingdom. The individual held positions at several prominent organisations and authored several books that explored themes of war, literature, and politics. These writings often reflected deep insights into the political climate of the time, helping to shape discussions and debates in historical contexts.
Continue ReadingMaurice Richard
Ice hockey player, The Rocket
Born
August 4th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2000 25 years ago — 78 years old
An elite ice hockey player participated in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. Established a reputation as a prolific goal scorer, notably becoming the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season during the 1944-45 season. Served as a coach and mentor after retiring, influencing future generations of players. His jersey number 9 was retired league-wide, signifying his impact on the sport. The Rocket continues to be a symbol of hockey excellence in Canada.
Continue ReadingPercy Bysshe Shelley
English poet and playwright
Born
August 4th, 1792 233 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1822 203 years ago — 29 years old
A key figure in the English Romantic movement, one wrote extensively during the early 19th century. Major works include the poems "Ozymandias" and "To a Skylark," which exemplify themes of beauty and transience. Also contributed to the genre with plays such as "The Cenci," which explores themes of justice and morality. His life was often marked by political radicalism, particularly in areas pertaining to social justice and equality.
Continue ReadingDaniel Edward Howard
16th President of Liberia
Born
August 4th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
July 9th, 1935 90 years ago — 73 years old
Served as the 16th president of Liberia from 1920 to 1921. Howard was a prominent figure in the political landscape during his presidency, navigating various national challenges. Before his presidency, held several administrative positions within the Liberian government. His tenure focused on issues such as national unification and economic development amidst a backdrop of political strife. After leaving office, continued to be involved in civic affairs, contributing to the governance and stability of Liberia during tumultuous times.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 9th
Tony Mottola
Guitarist and composer for television shows
Born
April 18th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2004 21 years ago — 86 years old
An influential guitarist and composer contributed significantly to the music scene, particularly in television and film. Mottola's career spanned several decades, and his work included collaborations with other notable musicians in the industry. He played a key role in popularizing the guitar as a solo instrument in various genres and settings. His expertise in smooth jazz and Latin music allowed him to create a distinctive sound that resonated with audiences. Mottola also composed and arranged music for television shows, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.
Continue ReadingJohn Harsanyi
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 29th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2000 25 years ago — 80 years old
Born in Hungary, an academic focused on game theory, utility, and social choice theory. Emigrated to the United States after World War II and continued work in economics. Received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994 for contributions to analyzing cooperative games and bringing psychological insights into economic thinking.
Continue ReadingSusan Wojcicki
Technology executive and YouTube CEO
Born
July 5th, 1968 57 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2024 1 years ago — 56 years old
Tech executive served as CEO of YouTube from 2014 to 2023. Previously, worked at Google as a senior vice president, where led product management and marketing for various products including AdSense, Google Analytics, and Google Video. Focused on expanding YouTube's reach and monetization, as well as managing content policy issues. Played a key role in the acquisition of YouTube by Google in 2006, which marked a significant expansion in the digital media landscape.
Continue ReadingCarl Clauberg
Nazi physician known for medical experiments
Born
September 28th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1957 68 years ago — 58 years old
A German physician involved in the notorious medical experiments during World War II, Clauberg's work took place primarily in concentration camps. He specialized in gynecological experiments, particularly focusing on sterilization procedures. After the war, he was captured by Soviet forces, where he was tried and sentenced for his actions. Following his release, he practices medicine in Germany before his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingWalter O'Malley
Baseball team owner and executive
Born
October 9th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1979 46 years ago — 75 years old
A significant figure in Major League Baseball, played a vital role in the relocation of the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1957, transforming the franchise into a key player in the expansion of baseball on the West Coast. Oversaw the construction of Dodger Stadium, which became a landmark venue for the sport. Advocated for innovative practices in baseball, including the integration of technology in the game.
Continue ReadingRuggero Leoncavallo
Italian composer of the opera Pagliacci
Born
April 23rd, 1857 168 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1919 106 years ago — 62 years old
Born in Italy, a composer gained prominence for contributions to the operatic genre. The most recognized work, 'Pagliacci', premiered in 1892 and became a staple of the operatic repertoire. His other significant works include 'Zaza' and 'I Medici'. Leoncavallo focused on the verismo style, emphasizing realistic narratives and emotional depth in his compositions. He also wrote numerous orchestral and vocal pieces throughout his career.
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