Don Ellis
Trumpet player and composer of jazz

Born
July 25th, 1934
91 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1978
46 years ago — 44 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent trumpet player and composer in the jazz genre, contributed significantly to the fusion of jazz with other musical elements. Led the Don Ellis Orchestra, which gained recognition for its innovative arrangements and use of unusual time signatures. Composed and arranged music for films, including notable work for the motion picture "The French Connection." Experimented with different instruments and extended the boundaries of jazz music, influencing future generations of musicians.
Led the Don Ellis Orchestra
Composed for "The French Connection"
Pioneered the use of odd time signatures
Other People Born on July 25th
Fyodor Cherenkov
A retired Russian footballer and manager, Cherenkov played primarily as a midfielder. His professional career commenced in 1977, spending most of it with Spartak Moscow, where he achieved significant success. Cherenkov was a key player for Spartak, contributing to multiple Soviet Top League titles during the 1980s. After retiring, he transitioned into management and held various coaching positions.
Continue ReadingBilly Wagner
A former professional baseball pitcher, Wagner played in Major League Baseball from 1995 to 2010. He played for several teams, including the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets. Wagner was recognized for his powerful fastball and effective strikeout ability. Following retirement, he transitioned into coaching, contributing to the development of young pitchers.
Continue ReadingToni Vilander
A Finnish race car driver, participated in various endurance racing events, gaining recognition primarily in Sports Car Racing. Competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans multiple times. Achieved success in the FIA World Endurance Championship, driving for significant teams. Contributed to multiple race victories and podium finishes across diverse racing series.
Continue ReadingSteve Goodman
Singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in 1948, gained recognition for contributions to American folk music. Started performing in the 1960s, offering a blend of humor, storytelling, and poignant lyrics, often accompanied by acoustic guitar. His song 'City of New Orleans' became a popular hit, later covered by various artists. Also noted for his work in collaboration with other musicians and for his role in the Chicago folk music scene. Goodman battled leukemia for much of his life and continued to perform until shortly before his death in 1984. His legacy lives on through his recordings and influence on subsequent musicians.
Continue ReadingJames I
Ascended the throne of Scotland in 1406, initially faced challenges due to captivity in England. Established a more centralized monarchy and worked to improve governance and justice in Scotland. Wrote 'The Kingis Quair', a notable work reflecting his experiences and thoughts during imprisonment, contributing to Scottish literature. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the Scottish crown and address societal unrest.
Continue ReadingHerbert Scarf
An economist and academic focused on economic theory and its applications. Made significant contributions to the field of mathematical economics. Held academic positions at Yale University and authored influential research papers. Published work extensively on the economics of growth and the theory of production.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 17th
Ralph Coates
Played as a winger in professional football. Started the career at local clubs before joining Burnley in 1963. Made significant contributions to the team, helping them secure the FA Cup in 1962. Later transferred to Tottenham Hotspur, where achievements included winning the UEFA Cup in 1972. Represented England at the international level, earning multiple caps during the 1970s.
Continue ReadingHomer S. Ferguson
Served as a judge and U.S. Senator from Michigan. Held the position of senator from 1955 to 1979. Contributed to various legislations during tenure, focusing on civil rights and social welfare. Played a significant role in shaping policies affecting the state and nation. Engaged in legal practice before entering politics, gaining recognition for expertise in law.
Continue ReadingFreddy Breck
Breck was a German singer, producer, and news anchor, primarily active in the 1970s and 1980s. Achieving notable success in the pop music scene, he released multiple albums featuring a blend of pop and schlager music. His most recognized hit was 'Oh, Marie', which contributed to his popularity in German-speaking countries. In addition to music, he worked as a news anchor, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingMarguerite Yourcenar
Marguerite Yourcenar was a Belgian-French author and poet. She became the first woman elected to the Académie Française in 1980. Yourcenar's literary career spanned several decades, during which she wrote novels, essays, and plays. One of her most significant works, 'Memoirs of Hadrian', published in 1951, is a fictional account of the Roman Emperor Hadrian's life, exploring themes of love, loss, and mortality. The novel received critical acclaim and has been translated into multiple languages, confirming her place in the literary canon. She also gained recognition for her other works, including 'The Abyss', which examined the life of an early Christian philosopher. Yourcenar's evocative prose and deep philosophical insights have continued to resonate with readers worldwide.
Continue ReadingJanet Rowley
A human geneticist contributed to the understanding of the genetic basis of cancer. Pioneered research identifying chromosomal abnormalities in cancer cells, particularly in leukemia. Helped establish the link between genetic alterations and cancer development. Advocated for the importance of genetics in oncology, influencing both research and treatment approaches in the field of cancer.
Continue ReadingWalt Dropo
Played professional basketball and baseball during the mid-20th century. In baseball, played for teams including the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox. Achieved notable success in Major League Baseball, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1950. In basketball, played for the Boston Celtics and was part of the team that won the 1956 NBA Championship. Transitioned between the two sports, showcasing a versatile athletic career.
Continue Reading