Fats Waller

Pianist and composer of 'Ain't Misbehavin''

Fats Waller - Pianist and composer of 'Ain't Misbehavin''
Born

May 21st, 1904
121 years ago

Died

December 15th, 1943
81 years ago — 39 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

An influential American pianist and composer emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, contributing significantly to the jazz genre. Combining humor and virtuosity, played in numerous nightclubs in New York City. Composed memorable pieces, many of which became standards in jazz repertoire. Gained recognition for performances both in person and on radio broadcasts, showcasing a playful style that blended elements of stride piano with popular music. Became a prominent figure in Harlem's music scene and influenced countless musicians.

Composed 'Ain't Misbehavin''

Performed in the Broadway musical 'Keep Shufflin''

Influenced the development of swing music

Other People Born on May 21st

Rosalind Plowright

English soprano and acclaimed opera singer
Born
May 21st, 1949 76 years ago

Acclaimed English soprano gained prominence in the opera world from the 1980s onwards. Performed at prestigious venues including the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera. Notable for a powerful voice and compelling stage presence, she has taken on leading roles in productions such as 'Carmen', 'Aida', and 'The Rake's Progress'. Contributed to world premieres and has collaborated with renowned conductors and composers.

Continue Reading

Grete Gaim

Estonian biathlete and Olympian
Born
May 21st, 1993 32 years ago

Competed in international biathlon events representing Estonia. Participated in the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi. Achieved notable results in the IBU Cup and European Championships during career. Excelled in both individual and relay competitions, showcasing consistent performance in various events.

Continue Reading

Kay Kendall

English actress and comedian
Born
May 21st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1959 65 years ago — 32 years old

An English actress and comedian, gained prominence during the 1950s and 1960s. Starred in films and television series, showcasing talent in both comedic and dramatic roles. Featured in notable productions such as "Genevieve," which received acclaim for its charming narrative and performances. Her work in the film "The Reluctant Debutante" highlighted her comedic prowess, earning recognition in the industry. Despite her career being cut short due to illness, left a lasting legacy in British cinema and comedy.

Continue Reading

Lázaro Cárdenas

Mexican general and President
Born
May 21st, 1895 130 years ago
Died
October 19th, 1970 54 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 44th President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940. Implemented extensive land reforms and nationalized the oil industry, promoting agrarian reform and educational improvements. Dedicating efforts to strengthen the Mexican economy, worked towards social justice and supporting workers' rights. His administration initiated the creation of a more accessible public education system and emphasized the importance of industrialization.

Continue Reading

Karen Khachanov

Tennis player, 2018 Paris Masters champion
Born
May 21st, 1996 29 years ago

A professional tennis player achieved significant success on the ATP tour. Gained attention by winning the 2018 Paris Masters, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. His playing style is characterized by a powerful serve and strong groundstrokes, contributing to numerous victories against top-ranked players. Competing prominently in international tournaments, earned a gold medal in men's singles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Consistently ranked among the top players globally, demonstrated skill and determination throughout career.

Continue Reading

Andrei Sakharov

Physicist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Born
May 21st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1989 35 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent physicist and academic contributed significantly to the development of thermonuclear weapons in the Soviet Union. Later, became an advocate for human rights and civil liberties within the USSR, opposing nuclear proliferation and governmental abuses. His activism led to political persecution, including house arrest from 1970 to 1979. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 for efforts toward disarmament and promoting human rights. Remains a symbol of intellectual and political opposition in Russia.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 15th

Heinz Wolff

Physiologist and engineer, Wolff's Periodic Table
Born
April 29th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2017 7 years ago — 89 years old

A physiologist and engineer, contributed significantly to the fields of physiology and biomedical engineering. Served as a professor at Brunel University in London and was a prominent figure in promoting science education through television programs. Developed the Wolff's Periodic Table as a tool in psychophysics and engineering. His work focused on the relationship between physiology and engineering principles.

Continue Reading

Seewoosagur Ramgoolam

Politician and 1st Prime Minister of Mauritius
Born
September 18th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1985 39 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1900, a prominent figure in Mauritius, served as the first Prime Minister after the country's independence in 1968. Played a crucial role in shaping Mauritian politics and promoting education and social welfare. His tenure marked significant reforms in governance, including the establishment of a parliamentary democracy. As a physician trained in England, contributed to public health initiatives while advocating for the rights of all citizens in a multicultural society. Passed away in 1985, leaving a legacy in Mauritian political history.

Continue Reading

M. Balasundaram

Sri Lankan lawyer and politician
Born
April 7th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1965 59 years ago — 62 years old

Contributed significantly to Sri Lanka's political landscape and legal framework during the mid-20th century. Engaged in various political movements advocating for civil rights and legal reform. Played a prominent role in the country's legislative processes and served in key political positions. Actively participated in the struggle for governance and representation in Sri Lankan society.

Continue Reading

Sitting Bull

Hunkpapa Lakota chief and leader
Born
1831 194 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1890 134 years ago — 59 years old

A Hunkpapa Lakota tribal chief, played a pivotal role in resisting United States government policies towards Native Americans. Advocated for the rights and traditions of his people, and became a symbol of Native American resistance. Championed the return of the Lakota to their ancestral lands and led his people during the Great Sioux War. Fought in the Battle of Little Bighorn against General Custer's forces, resulting in a significant victory for the Lakota and their allies. Later, captured and ultimately surrendered, Sitting Bull spent time in captivity before his eventual release.

Continue Reading

Wolfgang Pauli

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
April 25th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1958 66 years ago — 58 years old

A physicist and academic contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and theoretical physics. Pauli formulated the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system. In 1945, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the exclusion principle. Worked at institutions such as the University of Zurich and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where influences in physics were widely acknowledged. His theories have had lasting implications in quantum theory and particle physics.

Continue Reading

Blake Edwards

Film director of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
Born
July 26th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2010 14 years ago — 88 years old

A renowned director, producer, and screenwriter in the film industry, he gained recognition for his contribution to cinema from the late 1950s onwards. Directed and wrote iconic films such as 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'The Pink Panther', and 'Victor/Victoria'. His work often blended comedy and drama, showcasing a distinct visual style and storytelling technique. Received multiple accolades throughout his career, including an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Continue Reading