György Ligeti
Hungarian-Austrian composer of avant-garde music
Born in 1923, this composer contributed significantly to contemporary classical music. Studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest. Emigrated to the West in 1956, settling in Austria. Worked with various forms of music, including orchestral, choral, and chamber compositions. Influenced by multiple musical styles and integrated complex rhythms and textures into works. Achieved recognition for compositions such as "Atmosphères," "Lux Aeterna," and the opera "Le Grand Macabre."
Composed 'Atmosphères' for orchestra
Created 'Lux Aeterna' for choir
Wrote the opera 'Le Grand Macabre'
Other People Born on May 28th
Sally Forrest
American actress and dancer in films
Born
May 28th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2015 11 years ago — 86 years old
An American actress and dancer, contributed to the film industry during the 1940s and 1950s. Gained recognition for performances in musicals and dramatic roles. Appeared in the 1953 film 'The Wild One' alongside Marlon Brando and was featured in 'Inner Sanctum' series. Engaged in dance and theater productions, showcasing talent in both film and live performances. Later transitioned to television, featuring in various series and guest appearances. Continued to work in acting until retirement, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.
Continue ReadingRed Horner
Ice Hockey Player, Toronto Maple Leafs Captain
Born
May 28th, 1909 117 years ago
Died
April 27th, 2005 21 years ago — 95 years old
A Canadian ice hockey player, played as a defenceman primarily for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). His professional career spanned from 1925 to 1937. Served as team captain for the Maple Leafs and contributed to the team's multiple championships during his tenure. Horner was selected for the NHL All-Star Game and later inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965.
Continue ReadingJhonny Peralta
Baseball shortstop with All-Star selection
Born
May 28th, 1982 44 years ago
Played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball from 2003 to 2016. Initially signed by the Cleveland Indians, contributed significantly to the team's success. Later played for the Detroit Tigers, where participation in the 2012 World Series occurred. Joined the St. Louis Cardinals and continued to perform at a high level, earning an All-Star selection in 2011 during his tenure with the Tigers. Known for strong defensive skills and offensive contributions throughout his career.
Continue ReadingKylie Minogue
Singer-songwriter and actress, 'Can't Get You Out of My Head'
Born
May 28th, 1968 58 years ago
An Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and actress. Achievements include a successful music career with numerous chart-topping hits. Gained international fame in the 1980s for the hit 'Locomotion' and later, 'Can't Get You Out of My Head'. Transitioned into acting with roles in television and film, most notably in the soap opera 'Neighbours'. Won several awards including multiple ARIA Awards and a Grammy Award. Has also been involved in various charitable efforts and campaigns.
Continue ReadingRuby Payne-Scott
Australian physicist and astronomer
Born
May 28th, 1912 114 years ago
Died
May 25th, 1981 45 years ago — 68 years old
Contributed significantly to radio astronomy in Australia. Worked at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), where research advanced understanding of solar emissions and their effects on the Earth. Played a key role in developing techniques for detecting solar radio bursts, which enhanced knowledge of solar activity. Provided foundational work in radio astronomy during a time when women faced significant barriers in the scientific community.
Continue ReadingMarian Smoluchowski
Polish physicist and mountaineer
Born
May 28th, 1872 154 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1917 108 years ago — 45 years old
Contributions included significant work in statistical mechanics and the theory of Brownian motion. Conducted research on diffusion and the behavior of particles suspended in fluids. Played a key role in the development of the Smoluchowski equation, which describes particle movement in a dispersive medium. Engaged in mountaineering, exploring various peaks in the Tatra Mountains.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 12th
Jimmy Dorsey
American bandleader and composer
Born
February 29th, 1904 122 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1957 69 years ago — 53 years old
Born on February 29, 1904, a prominent saxophonist and bandleader in the jazz genre. Rose to fame during the swing era, leading bands that became influential in popular music. Authored numerous arrangements and compositions, becoming a key figure in American big band music. The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, co-led with brother Tommy Dorsey, gained major popularity. The band featured hit songs such as 'Amapola' and 'Tangerine'. In the late 1930s and 1940s, hosted radio shows that furthered the reach of swing music. Continued to perform and lead various bands into the 1950s.
Continue ReadingFrank Walker
Australian politician and attorney general
Born
1942 84 years ago
Died
June 12th, 2012 14 years ago — 70 years old
Served as the 41st Attorney General of New South Wales. Held the position from 1995 to 1999. Engaged in various legal reforms during tenure. Involved in local government and politics for several decades prior to appointment as Attorney General.
Continue ReadingWilliam H. Donaldson
American businessman and SEC chairman
Born
1931 95 years ago
Died
June 12th, 2024 2 years ago — 93 years old
Held the position of Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from 2003 to 2005. Oversaw significant regulatory reforms during a time of heightened scrutiny of corporate governance. Established initiatives aimed at improving transparency and investor confidence in financial markets. Instrumental in developing policies that strengthened corporate accountability and disclosure practices.
Continue ReadingHermann Scherchen
Conductor and viola player in classical music
Born
June 21st, 1891 135 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1966 60 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent conductor and viola player, contributed significantly to classical music throughout his career. Conducted orchestras in numerous prestigious venues and festivals, promoting contemporary compositions alongside classical masterpieces. Established a reputation for innovative interpretations and dedication to the works of major composers. Alongside conducting, performed extensively as a viola soloist, showcasing talent and skill in both chamber and orchestral music.
Continue ReadingGuo Moruo
Chinese historian and poet
Born
November 16th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1978 48 years ago — 85 years old
Contributed extensively to the field of history and literature in China. Served as a prominent figure in the Chinese literary scene and was involved in the early years of the Communist Party. Worked as a historian and played a vital role in editing many historical texts. Authored numerous poems and essays, blending traditional Chinese literary forms with modern themes. Held various government positions, including the role of president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Continue ReadingPope Leo III
Pope and crowner of Charlemagne
Died
June 12th, 816 1210 years ago — None years old
Pope Leo III served as the head of the Catholic Church from 795 to 816. His papacy is noted for the crowning of Charlemagne as Emperor of the Romans in 800, which symbolized the fusion of Roman, Christian, and Germanic elements. The event took place during Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the beginning of what would later be called the Holy Roman Empire. This act solidified the alliance between the papacy and the Frankish monarchy. During his papacy, Leo faced political challenges, including opposition from factions in Rome. He was attacked in 799 but managed to escape and sought refuge with Charlemagne, who supported him upon his return to Rome. Leo's tenure emphasized the strengthening of the papal authority within the growing influence of the Carolingian Empire.
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