Gunnar Nilsson
Race Car Driver, 1977 Swedish GP Winner
Born on November 20, 1948, in Sweden, a prominent race car driver made significant contributions to motorsport during the 1970s. Competed in Formula One, securing one Grand Prix victory during the 1977 season. Known for driving with the Shadow team, showcased exceptional skills on the racetrack, rising to prominence within the circuit. Tragically, a battle with cancer led to an early death in 1986, but his legacy continues to inspire many in the racing community.
Won the 1977 Swedish Grand Prix
Competed in the Formula One World Championship
Other People Born on November 20th
Pete Rademacher
American boxer; heavyweight champion
Born
November 20th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 92 years old
Professional boxing career began in 1953. First boxer to fight for the heavyweight title in his professional debut. Competed against Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight championship in 1956. Career record includes notable victories and a significant title challenge.
Continue ReadingRaymond Lefèvre
French composer and orchestra conductor
Born
November 20th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 79 years old
An influential French composer and orchestra conductor, focusing primarily on light music and orchestral arrangements. In the late 20th century, created numerous popular compositions, often blending classical music with contemporary styles. Gained popularity through television and radio broadcasts in France, achieving widespread recognition in the 1960s and 1970s. Conducted orchestras for film scores, including work on soundtracks that entertained audiences across Europe. Lefèvre's orchestral style brought an elegant touch to popular music, showcasing intricate arrangements that appealed to a broad audience.
Continue ReadingKarl von Frisch
Ethologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 20th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1982 43 years ago — 95 years old
Contribution to the field of ethology revealed complex communication methods among bees. Conducted groundbreaking research on the waggle dance, demonstrating how bees convey information about food sources. Served as a professor of behavioral biology, influencing the study of animal behavior and earning international recognition for academic achievements. His work laid foundations for understanding patterns of animal communication.
Continue ReadingColville Young
Governor-General of Belize
Born
November 20th, 1932 93 years ago
Served as the Governor-General of Belize from 1993 to 2021. Played a critical role in representing the Monarch in Belize and participated in various ceremonial duties. Contributed to the development of the nation through governance and public service. Actively engaged in promoting education and culture within the country.
Continue ReadingLev Polugaevsky
Soviet Chess Grandmaster and Author
Born
November 20th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 61 years old
Achieved the title of Grandmaster in 1970 and was a prominent figure in the world of chess during the 20th century. Contributed significantly to chess literature through various publications, including comprehensive analyses of chess openings. Competed in numerous international tournaments, earning respect for both strategic prowess and innovative ideas within the chess community.
Continue ReadingImre Makovecz
Hungarian architect known for organic design
Born
November 20th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2011 14 years ago — 75 years old
An influential architect significantly shaped modern architecture through a focus on organic design. He founded the Hungarian Academy of Arts and was a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His most notable works include the Kastélyszálló hotel in Szeged and the Millenniumi Tent for the 1996 World Exposition in Budapest. Active in several architectural movements, he emphasized harmony between built environments and nature, often incorporating traditional Hungarian elements into his designs.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 20th
E. Donnall Thomas
Physician, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Born
March 15th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 92 years old
E. Donnall Thomas was an American physician and academic who pioneered bone marrow transplantation as a treatment for leukemia and other blood disorders. This innovative approach has led to significant advancements in the field of hematology. Thomas conducted extensive research that established the techniques necessary for successful transplants and developed immunosuppressive regimens to help prevent organ rejection. His groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990, which he shared with Joseph E. Murray for their contributions to organ transplantation.
Continue ReadingRobert E. Kramek
Coast Guard admiral and leader
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2016 9 years ago — 77 years old
Served as an admiral in the United States Coast Guard, leading various missions and operations. Held the position of Commandant from 1994 to 1998, overseeing the service during significant events including national security and maritime safety challenges. Contributed to developments in environmental protection, drug interdiction, and emergency response operations within the maritime domain.
Continue ReadingMerle Travis
American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
November 29th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1983 42 years ago — 65 years old
A prominent figure in American country music, this individual gained recognition for pioneering the thumb-picking guitar style. His career included a significant contribution to the genre with original songs that showcased both lyrical depth and musical innovation. Collaborations with other artists in the folk and country scenes further highlighted his influence. His work in the 1940s, particularly through performances on radio and television, helped popularize his music among wider audiences. An influential figure in the music industry, he also composed notable songs that have been covered by other artists, ensuring a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingJames Randi
Stage magician and author of 'Flim-Flam!'
Born
August 7th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2020 5 years ago — 92 years old
A stage magician, author, and skeptic engaged in debunking paranormal claims and pseudoscience. Founded the James Randi Educational Foundation, which promoted critical thinking and scientific skepticism. Gained recognition through stage performances under the name 'The Amazing Randi', showcasing illusions and magic. Authored the book 'Flim-Flam!: The Truth About Unicorns, Paranormal Claims, and Other Mysteries of the Mind', where critical thinking and examination of the paranormal were emphasized.
Continue ReadingWerner Baumbach
German pilot and military strategist
Born
December 27th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1953 72 years ago — 36 years old
A German pilot served as a fighter pilot during World War II. Operated primarily with the Luftwaffe, participated in combat operations throughout the war. Recognized as a leading strategist within the German air force. After the war, contributed to aviation developments in post-war Germany.
Continue ReadingFrancesco Maria I della Rovere
Duke of Urbino, military leader
Born
1490 535 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1538 487 years ago — 48 years old
Served as the Duke of Urbino from 1516 until 1538. Engaged in military leadership as a condottiero. Participated in various conflicts in Italy during the Italian Wars. Worked to strengthen the duchy and its governance, supporting arts and architecture in Urbino.
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