Fred Wesley
Jazz and funk trombonist, bandleader
A prominent figure in jazz and funk music, this trombonist contributed significantly to the genre from the 1960s onward. He played with the legendary band Parliament-Funkadelic and was a key member of the J.B.'s, the backing band for James Brown. His innovative playing style and composition skills influenced many musicians in the funk genre. In addition to his performance work, he has been involved in music education and has published instructional materials. A prolific arranger, his contributions to the sound of funk music are widely recognized within the music community.
Played with Parliament-Funkadelic
Served as musical director for James Brown
Other People Born on July 4th
Alfredo Di Stéfano
Legendary football player and coach
Born
July 4th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
July 7th, 2014 11 years ago — 88 years old
Argentinian-Spanish footballer and coach played a crucial role at Real Madrid, contributing to the club's dominance in European football during the 1950s. Renowned for exceptional versatility, Di Stéfano operated as a forward and influenced the game through skillful technique and strategy. He helped Madrid secure five consecutive European Cups from 1956 to 1960, cementing the team's legacy in the tournament's history. After retirement, transitioned into coaching, holding managerial positions for various clubs and national teams.
Continue ReadingHenrietta Swan Leavitt
American astronomer studying Cepheid variables
Born
July 4th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1921 104 years ago — 53 years old
An American astronomer and academic contributed significantly to the field of astronomy through research on variable stars, specifically Cepheid variables. Developed a method to determine distances to far-off galaxies using the relationship between a Cepheid's luminosity and its pulsation period. This work laid the foundation for later discoveries regarding the expansion of the universe. Worked at the Harvard College Observatory, where many female astronomers operated under the title of 'computers', analyzing star data and making crucial astronomical advancements during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Continue ReadingMichael Johnson
Footballer and manager with coaching success
Born
July 4th, 1973 52 years ago
Died
July 25th, 2017 8 years ago — 44 years old
Played professional football primarily as a forward. Represented clubs such as Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Transitioned to coaching after retirement from playing. Managed teams including the Jamaican national team, contributing to their football development.
Continue ReadingLeona Helmsley
American hotelier and real estate leader
Born
July 4th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2007 18 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent business figure in the hotel and real estate industry, operated the Helmsley Hotels. Gained notoriety for operating high-end hotels in New York City, including the famous Parker Meridien and the Grand Hyatt. Her business strategies and controversies garnered significant media attention throughout her career. Became a key figure in the New York social scene during the 1980s, often associated with luxury living and extravagant lifestyles. Her legal troubles in the late 1980s and her eventual conviction for tax evasion, which led to a four-year prison sentence, marked significant turning points in her life.
Continue ReadingGeorge Steinbrenner
Businessman, owner of the Yankees
Born
July 4th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2010 15 years ago — 80 years old
An American businessman, led the New York Yankees as principal owner from 1973 until his death in 2010. Oversaw a major financial turnaround for the franchise, transforming it into a highly profitable sports entity. Focused on aggressive marketing strategies and player acquisitions. The team won seven World Series championships during his tenure, contributing to the Yankees' status as one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball history.
Continue ReadingLouis-Claude Daquin
French organist and composer
Born
July 4th, 1694 331 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1772 253 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1694, a prominent organist and composer in France during the Baroque period, contributed significantly to the development of French keyboard music. Served as the organist at the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and later at the royal court. Created numerous works including organ pieces and motets, showcasing a unique style that blended traditional French elements with Italian influences. Daquin's compositions remain vital for understanding the evolution of organ music in the 18th century.
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