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
Maya Angelou
Memoirist and poet, wrote 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'
Born
April 4th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 86 years old
A significant figure in American literature, she authored several autobiographies, with 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' being the most acclaimed, detailing her early life and experiences of racism and trauma. Angelou held various roles throughout her career, including a dancer, singer, and civil rights activist. She recited her poem 'On the Pulse of Morning' at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993, marking a historic moment in American poetry. Angelou's work focused on themes of identity, family, and resilience, making notable contributions to literature and civil rights.
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 ReadingStanley G. Weinbaum
Science fiction author and poet
Born
April 4th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1935 90 years ago — 33 years old
An American author and poet, this individual emerged as a significant figure in the science fiction genre during the early 20th century. The debut work, 'A Martian Odyssey,' published in 1934, received acclaim for its imaginative storytelling and innovative concepts. This author contributed to the foundation of science fiction literature, influencing future writers with a distinctive style that integrated advanced scientific ideas into engaging narratives. Despite a brief career, marked by early death in 1935, the works left a lasting legacy in the genre and inspired adaptations across various media.
Continue ReadingFrances Langford
American actress and singer from the 1940s
Born
April 4th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2005 20 years ago — 92 years old
Gained prominence as a singer and actress during the 1940s. Started career in vaudeville and made a significant transition to film and music, often appearing alongside top artists of the time. Featured in the Bob Hope military shows, entertaining troops during World War II. Recorded popular songs and starred in films such as "That Night in Rio" and "The Girl Next Door." Continued performing in various venues and maintained a career that spanned several decades, becoming a well-recognized figure in entertainment.
Continue ReadingJames Alberione
Italian priest, founder of Society of St. Paul
Born
April 4th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 87 years old
An Italian priest founded the religious order known as the Society of St. Paul in 1914, which aimed to spread the message of the Gospel through the media. This initiative was part of a broader effort to modernize the Church's approach to communication. Emphasizing the use of technology for evangelism, the Society expanded its influence across various forms of media, including publishing and broadcasting. Eventually, it established numerous institutions worldwide dedicated to education and pastoral care. The founding process focused on preparing members to engage with contemporary culture while promoting Christian values.
Continue ReadingGrinling Gibbons
Sculptor and woodcarver of great renown
Born
April 4th, 1648 377 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1721 304 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent sculptor and woodcarver, Gibbons was active during the late 17th century in England. He became renowned for intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures, particularly in the Baroque style. His works grace many significant buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. Gibbons's craftsmanship in woodcarving is especially notable, with intricate designs that demonstrated exceptional skill and artistry. His legacy endures through both his artistic innovations and the influence he had on subsequent generations of artists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 18th
Ernst Nolte
German historian and philosopher
Born
January 11th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2016 9 years ago — 93 years old
A historian and philosopher who studied totalitarianism and its historical origins, contributing significantly to the understanding of the rise of fascism and communism. Focused on the relationship between the Holocaust and World War II, he investigated how these events shaped modern history. Authored influential works that sparked debate and discussion in academic circles. Engaged with various schools of thought, emphasizing the importance of historical context in philosophical discourse. His analysis of historical events included examining the implications of ideology on society.
Continue ReadingLouis Stokes
American lawyer and politician
Born
February 23rd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old
Served as a U.S. Representative for Ohio from 1969 to 1999, participating in significant legislative efforts related to civil rights and housing. Stokes worked on the House Appropriations Committee and was instrumental in establishing the Congressional Black Caucus. After retiring from Congress, continued involvement in legal and civil rights advocacy, including work with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Stokes' contributions helped shape policies affecting urban communities and minority rights.
Continue ReadingKim Yu-shin
General of Silla during the Three Kingdoms
Died
August 18th, 673 1352 years ago — None years old
A general of the Silla kingdom, significant contributions included military leadership during the conflicts against rival kingdoms. Played a crucial role in the unification of the Korean Peninsula under Silla, implementing strategic tactics in numerous battles. Commanded Silla forces in the decisive Battle of Hiongju and the Battle of Noryang. Also served as a politician, advising the royal court and shaping military policy in the 7th century. His strategic expertise and leadership were essential in establishing the dominance of Silla over Baekje and Goguryeo.
Continue ReadingSuvra Mukherjee
Wife of former Indian president
Born
1940 85 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 75 years old
Married to Pranab Mukherjee, served as the First Lady of India from 2012 to 2017. Contributed to various cultural and social initiatives in the country. Had an educational background in English and was a passionate advocate for the arts, particularly literature and music. Was involved in charitable activities, supporting causes related to education and health. Organized and participated in events promoting Indian culture during her husband's presidency.
Continue ReadingPope Alexander VI
Pope during the Renaissance period
Born
January 1st, 1431 594 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1503 522 years ago — 72 years old
Elected as pope in 1492, presided over the papacy during a significant period of the Renaissance. Engaged in political maneuvers, including the promotion of his children within the powerful Borgia family. Initiated the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and commissioned several artistic projects, including those in the Vatican. His papacy faced numerous controversies, particularly regarding corruption and nepotism, leading to a complex legacy in the context of church history.
Continue ReadingAndré-Jacques Garnerin
French balloonist and parachute inventor
Born
January 31st, 1769 256 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1823 202 years ago — 54 years old
Born in 1769, a pioneering figure in aviation, this individual made significant contributions to flight and parachuting. In 1797, executed the first successful parachute jump from a height of 3,200 feet using the frameless parachute design. This innovation represented a major advancement in safety for aerial vehicles and created a foundation for future developments in parachute technology.
Continue Reading