Greta Andersen
Danish swimmer and Olympic medalist
A competitive swimmer, gained recognition in the 1940s and 1950s. Competed in the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics, earning a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle in 1948. Achieved multiple titles at European Championships, securing several gold medals. Set numerous world records during the career, contributing to the development of women's swimming in Denmark.
Silver medalist in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1948 Olympics
Multiple gold medals at European Championships
World record holder in various swimming events
Other People Born on May 1st
Nikolai Yezhov
Russian police officer and politician
Born
May 1st, 1895 130 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1940 85 years ago — 44 years old
Served as a key figure in the Soviet secret police, Yezhov rose to prominence during the Great Purge initiated by Joseph Stalin. Played a crucial role in orchestrating widespread repression, leading to the arrest and execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state. His tenure marked an intensification of state terror in the late 1930s, known for implementing harsh measures against dissent, including the extensive use of show trials. Eventually fell from favor, leading to his arrest and execution in 1940 as part of the ongoing purges.
Continue ReadingScott Carpenter
American astronaut and Mercury pilot
Born
May 1st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
October 10th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old
An American commander, pilot, and astronaut participated in the second American manned orbital spaceflight. Flew the Aurora 7 spacecraft on May 24, 1962, completing three orbits around Earth. Engaged in various Navy roles and contributed to aerospace missions, including underwater egress training in the space program.
Continue ReadingRudolf I of Germany
Holy Roman Emperor, founder of Habsburg
Born
May 1st, 1218 807 years ago
Died
July 15th, 1291 734 years ago — 73 years old
Rudolf I served as the King of the Romans from 1273 until his death in 1291. He established the Habsburg dynasty and laid the foundation for Habsburg rule in Central Europe. His reign marked a significant consolidation of power in the Holy Roman Empire. Rudolf's election as king ended the interregnum that had plagued Germany for nearly twenty years. He focused on strengthening his family's influence and acquiring lands, notably achieving control over important regions in Austria.
Continue ReadingMarc-Vivien Foé
Cameroonian Footballer, 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup
Born
May 1st, 1975 50 years ago
Died
June 26th, 2003 22 years ago — 28 years old
A professional footballer from Cameroon, contributed significantly to the sport during the 1990s and early 2000s. Played as a midfielder for Lyon in Ligue 1 and contributed to the team's success. Represented the Cameroon national team and participated in several international tournaments, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup. Tragically, passed away during a match in 2003 while playing for English club Birmingham City.
Continue ReadingAnna Jarvis
Founder of Mother's Day in America
Born
May 1st, 1864 161 years ago
Died
November 24th, 1948 77 years ago — 84 years old
Founded Mother's Day as a holiday to honor mothers and their contributions. The first official celebration took place in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. Advocated for the recognition of the day on a national level. This effort led to Mother's Day being officially recognized in the United States in 1914. Later expressed concerns about the commercialization of the holiday and its deviation from its original intent.
Continue ReadingChristian Benítez
Ecuadorian footballer; top league scorer
Born
May 1st, 1986 39 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 27 years old
Played professional football primarily as a forward. Achieved prominence in various clubs, especially with El Nacional and Club América. Excelled in the Ecuador national team, contributing to their participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Winning multiple league titles and cups in Ecuador and Mexico marked a significant part of the career. Recognized for exceptional scoring abilities and work ethic on the field.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 6th
Lew Burdette
Baseball player, 1957 World Series champion
Born
November 22nd, 1926 99 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2007 18 years ago — 80 years old
A professional baseball player and coach, Burdette played as a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Milwaukee Braves. Recognized for outstanding pitching skills during the 1957 season, he helped lead the Braves to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees. His performance in that series earned him the World Series MVP award. After retiring as a player, Burdette transitioned to coaching, contributing to the development of younger athletes in various minor league teams. His expertise in pitching garnered respect within the baseball community.
Continue ReadingDan Hicks
Singer-songwriter and guitarist of 'Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks'
Born
December 9th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2016 9 years ago — 74 years old
Dan Hicks gained recognition as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, blending elements of folk, swing, and country music. Emerging in the late 1960s, he formed the group Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, which became known for a unique sound characterized by witty lyrics and an eclectic mix of musical styles. The band released several albums, with 'Where's the Money?' and 'Striking It Rich' being particularly notable. Hicks showcased a distinctive vocal style and clever songwriting, which contributed to his recognition in the Americana music scene. In addition to performing, Hicks collaborated with various artists throughout his career, contributing to a rich and varied musical tapestry. His work has influenced subsequent generations of musicians and continues to resonate within the roots music community.
Continue ReadingBen Nicholson
British painter and modern artist
Born
April 10th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1982 43 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent figure in 20th-century British painting, created a significant body of work characterized by abstract forms and landscapes. His early career was marked by involvement with the St Ives School, where he experimented with still life and abstract compositions. Collaborated with other artists, contributing to the modern art movement in Britain. Later works incorporated influences from cubism and surrealism. Received recognition for innovative techniques and vibrant use of color. Engaged in various exhibitions, showcasing a dedication to the evolution of modern art in the UK.
Continue ReadingPiero Manzoni
Italian painter and sculptor, Merda d'Artista
Born
July 13th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1963 62 years ago — 29 years old
An Italian painter and sculptor contributed significantly to the art movement known as Arte Povera. Manzoni is best remembered for the creation of 'Merda d'Artista,' a can of feces that offered commentary on the nature of art. He developed a series of other works that explored the concepts of art and authenticity. The artist also experimented with different materials and techniques, challenging traditional notions of sculpture and painting. His work remains influential in contemporary discussions of art and its definitions.
Continue ReadingMaxine Kumin
American poet and author of 'Inside the Halo'
Born
June 6th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2014 11 years ago — 88 years old
An accomplished author and poet, this individual published numerous works throughout her career. The anthology 'Inside the Halo and Other Poems' received critical acclaim and contributed significantly to modern poetry. In addition to poetry, significant contributions included essays and children's books, many of which drew inspiration from the natural world and personal experiences. This individual also held teaching positions in prestigious institutions, mentoring aspiring writers and fostering appreciation for poetry. In 1973, won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for the collection 'Up Country', highlighting expertise and recognition in the literary community.
Continue ReadingManfred Eigen
Biophysical chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
May 9th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2019 6 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent biophysical chemist contributed significantly to the understanding of chemical reactions and kinetics. Developed the technique of relaxation spectroscopy, which enabled the study of fast reactions. Eigen's research laid foundational work in the field of molecular biology, particularly in the understanding of enzyme kinetics. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1967 for work on fast processes in chemical systems. Held teaching and research positions at various prestigious institutions, influencing the field for decades.
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