Geezer Butler
English bass player and songwriter
A prominent bass player and songwriter, contributed significantly to the heavy metal genre. Co-founded the band Black Sabbath, which is considered one of the pioneers of heavy metal music. Developed a distinctive playing style and lyrical themes that explored existential and social issues. Collaborated with various artists and participated in reunions and tours of Black Sabbath across multiple decades, solidifying the band's legacy in music history.
Co-founded Black Sabbath
Wrote lyrics for iconic songs like 'Iron Man' and 'War Pigs'
Instrumental in the creation of heavy metal music
Other People Born on July 17th
Christian Karl Reinhard of Leiningen-Dachsburg-Falkenburg-Heidesheim
Noble statesman and military commander
Born
July 17th, 1695 330 years ago
Died
1766 260 years ago — 71 years old
Born in 1695, a member of the House of Leiningen-Dachsburg, held positions of significance within the Holy Roman Empire. Served as a military commander during various European conflicts in the early 18th century. Engaged in political affairs and represented his territory in diplomatic missions, impacting local governance and military strategy during turbulent times. His lineage continued to influence regional politics in Central Europe.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hasan Sharq
Afghan politician and former prime minister
Born
July 17th, 1925 100 years ago
Served as prime minister of Afghanistan during a critical period in the 1960s. Focused on modernization and development initiatives aimed at improving the Afghan economy and infrastructure. Oversaw significant changes in education and health sectors. Played a key role in the establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries, enhancing Afghanistan's international presence. Worked within a challenging political landscape, navigating tensions with both external powers and internal factions.
Continue ReadingWojciech Kilar
Polish composer of film scores
Born
July 17th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent pianist and composer, significant contributions included creating scores for films and classical music works. Kilar gained international recognition through collaborations with directors such as Roman Polanski and Francis Ford Coppola. The score for 'The Pianist' won widespread acclaim and strengthened his reputation in film music. Additionally, Kilar's concert works, including symphonies and chamber music, showcased his versatility and deep understanding of musical form. His legacy encompasses both his film compositions and concert music, reflecting a career dedicated to artistic pursuits.
Continue ReadingArthur Rothstein
American photographer known for FSA work
Born
July 17th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1985 40 years ago — 70 years old
This individual was an American photographer and educator. He played a key role in the Farm Security Administration, capturing images that depicted the struggles of rural America during the Great Depression. Rothstein's work aimed to document the impact of the Dust Bowl and his photographs contributed significantly to the visual documentation of American history. In addition to his photography, he held teaching positions at several institutions, influencing future generations of photographers. His expertise in visual storytelling was recognized throughout his career.
Continue ReadingLetsie III of Lesotho
King of Lesotho since 1996
Born
July 17th, 1963 62 years ago
Ascended to the throne in 1996 after his father's death. Served as a constitutional monarch during a period of political instability in Lesotho. Engaged in diplomatic relations and facilitated dialogue among various political factions. Focused on development issues and the enhancement of Lesotho's international standing. Participated in various regional organizations to promote collaboration and peace in Southern Africa.
Continue ReadingXianfeng Emperor
Emperor of China during Qing Dynasty
Born
July 17th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
1861 165 years ago — 30 years old
Ruled as the Xianfeng Emperor from 1850 to 1861 during a tumultuous period in the Qing Dynasty. His reign was marked by internal strife, including the Second Opium War against Britain and France, which resulted in significant territorial losses and the Treaty of Tientsin. Encountered challenges from various uprisings, notably the Taiping Rebellion, which posed a serious threat to the dynasty's stability. The emperor's efforts to modernize the military and government structures were limited by conservative resistance and external pressures.
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