Herbie Hancock

Jazz pianist and composer

Herbie Hancock - Jazz pianist and composer
Born

April 12th, 1940
84 years ago

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

An innovative jazz musician and bandleader, contributions span multiple genres including jazz, funk, and electronic music. Played a significant role in the development of jazz fusion and introduced synthesizers to jazz ensembles. Key compositions include 'Cantaloupe Island' and 'Watermelon Man.' Also served as a mentor to younger musicians and emphasized the importance of creativity in music.

Received the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for 'Head Hunters'

Pioneered the use of electronic instruments in jazz

Contributed to the soundtrack of 'Round Midnight'

Other People Born on April 12th

Ioannis Metaxas

Greek Prime Minister and military leader
Born
April 12th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1941 84 years ago — 69 years old

A military officer and political leader, served as the 130th Prime Minister of Greece. Played a significant role in the period leading up to and during World War II. Established a dictatorial regime and focused on national unity and military preparedness. Implemented various economic and social reforms during his tenure. Successfully led Greece during the initial stages of the Greco-Italian War, which began in October 1940, despite the ultimate occupation by Axis forces.

Continue Reading

Edward Walter Maunder

English astronomer and solar physicist
Born
April 12th, 1851 173 years ago
Died
1928 97 years ago — 77 years old

Contributions included significant research on sunspots and solar cycles. Published the Maunder Minimum, which documented a period of reduced solar activity during the 17th century known for its correlation with cooler climate conditions in Europe. Authored influential works including 'The Solar System' and 'The Sun, the Earth, and the Universe'. Additionally served as a curator at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

Continue Reading

Ferdinand von Lindemann

German mathematician, pi formulation
Born
April 12th, 1852 172 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1939 86 years ago — 86 years old

A mathematician from Germany contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in number theory. Established the transcendence of pi, proving that pi is not the root of any non-zero polynomial equation with rational coefficients. Held a professorship at the University of Göttingen and was involved in various mathematical research endeavors throughout his career. Published several important works that advanced mathematical understanding during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Continue Reading

Montserrat Caballé

Spanish soprano renowned for opera
Born
April 12th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
October 6th, 2018 6 years ago — 85 years old

Acclaimed for contributions to opera, a Spanish soprano gained international fame for powerful performances in the operatic repertoire. Performances at prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, showcased a vocal technique marked by a rich color and impressive range. A celebrated recording career featured collaborations with various artists, expanding reach beyond traditional audiences. Achieved a significant milestone with the album 'Barcelona,' a collaboration with Freddie Mercury, cementing a crossover appeal into popular music.

Continue Reading

Nicolás Burdisso

Argentinian footballer and defender
Born
April 12th, 1981 43 years ago

A professional footballer, played as a central defender. Started career in the youth system of Boca Juniors, making his first team debut in 1999. Played for several clubs, including Roma and Inter Milan in Serie A. Achieved significant success with Inter Milan, winning multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2010. Contributed to the Argentina national team, participating in the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.

Continue Reading

John Kay

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
April 12th, 1944 80 years ago
Died
1780 245 years ago — -164 years old

Born in Germany, a musician settled in Canada, made a significant mark in rock music. Formed the band Steppenwolf, which achieved fame in the late 1960s and 1970s. Contributed to the rise of the counterculture movement with anthems that resonated with the era. Played a pivotal role in creating the hit song 'Born to be Wild', which is often associated with motorcycle culture and the film 'Easy Rider'. Besides performing, engaged in various production roles and solo projects over the years.

Continue Reading