Frank Foss
Pole Vaulter; Olympic Gold Medalist
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent figure in the sport of pole vaulting, this athlete competed at the highest level during the early 20th century. Achievements include participation in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, where a gold medal was earned in the pole vault event. His technique and competitive spirit set a standard in the sport during that era. The contributions to pole vaulting extended beyond competition, as he influenced the development of training methods and techniques within the discipline.
Winning gold in pole vault at the 1920 Olympics
Setting multiple national records
Other People Born on May 9th
Tamia
Canadian singer-songwriter and actress
Born
May 9th, 1975 50 years ago
Born in 1975, this Canadian artist gained recognition for her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. Debuts included self-titled album, releasing hit singles such as 'You Put a Move on My Heart' and 'Officially Missing You.' Collaborated with various artists across R&B and hip-hop genres and achieved multiple nominations and awards for musical contributions. In addition to a music career, ventured into acting and appeared in feature films and television.
Continue ReadingLouis Henry
Military leader in the Thirty Years' War
Born
May 9th, 1594 431 years ago
Died
1662 364 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1594, a prince of Nassau-Dillenburg, served as a military leader during the Thirty Years' War. Played a significant role in various battles and military campaigns throughout the conflict. Demonstrated strategic capabilities and leadership in confronting opposing forces, particularly in the defense of Protestant interests in Germany. Actively engaged in the complexities of the war, which involved numerous European powers and marked a crucial period in the continent's history.
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Baseball player, St. Louis Cardinals infielder
Born
May 9th, 1995 30 years ago
A professional baseball player, primarily plays as an infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball. Made his MLB debut in 2019 and contributed significantly to the team's postseason efforts. Played a versatile role on the field, demonstrating capability at both second base and shortstop. Part of the Cardinals' roster during competitive seasons, aiding in team strategies and performance. Achieved notable statistics in batting and fielding, becoming an integral part of the Cardinals’ lineup over the years.
Continue ReadingHank Snow
Country music singer-songwriter
Born
May 9th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1999 26 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent figure in country music, this artist began his career in the 1930s and achieved recognition for a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Numerous hits appeared on the Billboard country charts, with particular success in the 1950s and 1960s. A significant moment came with the song 'I'm Movin' On,' which topped the charts and solidified his status in the genre. The artist also contributed to the establishment of the Grand Ole Opry, performing regularly and boosting the careers of many other musicians.
Continue ReadingMinamoto no Yoritomo
Japanese shōgun and military leader
Born
May 9th, 1147 878 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1199 827 years ago — 51 years old
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Continue ReadingBeth Mead
English footballer, UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Champion
Born
May 9th, 1995 30 years ago
A professional footballer, this individual plays as a forward and represents the England national team. Renowned for scoring goals and creating opportunities, she played a significant role in the success of club sides, including Arsenal. Achievements include winning the FA Women's Super League and the FA Women's Cup. Additionally, this footballer contributed to the England team's triumph in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, where they secured the championship title on home soil.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 5th
Maria Gripe
Swedish author and children's book writer
Born
July 25th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2007 18 years ago — 83 years old
Contributed significantly to children's literature. Authored numerous books that often featured themes of adventure and fantasy. Works included collaborations with illustrators that enhanced the storytelling experience. Gripe's narratives often dealt with complex emotions and existential questions, appealing to both children and adults. Her storytelling style blended realism with elements of myth, making stories relatable yet imaginative. Gripe received several awards recognizing her contributions to literature, including the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Continue ReadingRobert Maillart
Swiss civil engineer, concrete bridge designer
Born
February 6th, 1872 154 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1940 85 years ago — 68 years old
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Continue ReadingVincent Youmans
American composer, produced 'No, No, Nanette'
Born
September 27th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1946 79 years ago — 47 years old
An American composer and producer, this individual contributed significantly to musical theater in the early 20th century. Major works include 'No, No, Nanette', which premiered in 1925 and became a popular and influential production of its time. The music integrated jazz influences and lively melodies that captured the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Collaborations with prominent lyricists helped shape the sound of Broadway during this era. Continued work within the theater scene included compositions for other shows and songs that enjoyed enduring popularity. The composer's legacy persists through the revival of their musicals and ongoing performances of their songs by various artists.
Continue ReadingManly Wade Wellman
American writer of supernatural fiction
Born
May 21st, 1903 122 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1986 39 years ago — 82 years old
A writer specializing in supernatural fiction, contributed significantly to American literature. Worked in various genres including science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Wrote for publications such as 'Weird Tales' and created the 'Silver John' character, embodying Appalachian folklore. Produced a body of work that often intertwined regional themes with speculative elements.
Continue ReadingHeinrich Müller
Austrian footballer and Bundesliga player
Born
April 28th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2000 25 years ago — 99 years old
Austrian footballer played primarily as a midfielder. Career spanned from the late 1950s to the mid-1970s. Featured prominently in the Austrian Bundesliga, playing for teams including SK Rapid Wien and FK Austria Wien. Participated in several international tournaments representing the Austrian national team, contributing to the team's efforts during significant competitions.
Continue ReadingSaul Bellow
Canadian-American novelist, Nobel laureate
Born
June 10th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2005 20 years ago — 89 years old
A prominent novelist and essayist, significant contributions include works that explore individual psychology and social dynamics. Major works include "Herzog," "Humboldt's Gift," and "The Adventures of Augie March," with the latter receiving the National Book Award. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1976 for the human understanding and subtle analysis of contemporary culture and society. His writing often reflects themes of Jewish identity and existentialism, resonating across multiple generations.
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