David Willcocks
English organist and choir conductor
Born
December 30th, 1919
105 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2015
9 years ago — 95 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
England
Links & References
An esteemed organist, composer, and conductor, had a significant influence on church music and choral performance in England. Served as director of music at King's College, Cambridge, where contributions included the establishment of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Worked extensively with various choirs and composed a range of choral works, enhancing the repertoire with arrangements of traditional carols and hymns. Held positions with renowned institutions and contributed to numerous recordings that showcased choral music.
Directed the King's College Choir for many years
Composed and arranged numerous choral works
Contributed to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Other People Born on December 30th
Mel Renfro
Renfro played as a cornerback and safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys from 1964 to 1977. During this time, he contributed to the team winning two Super Bowl championships, Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII. Renfro was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and earned All-Pro honors during his career. Following retirement, he served as a coach and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
Continue ReadingSteve Mix
A basketball player and coach with a significant career in the sport. Played in the NBA primarily for the Philadelphia 76ers. Involved in coaching after retirement, contributing to the development of basketball talent. Achieved career statistics showing contributions on both ends of the court. Retired from playing in the late 1970s and transitioned to coaching roles in various capacities.
Continue ReadingTony Serra
Born in 1934, a criminal defense and civil rights attorney specialized in high-profile cases. Engaged in political activism and tax resistance over the decades, serving as a prominent figure in various social justice causes. Argued cases in defense of clients charged with serious crimes, gaining recognition for defending the rights of marginalized populations. Actively participated in protests and movements concerning civil rights and anti-establishment issues, advocating for systemic change through legal channels and public discourse.
Continue ReadingJoe Root
A prominent English cricketer, this athlete has played a crucial role in the national team's success in Test cricket. Debuting in 2012, this player quickly became a vital member of the batting line-up and has captained the England Test team. Renowned for technical proficiency and resilience, this cricketer has achieved significant milestones in international matches, including reaching 10,000 Test runs.
Continue ReadingSylvio Lazzari
Born in 1857, this composer and conductor worked primarily in France and contributed significantly to the music scene. Composing operas, orchestral works, and chamber music showcased a blend of French and Austro-German styles. The composer served in various prestigious positions, including as conductor for orchestras and operatic companies. His works often highlighted lyrical melodies and rich harmonies, reflecting the influences of his background and training. The composer gained recognition in musical circles during his lifetime, earning critical acclaim for both compositions and performances.
Continue ReadingDaniel T. Barry
An engineer and NASA astronaut, contributed to multiple space missions including the Space Shuttle program. Participated in three Space Shuttle flights, including STS-63, which was the first in-space joint mission with Russia. Engaged in research in materials science and technology aboard the International Space Station. Held significant roles in NASA, including serving as a flight surgeon and a test pilot for manned aircraft.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 17th
Conan III
Served as Duke of Brittany from 1113 until death in 1148. Held the title following a period of conflict over succession. Participated in the struggle for power during the reign of King Henry I of England and Duke Robert Curthose of Normandy. Fostered relationships with the clergy and played a role in the development of Brittany's cultural and administrative structure. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power and address local disputes.
Continue ReadingCokie Roberts
A prominent American journalist and author, contributed significantly to political commentary through various media outlets. Worked for NPR as a congressional correspondent and served as a political analyst for ABC News. Authored several books focusing on women in American history and inherited the legacy of reporting on the political landscape throughout her career. Garnered respect for insightful analysis and coverage of government and politics, particularly during elections.
Continue ReadingAdnan Menderes
A lawyer and politician served as the 9th Prime Minister of Turkey from 1950 until 1960. His administration focused on economic development and liberalizing the economy. He introduced various reforms, including the expansion of infrastructure and education. Menderes' government faced increasing political opposition, leading to a military coup in 1960. Following the coup, he was imprisoned and later executed.
Continue ReadingVitas Gerulaitis
Competitor achieved significant success on the professional tennis circuit during the 1970s and 1980s. Won the US Open doubles title in 1975 alongside partner, and secured a singles title in 1979 at the Australian Open. Known for reaching the finals of the US Open in 1979, finishing as a runner-up. His career-high singles ranking was World No. 3. After retiring from professional play, transitioned into coaching and became a notable figure in tennis instruction. Active in various charitable endeavors related to sports and youth development.
Continue ReadingJohn Delafose
An American accordion player specialized in Zydeco music. Born in Louisiana, blended traditional Cajun sounds with African influences. Released multiple albums that garnered regional and national attention. Performed extensively at festivals and events, popularizing the genre beyond its local roots. Led bands including the Lil' Band O' Gold, contributing to the growth of Zydeco's popularity.
Continue ReadingAlfred de Vigny
Born in 1797, this individual became a significant figure in French literature during the 19th century. The early works focused on the Romantic movement, contributing poetry and plays that explored themes of love, fate, and existentialism. The play 'Chatterton,' inspired by the life of the young English poet Thomas Chatterton, highlighted the struggles of a creative mind against societal norms. This individual also contributed to the literary journal 'Le Journal des Débats' and embraced the life of a soldier before redirecting efforts to literature, reflecting a deep engagement with philosophical questions and human emotions. Throughout the career, a strong influence on later literary figures emerged, marking a legacy within the realm of French Romanticism.
Continue Reading