Fletcher Henderson

American jazz bandleader and composer

Fletcher Henderson - American jazz bandleader and composer
Born

December 18th, 1897
127 years ago

Died

December 29th, 1952
72 years ago — 55 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

Contributed significantly to the development of big band jazz in the 1920s and 1930s. Pioneered the use of arrangements in jazz music, helping to transform the genre from small ensembles to larger orchestral sounds. Led the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, which featured prominent musicians of the era, including Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins. Collaborated with Bessie Smith, providing arrangements for her recordings. Played a crucial role in popularizing swing music, bridging the gap between jazz and dance music.

Led the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra

Arranged music for Bessie Smith

Pioneered big band jazz arrangements

Other People Born on December 18th

Brianne Theisen-Eaton

Canadian heptathlete and Olympic competitor
Born
December 18th, 1988 36 years ago

Achieved recognition as a heptathlete representing Canada. Competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing eighth. Won multiple Canadian national championships in heptathlon. Attended the University of Oregon, where achieved NCAA titles in heptathlon and pentathlon.

Continue Reading

Christopher Polhem

Swedish physicist and inventor of machines
Born
December 18th, 1661 363 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1751 273 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure in the field of physics and engineering, contributions to mechanics and machine design were substantial. Developed the first mechanical computer, known as the calculating machine. Established an ironworks in Sweden that advanced the technology of iron production. His work laid foundational principles in mechanics that influenced future generations of engineers and inventors.

Continue Reading

Willi Wülbeck

German middle-distance runner Olympic medalist
Born
December 18th, 1954 70 years ago

Achieved prominence as a middle-distance runner specializing in the 800 meters. Secured a silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Won multiple championships, including the European Athletics Championships in 1982 and the World Championship in 1983. Competed for the SC Köln club, establishing a legacy in German athletics during the 1980s.

Continue Reading

Peter Boulware

American football player and politician
Born
December 18th, 1974 50 years ago

Played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Baltimore Ravens from 1997 to 2005. Was a key contributor to the Ravens' victory in Super Bowl XXXV. After retiring from professional football, engaged in politics, becoming involved in various community and political initiatives.

Continue Reading

Barbora Krejčíková

Czech tennis player, French Open champion
Born
December 18th, 1995 29 years ago

This athlete debuted professionally in 2013 and achieved significant success in singles and doubles tennis. The player won the women's singles title at the 2021 French Open, becoming the first Czech woman to win the tournament since 1981. Alongside her singles success, this athlete also excelled in doubles, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and ranking first in the WTA doubles rankings. Representing the Czech Republic, this player contributed to the country's success in the Fed Cup.

Continue Reading

Ronald Acuña Jr.

Professional Baseball Player, MLB All-Star
Born
December 18th, 1997 27 years ago

A Venezuelan baseball player, specialized in the outfield position. Debuted in Major League Baseball in 2018 with the Atlanta Braves. Achieved the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2018. Played a key role in leading the Braves to victory in the 2021 World Series, marking the franchise's first championship title since 1995. Acuña is known for his dynamic playing style, combining power and speed on the field.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 29th

William Merriam Burton

American chemist known for cracking process
Born
1865 160 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1954 70 years ago — 89 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry with the invention of the Burton process, a method for refining crude oil into gasoline. This method allowed for more efficient conversion of petroleum into fuel, which became crucial during the 20th century. Conducted research that advanced petrochemical processes and supported the growth of the oil industry. Work led to improvements in fuel quality and production techniques.

Continue Reading

Freddie Hubbard

Jazz trumpet player and composer
Born
April 7th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2008 16 years ago — 70 years old

An influential jazz trumpet player and composer emerged in the 1960s, contributing significantly to the hard bop and avant-garde jazz movements. Collaborated with prominent musicians such as Art Davis, Wayne Shorter, and McCoy Tyner. Established a distinctive style characterized by bold melodic lines and advanced harmonic structures. Released several critically acclaimed albums, including 'Ready for Freddie' and 'Hub-Tones'. Active in both acoustic and electric jazz settings, Hubbard also participated in the jazz fusion genre during the 1970s.

Continue Reading

Leopold Kronecker

Mathematician and foundational figure
Born
December 7th, 1823 201 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1891 133 years ago — 68 years old

A mathematician and academic, contributed significantly to number theory and algebra. Served as a professor at the University of Berlin and influenced the development of mathematical logic and set theory. Advocated for the importance of integers and talked about the theory of forms. Established the Kronecker delta and worked on the concepts of limits and continuity. His ideas helped shape future mathematical exploration and education.

Continue Reading

Vivienne Westwood

Fashion designer and punk icon
Born
April 8th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2022 2 years ago — 81 years old

Originated punk fashion in the 1970s, collaborated with Malcolm McLaren to open the boutique 'SEX' on King's Road, which became a hub for the punk movement. Created iconic designs that challenged conventional fashion norms, including the 'Pirate Collection' in 1981. Westwood emphasized sustainability and ethical fashion throughout her career, often using her platform to address climate change and social issues. Received the British Fashion Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2007.

Continue Reading

Constance Bartlett Hieatt

American scholar and linguistic expert
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2011 13 years ago — 83 years old

Constance Bartlett Hieatt contributed significantly to the field of linguistics and medieval studies. Hieatt focused on Old and Middle English literature, providing insights into various texts from these periods. Hieatt was a professor at both the University of Toronto and the University of Alberta, where her work influenced studies in medieval language and literature. She edited and authored several important works, enhancing the understanding of gender roles in medieval texts. Hieatt's expertise also extended to the analysis of dialects and semantics in linguistics.

Continue Reading

Stephen Birch

American businessman, influential leader
Born
1873 152 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1940 84 years ago — 67 years old

Engaged in business activities, primarily in mining and development. Played a significant role in the growth of the mining industry in the early 20th century. Actively involved in institutional investments and real estate development, contributing to various economic ventures. Held pivotal positions within several companies, leading initiatives that shaped industrial practices during his time.

Continue Reading