David Willcocks
English organist and choir conductor
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
Laila Ali
Professional boxer and television personality
Born
December 30th, 1977 48 years ago
Achieved a successful career in boxing with an undefeated record of 24 wins, including 21 by knockout. Held the WBC, WIBA, and IWBF super middleweight titles. Transitioned to acting, making appearances on television shows and documentaries, often featuring her boxing career and personal life. Engaged in various philanthropic efforts, promoting health and fitness, particularly among women and youth. Also authored a book on health and wellness.
Continue ReadingKenyon Martin
Basketball player, NBA All-Star
Born
December 30th, 1977 48 years ago
Played professional basketball primarily for the New Jersey Nets in the NBA. Achieved recognition as a versatile power forward, contributing significantly to team success. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. Claimed an NBA All-Star selection in 2004. Helped the Nets reach the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. Concluded a successful career with stints at several teams, including the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers, and remains an influential figure in basketball.
Continue ReadingPatrick Kerney
American football defensive end
Born
December 30th, 1976 49 years ago
Played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons. Achieved significant recognition for performance during career, including Pro Bowl selections. Contributed to the Atlanta Falcons' journey to Super Bowl LI, showcasing skills and strategies vital to the team's success. Excelled in both pass rushing and run defense, making a prominent mark in the league during tenure.
Continue ReadingRon Wolf
NFL General Manager and Hall of Famer
Born
December 30th, 1938 87 years ago
Served as a prominent general manager in the National Football League (NFL). Played a crucial role in building a Super Bowl-winning team during tenure with the Green Bay Packers. Instrumental in bringing quarterback Brett Favre to the team, which set the stage for a successful era. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015 for contributions to the sport.
Continue ReadingAndré Messager
French conductor and composer of operas
Born
December 30th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1929 97 years ago — 75 years old
A French pianist, composer, and conductor contributed significantly to the world of music through operas and orchestral works. His compositions include operas such as 'Les trois valses' and 'Marie-Magdeleine,' which showcased a blend of melody and orchestration. Held the position of conductor at prominent venues such as the Opéra-Comique and the Opéra de Paris, directing many productions and expanding the French opera repertoire. Violin concertos, baritone voice works, and dramatic cantatas highlighted his diverse compositional style.
Continue ReadingDevin Brown
Basketball player, Utah Jazz
Born
December 30th, 1978 47 years ago
Played professional basketball primarily in the NBA. Career included stints with several teams, notably the Utah Jazz. Contributed to team dynamics as a shooting guard and small forward. Accumulated significant career statistics during time in the league, showcasing skills in scoring and defense. Participated in multiple seasons, building a reputation for solid performance on the court.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 17th
China Zorrilla
Uruguayan actress in film and theater
Born
1922 104 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old
Gained recognition for extensive work in film and theater. Starred in the films 'La casa de los espíritus' and 'El lado oscuro del corazón'. Contributed significantly to the Uruguayan theatrical scene, performing numerous plays and influencing future generations of actors. Received critical acclaim for performances that showcased versatility and depth. Worked in various projects across different genres, gaining a reputation as a prominent figure in Latin American cinema.
Continue ReadingFrancesco Geminiani
Italian violinist and composer
Born
December 5th, 1687 338 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1762 263 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent figure in the Baroque music era, contributed significantly to violin and orchestral music. Studied under renowned composers, developed a unique compositional style that blended Italian and British musical influences. Spent a considerable time in England, becoming influential in London's music scene. Published various collections of violin sonatas and concertos, which showcased technical prowess and emotional depth. Worked as a teacher, shaping the next generation of musicians through private instruction and workshops.
Continue ReadingMichael J. Noonan
Irish politician and Minister of Defence
Born
August 4th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the 25th Minister of Defence in Ireland. Held the position from 1981 to 1982, contributing to national security and defence policy. Engaged in various local political roles throughout a lengthy career, focusing on agricultural and rural affairs. Contributed to the development of legislation aimed at supporting farmers and the agricultural sector.
Continue ReadingDettmar Cramer
Football manager and strategist
Born
April 4th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old
Born in Germany, a significant figure in football management, contributed to the development of various clubs and national teams. Served as a coach for Bayern Munich, leading the team to considerable success in the Bundesliga. Managed the West Germany national team, achieving a notable second-place finish in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Promoted the tactical evolution of football, emphasizing technical skill and teamwork over individual prowess.
Continue ReadingLarry Lake
Trumpet player and jazz composer
Born
July 2nd, 1943 82 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1943, this musician gained prominence in jazz music as a trumpet player and composer. Early in life, an affinity for music emerged, leading to extensive collaborations with various musicians. Significant contributions were made to the jazz genre, both as a solo artist and within ensembles. The musician's distinct style and improvisational skills brought a unique flavor to performances. Recordings showcase a talent for blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences, often reflecting a deep appreciation for musical heritage. Notable collaborations included work with renowned jazz artists, contributing significantly to live performances and recordings.
Continue ReadingWakachichibu Komei
Japanese sumo wrestler and champion
Born
1939 87 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 75 years old
A prominent sumo wrestler who achieved the rank of komusubi. Competed in the top division of sumo and earned significant accolades throughout career. Made notable contributions to the world of sumo wrestling during tenure. Achieved a strong reputation in the sport and was regarded as a skilled competitor by peers and fans alike.
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