Dennis Frederiksen
American singer-songwriter and performer
A singer-songwriter and performer, contributed significantly to the rock music scene. Gained recognition as frontman for the band Trillions and later as a lead vocalist for the rock group Survivor. Participated in the recording of the album 'Vital Signs' which featured the hit single 'I Can't Hold Back.' His musical style incorporated elements of rock and pop, blending melodic hooks with powerful vocals. Continued to perform and write music throughout his career, influencing subsequent artists in the genre.
Sang lead vocals on Survivor's 'I Can't Hold Back'
Fronted the band Trillions
Other People Born on May 15th
Viktor Vasnetsov
Russian painter and illustrator
Born
May 15th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1926 99 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent Russian painter and illustrator, active during the late 19th century. Specialized in historical and mythological themes, often depicting Slavic folklore and legends. His most celebrated works include 'The Knight at the Crossroads' and 'The Alenushka.' Vasnetsov also contributed to the decorative arts, including designing churches and creating mosaics. His work played a significant role in the development of the Russian national artistic style.
Continue ReadingSukhdev Thapar
Indian freedom fighter and activist
Born
May 15th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1931 94 years ago — 23 years old
A prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, advocacy for the rights of Indians under British rule marked this individual's contributions. Involvement in the revolutionary activities against colonial oppression took shape through association with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. Engaged in organizing protests and spreading political awareness among the youth, this individual played a pivotal role in galvanizing support for the independence movement. Executed alongside fellow freedom fighters, the sacrifice left a lasting legacy in the struggle for India's freedom.
Continue ReadingUtah Phillips
Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
May 15th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 2008 17 years ago — 73 years old
An American singer-songwriter and storyteller, often associated with folk music and labor rights. Established a career in the 1960s, blending music with social commentary. Created a unique style by combining traditional folk songs with original compositions reflecting the struggles of working-class Americans. Worked with several musicians, contributing to the folk revival movement, and gaining a significant following. Released numerous albums, with notable works including 'Goodnight, Little Arlo' and 'The Past Didn't Go Anywhere'.
Continue ReadingAngus MacLean
Canadian politician and commander
Born
May 15th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
February 15th, 2000 25 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the 25th Premier of Prince Edward Island from 1943 to 1948. Held various roles in the provincial government, including Minister of Education. Contributed to the establishment of multiple educational reforms during tenure. Involved in local politics and military service during World War II.
Continue ReadingRoy Stewart
Jamaican-English actor and stuntman
Born
May 15th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
October 27th, 2008 17 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1925, this individual was an actor and stuntman with a significant career in film and television. Known for performing stunts in high-profile productions, he contributed to action sequences in a variety of genres. The actor's skills in combat and physical performance were showcased in iconic films such as 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' and 'James Bond: Goldfinger.' His expertise helped bring realism to action scenes across various cinematic works.
Continue ReadingJames Mason
English Actor in 'North by Northwest'
Born
May 15th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1984 41 years ago — 75 years old
An accomplished actor, producer, and screenwriter, gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Began his career in British theater and transitioned to cinema during the 1940s. Achieved recognition for performances in films such as 'The Man in Grey', 'A Star Is Born', and 'North by Northwest'. Earned extensive acclaim for his distinct voice and commanding screen presence. Worked in both British and American film industries, appearing in a variety of genres from drama to thrillers.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 18th
David Crosby
American singer-songwriter, founding member
Born
August 14th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2023 3 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent figure in American folk rock, one of the founding members of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Contributed to the genre with distinctive harmonies and songwriting. The Byrds achieved success with hits like 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and 'Turn! Turn! Turn!'. Released several solo albums throughout the career, including 'If I Could Only Remember My Name' in 1971. Known for a 2021 Grammy Award for Best Folk Album for 'For Free', a collaborative project.
Continue ReadingFrancisco Gento
Spanish football player and Real Madrid legend
Born
October 21st, 1933 92 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2022 4 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent football player, made a significant mark in the world of football, primarily with Real Madrid. Played as a left winger from the 1950s to the 1960s, achieving remarkable success in the Spanish and European football scenes. Accumulated numerous titles, including six European Cups, leading the team to several domestic championships. Renowned for exceptional speed and skill on the field, becoming an essential part of one of the greatest teams in football history.
Continue ReadingCharles Floquet
French lawyer and Prime Minister
Born
October 2nd, 1828 197 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1896 130 years ago — 67 years old
Served as the 55th Prime Minister of France from 1888 to 1889. Floquet held various political positions throughout his career, including being a prominent member of the Radical Party. He was known for his advocacy of secularism and education reforms. Participated actively in legislative debates and worked towards reforms in the French government. Floquet was also involved in addressing issues related to labor and social policies during his time in office.
Continue ReadingBruce Chatwin
British Author and Travel Writer
Born
May 13th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1989 37 years ago — 48 years old
An author and travel writer whose works explored themes of wanderlust and the human experience. Chatwin wrote several books that combined fiction and travelogues, including 'In Patagonia,' a seminal work reflecting on the author's travels in South America. His writing style merged rich imagery with philosophical insights, influencing contemporary travel literature. Other notable works include 'The Songlines' and 'On the Black Hill,' which delve into cultural and environmental themes, drawing on personal experiences during his journeys. Chatwin’s life itself was marked by extensive travel, contributing to the authenticity of his narratives.
Continue ReadingRobert B. Parker
Author of Spencer detective novels
Born
September 17th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2010 16 years ago — 77 years old
An American author and academic, this individual gained prominence for creating the iconic detective character Spencer, appearing in a series of novels that began in the 1970s. The Spencer series showcased a mix of traditional mystery elements with a modern, hard-boiled style. Beyond this, the individual wrote several other book series, including those featuring Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall. The prolific writer's works contributed significantly to the crime fiction genre, and many were adapted into television films. Academic pursuits included teaching writing at the university level, further influencing the next generation of authors.
Continue ReadingPietro Bembo
Italian cardinal and humanist scholar
Born
May 20th, 1470 555 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1547 479 years ago — 76 years old
Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and contributed significantly to the fields of poetry and literary theory during the Renaissance. His works expressed a deep appreciation for classical literature and language. Bembo's most notable work, 'Prose della volgar lingua,' influenced the development of the Italian language and established the Tuscan dialect as the standard for Italian literature. He was also involved in the promotion of the works of prominent authors and played a key role in the revival of Latin and Greek literature in Europe.
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