Hank Jones

American jazz pianist and composer

Hank Jones - American jazz pianist and composer
Born

July 31st, 1918
107 years ago

Died

May 16th, 2010
15 years ago — 91 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent jazz pianist and composer, contributed significantly to the jazz genre. Worked as a bandleader and collaborated with various notable musicians throughout a long career in music. Recorded extensively and performed with prominent artists including Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie. Gained recognition for improvisational skills and style in both trio and big band formats. Received several awards for contributions to jazz, including a Grammy Award.

Collaborated with Ella Fitzgerald

Performed with Dizzy Gillespie

Received a Grammy Award

Other People Born on July 31st

Brian Skrudland

Ice hockey player and coach, Stanley Cup winner
Born
July 31st, 1963 62 years ago

Born in 1963, this Canadian ice hockey player played in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily as a center. Career began with the Montreal Canadiens, debuting in 1984 and contributing to the team's Stanley Cup victory in 1993. Further played for the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, serving in various capacities, including head coach in junior leagues.

Continue Reading

Rémy Di Gregorio

French professional road cyclist
Born
July 31st, 1985 40 years ago

Professional road cyclist achieved prominence in the sport through participation in several prestigious races. Competed in the Tour de France, showcasing endurance and skill. Raced for various teams during career, contributing to team efforts in major cycling events.

Continue Reading

Peter Benenson

Human rights lawyer, founded Amnesty International
Born
July 31st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2005 20 years ago — 83 years old

A lawyer initiated the founding of Amnesty International in 1961 to advocate for human rights globally. The organization focused on preventing and addressing cases of unjust imprisonment and torture. Through commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, efforts contributed to the awareness of political prisoners and abuses. The organization's campaigns led to the release of numerous individuals and shifted perspectives on state-sponsored violence.

Continue Reading

Brian Orakpo

American football linebacker, Pro Bowler
Born
July 31st, 1986 39 years ago

Played as a linebacker in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Tennessee Titans. Achieved Pro Bowl selections in 2009 and 2010 during tenure with the Redskins. Known for impactful defensive plays and significant contribution to team performance. After several seasons, transitioned to a successful career in sports analysis and commentary.

Continue Reading

Daniel Ciofani

Italian footballer with Frosinone
Born
July 31st, 1985 40 years ago

Played professional football primarily as a forward, with notable contributions to the Italian football league. Achieved success with Frosinone Calcio, helping the team secure promotion to Serie A during the 2014-2015 season. Participated in multiple seasons of Serie B and exhibited consistent scoring ability. Also contributed to the team's defensive play, demonstrating versatility on the field.

Continue Reading

Evonne Goolagong Cawley

Tennis player and Wimbledon champion
Born
July 31st, 1951 74 years ago

This Australian tennis player achieved significant success during her career. Winning the Australian Open in both 1970 and 1971, she also captured the Wimbledon title in 1971, becoming the first Aboriginal Australian to win a Grand Slam. Her powerful baseline game and graceful playing style contributed to her popularity and success on the international stage. After retiring, she became involved in tennis coaching and mentoring, promoting the sport among young players, especially Indigenous youth.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 16th

Charles Perrault

French author of classic fairy tales
Born
January 12th, 1628 397 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1703 322 years ago — 75 years old

Authored celebrated fairy tales including "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Little Red Riding Hood." Contributed to the development of the fairy tale genre in literature and helped to popularize storytelling for children. In 1697, published "Histoires ou contes du temps passé," which compiled these tales, making them widely accessible and influential in European literature.

Continue Reading

Heinrich Rohrer

Swiss physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 6th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
May 16th, 2013 12 years ago — 79 years old

Born in Switzerland, a prominent physicist and academic contributed significantly to the field of scanning tunneling microscopy. Co-developed the first working scanning tunneling microscope alongside Gerd Binnig. The innovative work allowed for imaging surfaces at the atomic level and transformed the field of nanotechnology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986 for advancements in techniques to visualize surfaces. Involved in various academic endeavors throughout a lengthy career.

Continue Reading

John Stevens Henslow

English botanist and geologist
Born
February 6th, 1796 229 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1861 164 years ago — 65 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of botany and geology through extensive research and education. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge, where teachings focused on systematic botany. Played a pivotal role in the scientific community by mentoring young naturalists, including Charles Darwin. Advocated for the establishment of botanical gardens and guided explorations in natural history.

Continue Reading

Andy Kaufman

Comedian and actor of 'Taxi' fame
Born
January 17th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1984 41 years ago — 35 years old

Born in 1949, a performer gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s. Initially became popular as a comedian with unique, unconventional performances. Gained wider fame for portraying Latka Gravas on the television series 'Taxi.' Achieved success in wrestling, engaging in notable matches and feuds, particularly with Jerry Lawler. Blended performance art and comedy, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. His approach influenced future generations of comedians and performers.

Continue Reading

Andrew Goodpaster

U.S. Army General with distinguished service
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
May 16th, 2005 20 years ago — 90 years old

A United States Army General served in various capacities, notably as the commander of NATO forces in Europe during the Cold War. Held leadership roles during significant military operations and was involved in strategic planning for the Vietnam War. Also contributed to military education and served as the superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Following retirement, engaged in academia and military commentary.

Continue Reading

Jeremy Michael Boorda

American Admiral, Chief of Naval Operations
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1996 29 years ago — 57 years old

Served as a distinguished U.S. Navy officer and became the 26th Chief of Naval Operations. Achieved the rank of admiral and held significant leadership positions throughout a career spanning over three decades. Played a critical role in advancing naval policy and operations during a time of transformation in the military. Contributed to the Navy's modernization efforts and emphasized the importance of naval readiness and personnel welfare. His tenure as Chief of Naval Operations highlighted a commitment to leadership and service.

Continue Reading