Fernando Lopes-Graça
Portuguese composer and conductor
A prominent figure in Portuguese music, contributed significantly to the national music scene. Composed numerous orchestral works, choral pieces, and songs drawing from Portuguese folk traditions. Served as a conductor and championed the works of other composers. Engaged in music education and the dissemination of cultural heritage through music. Established institutions that supported Portuguese music education and performance.
Composed orchestral and choral works
Promoted Portuguese folk music
Contributed to music education
Other People Born on December 17th
Brad Davis
Basketball player and coach
Born
December 17th, 1955 70 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1991 35 years ago — 35 years old
Played as a point guard in professional basketball, primarily for the Dallas Mavericks from 1980 to 1992. After retiring as a player, transitioned to coaching and sportscasting. Contributed to the development of young athletes and offered insights on basketball through various media channels.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hidayatullah
Indian Chief Justice and Vice President
Born
December 17th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1992 34 years ago — 86 years old
Served as the 11th Chief Justice of India from 1968 to 1970, significantly impacting the Indian legal system. Held the position of the sixth Vice President of India from 1979 to 1984, participating in legislative functions and presidential duties. Contributed to legal education and wrote extensively on various legal topics. Actively involved in politics and addressed key judicial reforms during tenure.
Continue ReadingDave Madden
Actor on The Partridge Family
Born
December 17th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2014 12 years ago — 82 years old
An actor gained recognition for portraying manager Reuben Kincaid on the television series The Partridge Family. Started career in the 1960s and made numerous television guest appearances, often in comedic roles. Also lent voice to characters in animated series, including the cartoon version of The Partridge Family. Acted in films and theater, showcasing versatility.
Continue ReadingPaul César Helleu
French painter and etcher
Born
December 17th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1927 99 years ago — 67 years old
Engaged in the art movement known as Impressionism, created numerous portraits and depictions of fashionable society. Worked closely with artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. Developed a unique style characterized by the use of pastels and etching techniques. Exhibited widely in Paris and gained recognition for contributions to both painting and printmaking. Notable works include portraits of high-society women, capturing the essence of Belle Époque Paris.
Continue ReadingSimo Häyhä
Finland's legendary World War II sniper
Born
December 17th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
April 1st, 2002 24 years ago — 96 years old
A Finnish soldier achieved significant notoriety during the Winter War (1939-1940) between Finland and the Soviet Union. Renowned for exceptional marksmanship skills, recorded over 500 confirmed kills as a sniper. Utilized a Finnish M28/30 rifle and took advantage of the winter landscape to conceal movements. Adopted a strategy that involved minimizing exposure and maximizing stealth, earning the nickname 'White Death.' Survived serious injuries and continued to lead a private life after the war until passing away in 2002.
Continue ReadingMary Cartwright
Mathematician and academic in England
Born
December 17th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1998 28 years ago — 97 years old
Contributions included work in mathematical biology and chaos theory. Demonstrated how certain mathematical problems could explain the behavior of non-linear systems. Worked on the theory of differential equations and was influential in the analysis of oscillating systems. Served as a professor at the University of Birmingham, where significant research and teaching occurred throughout a lengthy academic career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 27th
Mickey Baker
Guitarist and co-founder of The Shirelles
Born
October 15th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
November 27th, 2012 13 years ago — 87 years old
A guitarist, contributed significantly to the development of rock and roll and rhythm and blues music. Co-founded the duo Mickey & Sylvia, which achieved success with the hit song 'Love Is Strange'. Played with various artists, enhancing their sound and leaving a lasting influence on the music industry. Immigrated to France later in life, where continued to perform and record, bridging American styles with European music scenes.
Continue ReadingFrank Christian
Trumpet player and bandleader
Born
September 3rd, 1887 139 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1973 52 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1887, a prominent American trumpet player and bandleader, gained recognition in the jazz and dance band scenes during the early 20th century. Worked with various ensembles, highlighting skills in performance and composition. Contributed to the development of jazz music through innovative techniques and arrangements. His influence extended through collaborations with other musicians and by leading his own bands. The height of his career coincided with the rise of big bands in America, making significant contributions to the genre.
Continue ReadingMarvin Miller
Baseball executive and labor leader
Born
April 14th, 1917 109 years ago
Died
November 27th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old
An influential baseball executive played a significant role in transforming Major League Baseball's labor relations. As the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association from 1966 to 1982, led efforts for the establishment of free agency, fundamentally changing player contracts. Pioneered the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements that ensured better working conditions and benefits for players. Advocated for the rights and compensation of players during a time of significant economic change in the sport.
Continue ReadingBillie Bird
American actress with notable TV roles
Born
February 28th, 1908 118 years ago
Died
November 27th, 2002 23 years ago — 94 years old
An actress primarily active in television and film, recognized for contributions to the entertainment industry. Achievements include prominent roles in sitcoms. Bird appeared in episodes of 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'The Golden Girls', showcasing talent in comedic performances. Career spanned several decades, bringing characters to life across various popular series and films.
Continue ReadingDouglas Cameron
Canadian politician and Lieutenant Governor
Born
June 8th, 1854 172 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1921 104 years ago — 67 years old
A politician served as the 8th Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. Appointed in 1901, held the position until 1906. Oversaw significant developments in the province during tenure. Involved in numerous civic and governmental initiatives and contributed to the growth of Manitoba.
Continue ReadingJean Albert Gaudry
Geologist and paleontologist, stratigraphy
Born
September 16th, 1827 199 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1908 117 years ago — 81 years old
Contributed significantly to geology and paleontology. Specialized in stratigraphy and organized fossil records. Published works on French Tertiary fossils that expanded the understanding of earth's geological history. Served as a professor at the University of Paris and held key roles in geological societies. His research involved extensive field studies and detailed analysis of fossilized remains, leading to important discoveries in extinct species.
Continue Reading