Doug Ault
Baseball player and manager, Blue Jays
An American baseball player and manager, Ault played in Major League Baseball as a first baseman and outfielder. His career included playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, where he contributed to the team's early development in the franchise's history. After his playing career, Ault transitioned into coaching, taking on managerial roles in various minor league teams. His influence in these roles helped shape future players in the sport.
Played for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1977 to 1980
Managed in minor league baseball
Other People Born on March 9th
Robert Calvert
English singer-songwriter and playwright
Born
March 9th, 1945 81 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1988 37 years ago — 43 years old
An English singer-songwriter and playwright, contributions spanned music and theater. In the early 1970s, became a member of the space rock band Hawkwind, known for albums including "Doremi Fasol Latido" and "Warrior on the Edge of Time." Following his work with Hawkwind, embarked on a solo career with albums such as "Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters," which displayed unique storytelling and musical style. Also engaged in theatrical projects, writing plays that often incorporated elements of his musical background.
Continue ReadingGeorge Lincoln Rockwell
Founder of the American Nazi Party
Born
March 9th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1967 58 years ago — 49 years old
An American commander and politician, founded the American Nazi Party in 1959. Advocated for white supremacy and antisemitism through speeches and publications. Challenged the mainstream political discourse of the 1960s with extreme right ideology. Assassinated in 1967, leaving a controversial legacy regarding race relations in America.
Continue ReadingOrnette Coleman
Innovative jazz saxophonist and composer
Born
March 9th, 1930 96 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2015 10 years ago — 85 years old
A pioneering figure in the jazz genre, this musician revolutionized the way jazz was perceived and played. Renowned for the development of free jazz, the approach to improvisation emphasized spontaneous performance without predetermined chord progressions. In 1959, released the influential album 'The Shape of Jazz to Come,' which challenged conventional jazz norms and introduced a new level of creative freedom. Collaborated with various artists and formed the group 'Ornette Coleman Quartet,' notable for their innovative sound and improvisational style. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1994 for the album 'Sound Grammar,' solidifying a significant position in American music history.
Continue ReadingMickey Spillane
Crime Novelist with Mike Hammer Series
Born
March 9th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1977 48 years ago — 59 years old
An American crime novelist published a series of hardboiled detective novels featuring the character Mike Hammer. The first novel, 'I, the Jury,' released in 1947, established a new standard in the genre with its visceral style and complex plots. Spillane's work gained immense popularity, selling millions of copies. His writing style combined graphic violence and a focus on moral ambiguity, appealing to a broad audience. The character of Mike Hammer became iconic in American fiction, influencing both literature and film. Spillane also ventured into screenwriting and created adaptations of his works for film and television, further cementing his legacy in the crime genre.
Continue ReadingClara Rockmore
Classical violinist and theremin virtuoso
Born
March 9th, 1911 115 years ago
Died
1998 28 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent violin prodigy, significant contributions were made to classical music through the theremin. Rockmore gained recognition in the 20th century for her performances and technical mastery of the instrument. Collaborations with composers and musicians, including Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland, showcased her innovative playing style. She actively promoted the theremin, broadening its acceptance in concert settings. Numerous recordings highlight the unique tonal qualities of her theremin performances, leading to the establishment of the instrument as a serious musical entity.
Continue ReadingMalcolm Bricklin
Businessman and automotive entrepreneur
Born
March 9th, 1939 87 years ago
An American businessman founded Bricklin and introduced Yugo to the U.S. market. The Bricklin SV-1, known for its unique design and gullwing doors, was produced in the 1970s. Later, the Yugo brand was imported as a low-cost vehicle during the 1980s, attracting attention for its affordability and distinctive marketing. Bricklin's efforts in the automotive industry encapsulated the challenges and trends of car manufacturing and sales in the United States.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 22nd
Fred Foy
American soldier and sports announcer
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2010 15 years ago — 89 years old
Served as a soldier in World War II, earning recognition for bravery. Later became a prominent sports announcer, providing commentary for various sporting events. Best remembered for announcing the Boston Red Sox games and the iconic 'Game of the Century' in 1955 between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Oklahoma.
Continue ReadingHans Hækkerup
Danish lawyer and politician
Born
1945 81 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2013 12 years ago — 68 years old
A lawyer and politician, held various significant political positions. Served as Minister of Justice from 1993 to 1994. Represented the Social Democrats in the Danish Parliament and significantly influenced the legal landscape during his tenure. Engaged in law reform and public policy initiatives, contributing to enhancements in the Danish legal system. Later served as the Chairman of the Employment Market Committee.
Continue ReadingChuck Cherundolo
Football player and coach, US national team
Born
1916 110 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
Cherundolo played as a defender in professional soccer, primarily with Hannover 96 in Germany from 1999 to 2014. He earned 87 caps for the United States national team, participating in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. After retirement, he transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for various clubs and with the U.S. youth national teams.
Continue ReadingDon DeFore
American actor in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Born
August 25th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1993 32 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1913, this actor gained recognition for roles in television and film during the mid-20th century. A significant role included playing the character Dave Harris in the popular television sitcom 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,' which aired from 1952 to 1966. The actor also appeared in films such as 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' and 'The Man from the Alamo.' Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, this performer became a familiar face on American television, showcasing talents in various roles. He maintained an active career well into the 1970s, making guest appearances on numerous shows. The actor contributed to the entertainment industry not only through acting but also through various behind-the-scenes efforts in television production.
Continue ReadingRam Dass
Author and spiritual teacher
Born
April 6th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2019 6 years ago — 88 years old
An influential spiritual teacher and author, this individual played a significant role in popularizing Eastern spiritual practices in the West. After gaining his education, pursued a career in psychology and later, upon a transformative trip to India, adopted a spiritual path. This journey led to the publication of the book, 'Be Here Now', which became a seminal work in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The teachings emphasized mindfulness, compassion, and the importance of the present moment. Throughout life, engaged in various teachings, retreats, and collaborations with other spiritual leaders, contributing to wellness and meditation practices.
Continue ReadingGalina Ustvolskaya
Russian composer of choral and orchestral works
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2006 19 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent Russian composer, a unique voice in 20th-century classical music. Created a substantial body of work that includes orchestral, chamber, and vocal music. Many compositions reflect an austere and compelling style often linked to her spirituality and personal experiences. Studied at the Leningrad Conservatory under Dmitri Shostakovich. Later compositions demonstrated a more intense and individual aesthetic, contributing to the development of contemporary classical music. Ustvolskaya's compositions gained recognition for their expressive depth and innovative use of instrumental techniques.
Continue Reading