Dmitry Kabalevsky
Russian composer and pianist
A prominent composer and pianist, contributed significantly to Soviet music and education. Developed a unique style incorporating folk elements and modern techniques. Composed numerous works including symphonies, concertos, and operas. Held academic positions and promoted music education in the Soviet Union. Influenced the development of music in the 20th century through compositions designed for students and amateur musicians.
Composed the opera 'Colas Breugnon'
Wrote symphonies and concertos
Other People Born on December 30th
D. J. Mbenga
Basketball player, NBA champion 2011
Born
December 30th, 1980 45 years ago
Played professional basketball primarily as a center. Began career in Belgium before moving to the NBA, where contributions included stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Achieved significant success with the Lakers, securing an NBA championship in 2011. Also represented the national team of Belgium in international competitions.
Continue ReadingNick Symmonds
American middle-distance runner, Olympian
Born
December 30th, 1983 42 years ago
A middle-distance runner specialized in the 800 meters, achieved significant recognition in athletics. Competed in the 2012 London Olympics, securing a silver medal in the 800 meters. Set a personal best of 1:42.95, ranking among the top American 800m runners. Maintained a strong presence in the sport, winning multiple national championships and competing in various international competitions throughout the career.
Continue ReadingLeBron James
Professional basketball player, producer
Born
December 30th, 1984 41 years ago
One of the top basketball players in history, played primarily for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Achieved four NBA championships and earned numerous accolades including NBA Most Valuable Player awards. Transitioned to successful endeavors in film and television production, contributing to projects such as 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' and the series 'The Shop'. Involved in philanthropy, particularly in education initiatives through the LeBron James Family Foundation.
Continue ReadingCharles Yorke
English lawyer and Lord Chancellor
Born
December 30th, 1722 303 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1770 256 years ago — 47 years old
A prominent English lawyer and politician, served as the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. Played a significant role in the legal and parliamentary systems during the 18th century. Participated actively in the political discourse of the time, advocating for various legal reforms. His tenure as Lord Chancellor was marked by efforts to address legal complexities and improve judicial procedures.
Continue ReadingDawan Landry
American football safety and player
Born
December 30th, 1982 43 years ago
Played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets. Entered the NFL after being selected in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Ravens. Contributed significantly to the Ravens' defense, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVII. Known for his strong tackling ability and understanding of defensive schemes, Landry had a productive career in the league, participating in 103 games across multiple seasons.
Continue ReadingLester Patrick
Ice hockey player and coach with a legacy
Born
December 30th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1960 65 years ago — 76 years old
One of the pioneering figures in ice hockey, contributed significantly as both a player and a coach. Played for the New York Rangers and established a long-lasting influence on the sport. Transitioned into coaching and led teams to success, demonstrating tactical acumen and player development skills. His coaching tenure included guiding the Rangers and fostering new talent in the league. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for both playing and coaching accomplishments, marking a significant career in professional ice hockey.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 14th
Julian Huxley
Biologist, co-founder of WWF
Born
June 22nd, 1887 138 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1975 50 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent English biologist and eugenicist contributed significantly to the understanding of evolutionary biology. Huxley played a crucial role in founding the World Wildlife Fund in 1961, advocating for wildlife conservation and environmental issues. He published numerous works on biology and evolution, including 'Evolution: The Modern Synthesis,' which integrated genetics with Darwinian evolution. His ideas influenced both scientific thought and conservation efforts during his lifetime.
Continue ReadingAndrei Chikatilo
Soviet serial killer
Born
October 16th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1994 31 years ago — 57 years old
Active from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Chikatilo was responsible for the murder of numerous victims in the Soviet Union. The killings led to one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in Soviet history. Convicted in 1992, the trial revealed Chikatilo's methods and motivations, contributing to public discourse on criminal psychology in the country. He was executed by firing squad in 1994.
Continue ReadingCarl Correns
Botanist and geneticist; Mendelian inheritance
Born
September 10th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1933 92 years ago — 68 years old
A German botanist and geneticist contributed significantly to the field of genetics. Played a crucial role in the rediscovery of Mendel's laws of inheritance in the early 20th century. Studied plant hybridization and inheritance patterns, particularly in the study of flower color in snapdragons. Published key research that helped establish the foundation for modern genetics, advancing understanding of heredity and variation.
Continue ReadingPhilip Levine
Poet and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
January 10th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2015 10 years ago — 87 years old
An American poet and academic, contributions to contemporary literature spanned several decades. Focused on themes of working-class life and industry, poetry collections included 'What Work Is,' which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1995. Served as a professor at several universities, including California State University. Work reflected the challenges and intricacies of American labor and identity.
Continue ReadingDoug Fieger
Singer-songwriter of The Knack
Born
August 20th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2010 15 years ago — 57 years old
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Knack. Achieved commercial success with the release of the hit single 'My Sharona' in 1979, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album 'Get the Knack' became a significant success, selling over three million copies in the United States. The Knack played a crucial role in the power pop genre during the late 1970s and early 1980s, influencing many artists that followed. Continued to write and perform music throughout the decades, contributing to various projects until passing in 2010.
Continue ReadingRonald Dworkin
American legal philosopher and scholar
Born
December 11th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2013 12 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent philosopher and scholar, contributed significantly to legal and political theory. Developed influential ideas on law and morality, emphasizing the importance of individual rights. Wrote several key texts including 'Taking Rights Seriously' and 'Law's Empire', addressing the relationship between law and ethics. Engaged in public debates on various issues including abortion and assisted suicide, advocating for liberal principles based on rights and dignity.
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