Elmer Bernstein
Composer of film scores and conductor
Gained recognition for film scoring starting in the 1950s. Composed music for a variety of genres, producing scores for over 200 films. Collaborated with directors like Alfred Hitchcock and John Frankenheimer. Achieved critical acclaim for work in films such as "The Magnificent Seven," "To Kill a Mockingbird," and "Ghostbusters." Received Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame throughout his career. Continued to influence film music until retirement.
Composed the score for 'The Magnificent Seven'
Received an Academy Award for 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'
Created music for 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Scored for 'Ghostbusters'
Other People Born on April 4th
Remy de Gourmont
French poet and critic of literature
Born
April 4th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1915 110 years ago — 62 years old
A significant figure in French literature, this individual contributed extensively as a poet, novelist, and literary critic. With a strong interest in symbolism, wrote influential works that examined the aesthetics of literature and culture. Engaged in numerous essays and critiques, articulated perspectives on contemporary literature and art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also associated with the review 'Mercure de France', which played a pivotal role in promoting avant-garde literature. Explored themes of sensuality and the philosophy of art, leaving a lasting mark on French literary movements.
Continue ReadingPierre Monteux
Conductor of the San Francisco Symphony
Born
April 4th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1964 61 years ago — 89 years old
A French-American conductor predominantly associated with orchestral music, Monteux played a pivotal role in the development of modern conducting techniques. His career spanned several decades, leading prestigious orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony and the London Symphony Orchestra. He first gained international acclaim for conducting the premiere of Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring' in 1913, which was a significant event in the history of music. Monteux was known for his interpretations of both the classical and contemporary repertoire, contributing markedly to the evolution of conducting.
Continue ReadingTris Speaker
Baseball player and manager with a .345 batting average
Born
April 4th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1958 67 years ago — 70 years old
Birth occurred on April 4, 1888. Played Major League Baseball primarily as a center fielder. Had a long career spanning from 1907 to 1928. Achieved significant success with the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Accrued over 3,500 hits and led the league in batting average multiple times. Managed the Indians after his playing career and led them to a pennant in 1948.
Continue ReadingJoyce Giraud
Television actress and producer, Miss Puerto Rico 1994
Born
April 4th, 1975 50 years ago
Born in Puerto Rico, this television actress and producer gained recognition as Miss Puerto Rico in 1994. The reign led to a successful career in the entertainment industry, where significant work included appearances in popular television series and participation in various productions. Besides acting, involvement in producing television projects contributed to shaping her career. Efforts in the industry have spotlighted Puerto Rican talent and culture across multiple platforms.
Continue ReadingDettmar Cramer
Football manager and strategist
Born
April 4th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old
Born in Germany, a significant figure in football management, contributed to the development of various clubs and national teams. Served as a coach for Bayern Munich, leading the team to considerable success in the Bundesliga. Managed the West Germany national team, achieving a notable second-place finish in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Promoted the tactical evolution of football, emphasizing technical skill and teamwork over individual prowess.
Continue ReadingRobert E. Sherwood
Playwright & screenwriter, 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois'
Born
April 4th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1955 70 years ago — 59 years old
A playwright and screenwriter contributed significantly to American theater and film. Sherwood wrote several acclaimed plays, with 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois' receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1939. Other notable works include 'The Petrified Forest' and 'There Shall Be No Night.' Transitioning to Hollywood, Sherwood wrote screenplays for films such as 'The Best Years of Our Lives,' which won multiple Academy Awards. His work often focused on themes of patriotism and human resilience.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 18th
Harrison Begay
American painter of Navajo heritage
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old
A painter of Navajo heritage, this artist created works that reflect Indigenous culture and traditions. Using oils and watercolors, the artist captured landscapes, ceremonies, and daily life of the Navajo people. His artwork has been showcased in exhibitions across the United States, contributing to the visibility of Native American art. As a respected member of the Navajo Nation, the artist played a vital role in promoting Navajo culture through various art forms.
Continue ReadingDean Riesner
Actor and screenwriter of notable films
Born
1918 108 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2002 23 years ago — 84 years old
An American actor and screenwriter contributed significantly to film and television during the mid-twentieth century. Riesner's career included work in both acting and writing, with notable contributions to the film industry. He became a part of several well-known projects, primarily in the genres of action and drama. Riesner's talent in storytelling and character development led to collaborations with prominent directors and producers. His work continues to be recognized by film enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Continue ReadingJesse Robredo
Filipino politician, Secretary of the Interior
Born
May 27th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2012 13 years ago — 54 years old
Served as the 23rd Secretary of the Interior and Local Government in the Philippines from 2010 until his death in 2012. Implemented significant reforms in local governance and promoted transparency and accountability in government operations. Prior to this, held the position of mayor of Naga City for over 19 years, where focused on urban development and community empowerment. Advocated for disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness during his tenure. His leadership style and dedication to public service earned him respect throughout the nation.
Continue ReadingChri$ Ca$h
Wrestler and promoter for ECW
Born
1982 44 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2005 20 years ago — 23 years old
A professional wrestler and promoter, this individual gained recognition in the wrestling industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Prominence in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) marked the career, contributing to the promotion's reputation. Renowned for an innovative approach to wrestling, incorporating hardcore elements and unique storylines, this individual helped shape the genre during its peak. The wrestling persona resonated with fans, further elevating popularity through memorable matches and rivalries. The legacy within the wrestling community persists, influencing the style and presentation of future wrestling promotions.
Continue ReadingScott McKenzie
Singer-songwriter with 'San Francisco'
Born
January 10th, 1939 87 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2012 13 years ago — 73 years old
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, this individual rose to prominence in the 1960s with the release of the iconic song 'San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)'. The song became an anthem of the counterculture movement and was associated with the Summer of Love in 1967. His career included collaborations with notable artists and contributions to folk music, becoming a significant figure in the music scene during that era. This individual continued to perform and record music throughout the following decades, maintaining a presence in the industry until later years.
Continue ReadingRose Friedman
Economist and author of Capitalism and Freedom
Born
1910 116 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2009 16 years ago — 99 years old
An economist and author, contributed significantly to economic thought through the promotion of free-market principles. Co-founded the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice to advocate for school choice. Collaborated with husband Milton Friedman on important works in economics, including 'Capitalism and Freedom' and 'Free to Choose', which discussed the role of capitalism in promoting individual liberty. Engaged in numerous debates and wrote extensively on economic policy and education reform.
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