Dennis Kamakahi
Guitarist and composer of Hawaiian music
A prominent figure in Hawaiian music, contributed significantly to the genre through guitar playing and songwriting. Mastered multiple instruments and incorporated traditional styles into original compositions. Worked extensively as a recording artist and performer, sharing Hawaiian culture through music. Received recognition for dedication to Hawaiian music and arts, influencing many artists within the genre.
Composed the iconic song 'Koke'e'
Released influential albums including 'Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Volume 2'
Performed in both local and international venues
Other People Born on March 31st
John Fowles
English Novelist, author of 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'
Born
March 31st, 1926 99 years ago
Died
November 5th, 2005 20 years ago — 79 years old
An English novelist, Fowles gained prominence with his literary contributions in the mid to late 20th century. His breakthrough work, 'The French Lieutenant's Woman', published in 1969, blended historical fiction with existential themes. Fowles explored the intersections of freedom and fate, often challenging narrative conventions. Other notable works include 'The Collector', his debut novel released in 1963, which delved into psychological themes of obsession and power. Fowles also published essays and nonfiction, including explorations of literature and philosophy, further establishing his reputation as a significant literary figure.
Continue ReadingEvan Williams
Businessman, co-founder of Twitter
Born
March 31st, 1972 53 years ago
American businessman co-founded Pyra Labs, which developed Blogger, a widely used blog publishing platform. Later co-founded Twitter, a popular social media platform that revolutionized online communication. Williams served as CEO during the platform's early development and subsequent growth, facilitating significant increases in user engagement and media presence.
Continue ReadingJean Coutu
Actor and director of 'La vie est belle'
Born
March 31st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1925, a Canadian actor and director predominantly worked in films and television. Became widely recognized for directing the acclaimed film 'La vie est belle'. The career spanned several decades, earning a reputation for engaging storytelling and skilled performances. Contributed significantly to the Canadian cinema landscape with various projects throughout the years.
Continue ReadingFrederick V of Denmark
Danish monarch and brother of Frederick VI
Born
March 31st, 1723 302 years ago
Died
January 14th, 1766 259 years ago — 42 years old
Ruled as King of Denmark and Norway from 1746 until 1766. During the reign, emphasized cultural development and established a framework for the arts in the realm. Oversaw the construction of several significant structures in Copenhagen, promoting architectural expansion. Maintained the Danish-Norwegian monarchy during a period of relative peace and stability, balancing the interests of both regions.
Continue ReadingYegor Ivanovich Zolotarev
Russian mathematician and theorist
Born
March 31st, 1847 178 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1878 147 years ago — 31 years old
Contributed significantly to number theory and algebra. Studied properties of quadratic forms and published influential works addressing the arithmetic of numbers. Worked on the theory of Dirichlet series and provided foundational insights into the distribution of prime numbers. Zolotarev's work on the theory of errors in measurements also garnered attention. His efforts laid groundwork for future advancements in mathematics.
Continue ReadingAshikaga Yoshiteru
Japanese shōgun during the Sengoku period
Born
March 31st, 1536 489 years ago
Died
June 17th, 1565 460 years ago — 29 years old
Born in 1536, served as the 13th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate during a tumultuous period in Japanese history known as the Sengoku period. Yoshiteru ascended to power at a young age amidst ongoing conflicts and instability among feudal lords. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power and control among the factions vying for dominance. Despite initial support, faced significant opposition, leading to his eventual downfall. His time in power included attempts to align major clans through diplomacy, but these efforts were often undermined by betrayal and shifting alliances. Yoshiteru's life came to an end in 1549, greatly influencing the power dynamics of the era.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 28th
Richard Lugar
American politician and mayor of Indianapolis
Born
April 4th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2019 6 years ago — 87 years old
Served as the 44th mayor of Indianapolis from 1968 to 1975. Assisted in urban development and improvement projects during tenure. Later became a prominent U.S. senator from Indiana, serving from 1977 to 2013. Focused on issues such as foreign policy, agriculture, and education. Played a key role in nuclear non-proliferation efforts and was a proponent of the National Endowment for Democracy.
Continue ReadingPercy Heath
American jazz bassist of the Modern Jazz Quartet
Born
April 30th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2005 20 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent jazz bassist contributed significantly to the Modern Jazz Quartet. The quartet formed in 1952 and became well-known for blending classical music with jazz. Participated in numerous recordings and performances, influencing the jazz genre. Collaborated with various jazz legends, showcasing versatility and artistry. Continued to perform and record until later in life, maintaining a strong presence in the jazz community.
Continue ReadingJohannes Peter Müller
German physiologist and anatomist
Born
July 14th, 1801 224 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1858 167 years ago — 56 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of physiology and anatomy during the 19th century. Conducted extensive research on sensory organs and established foundational concepts in comparative anatomy. Served as a professor at the University of Berlin and published key works that influenced future studies in physiology. Advocated for the use of experimental methods in physiological research.
Continue ReadingJack Ramsay
Basketball coach and sportscaster
Born
February 21st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 89 years old
A prominent figure in basketball, contributed as a player, coach, and sportscaster. Played college basketball for the University of Philadelphia. Led the Portland Trail Blazers to win the NBA Championship in 1977 as head coach. Transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, providing analysis and commentary on NBA games. Served as a mentor to several players and coaches throughout a lengthy career in the sport.
Continue ReadingJános Starker
Cellist known for Bach Cello Suites
Born
July 5th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old
Born in Hungary, an accomplished cellist gained recognition as a soloist and educator. Studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, later taught at esteemed institutions including Indiana University. Weekly performances included collaborations with orchestras and chamber groups. Renowned for masterful interpretations, particularly of Bach's Cello Suites. Contributions extended to recording, producing numerous albums that set a standard in classical music.
Continue ReadingJosiah Willard Gibbs
American physicist and thermodynamics pioneer
Born
February 11th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1903 122 years ago — 64 years old
Contributions to the field of physics and chemistry included the development of the phase rule and the concept of chemical potential. Developed the Gibbs distribution in statistical mechanics. Played a crucial role in thermodynamics by formulating principles that describe the relationships between temperature, pressure, and volume. Authored 'Elementary Principles in Statistical Mechanics' which laid foundational aspects of statistical mechanics. Held a professorship at Yale University with significant influence on the education of future scientists.
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