Irving Berlin
Pianist and composer of 'White Christmas'
Born in Belarus in 1888, a pianist and composer emigrated to the United States. Created a significant body of work in American music, writing songs that shaped the musical landscape. Founded the musical theatre genre significant for its melodies and lyrics. Had a long career that included significant contributions to Broadway as well as popular music. Berlin's songs captured the essence of American life and culture, with several becoming standards.
Composed 'White Christmas'
Wrote 'God Bless America'
Created the musical 'Annie Get Your Gun'
Other People Born on May 11th
Johann Friedrich Blumenbach
Physician and anthropologist
Born
May 11th, 1752 274 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1840 186 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent German physician, physiologist, and anthropologist. Blumenbach significantly contributed to the fields of anthropology and physiology in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established a classification system that categorized human races based on skull shape, which played a foundational role in biological anthropology. A key figure in the development of comparative anatomy, he studied various physical characteristics of human populations. His work on the variation of human skulls led to the understanding of racial diversity and human classification. Blumenbach also authored several influential texts that addressed topics in medicine and biology, alongside his contributions to the understanding of human variation and species.
Continue ReadingMartha Graham
Dancer and choreographer of modern dance
Born
May 11th, 1894 132 years ago
Died
April 1st, 1991 35 years ago — 96 years old
Pioneered modern dance and developed a unique style characterized by expressive movement. Founded the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1926, which became a vital force in American dance. Created over 180 dance works, with notable pieces including "Appalachian Spring," "Lamentation," and "Night Journey." Received numerous accolades, including the Capezio Dance Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, acknowledging contributions to the art form.
Continue ReadingCharlie Gehringer
Baseball player and manager
Born
May 11th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1993 33 years ago — 89 years old
An American baseball player and manager, this individual played for the Detroit Tigers from 1924 to 1942. Recognized as a skilled second baseman, he was a key member of the Tigers team that won the World Series in 1945. In addition to his playing career, he served as the team's manager in the mid-1950s. His contributions to baseball earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949. Gehringer's proficiency at the plate led to a career batting average of .320 and he established several records during his tenure.
Continue ReadingBeau Ryan
Rugby league player and television host
Born
May 11th, 1985 41 years ago
Played professional rugby league for the Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks. Transitioned to television, becoming a prominent television host. Gained recognition for co-hosting 'The Footy Show', showcasing rugby league culture and entertainment. In addition, hosted 'Beau's Kitchen', which combined personal anecdotes with cooking segments.
Continue ReadingJacques Brugnon
Tennis player and Davis Cup champion
Born
May 11th, 1895 131 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1978 48 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent French tennis player, achieved significant recognition during the 1920s and 1930s. Competed in singles and doubles, demonstrating exceptional skill on the court. Secured multiple Grand Slam titles and contributed to France's success in international competitions. Played a crucial role in the French team that won the Davis Cup in 1927, showcasing talent alongside other notable players. Retired from professional tennis after a successful career that spanned over a decade.
Continue ReadingMatt Leinart
American football quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner
Born
May 11th, 1983 43 years ago
Played college football at the University of Southern California, leading the team to two national championships in 2003 and 2004. Received the Heisman Trophy in 2004, recognizing him as the outstanding player in college football. Selected 10th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for several seasons. Also played for the Houston Texans and a stint with the Buffalo Bills. After retiring from professional football, transitioned into media and sports commentary.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 22nd
Frederick Soddy
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 2nd, 1877 149 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1956 70 years ago — 79 years old
A chemist and academic, contributions included pioneering work in radiochemistry and the study of isotopes. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1921 for insights into the structure of atomic nuclei and the nature of radioactive decay. Worked extensively on the concept of isotopes and their applications in various scientific fields. Held academic positions at several institutions, promoting research in physical chemistry.
Continue ReadingSolomon L. Spink
American lawyer and politician
Born
March 20th, 1831 195 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1881 145 years ago — 50 years old
Served in the United States Congress as a representative from Michigan. Engaged in law practice before entering politics. Contributed to various legislative efforts during tenure. Active in local governance and community initiatives throughout a distinguished career.
Continue ReadingVincenzo Viviani
Mathematician and physicist; barometer work
Born
April 5th, 1622 404 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1703 323 years ago — 81 years old
Born in 1622, contributions to mathematics and physics date back to the 17th century. Worked with Galileo and documented his discoveries. Conducted experiments with pendulums and studied the laws of motion. Made significant advancements in understanding the principles of hydrostatics and mechanics. Published several works, including 'Ragionamento dell'uso di diverse sorte di strumenti per misurare il peso e la grandezza delle cose'. His observations and contributions laid groundwork for future scientific inquiries.
Continue ReadingEdna Molewa
South African politician and environmentalist
Born
1957 69 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2018 8 years ago — 61 years old
Served as South African Minister of Environmental Affairs from 2014 to 2018. Contributed to environmental policy development and played a significant role in sustainable development initiatives. Prioritized wildlife conservation and climate change issues during tenure. Was also active in provincial politics, particularly in the North West province.
Continue ReadingDavid H. Hubel
Neurophysiologist; Nobel Prize in Physiology
Born
February 27th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2013 13 years ago — 87 years old
Contributions included groundbreaking research in the field of visual processing. Studied the visual cortex and its role in the perception of stimuli. Collaborated with Torsten Wiesel, leading to significant insights in how visual information is processed in the brain. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981 for discoveries concerning information processing in the visual system. Authored numerous influential publications that shaped the field of neuroscience.
Continue ReadingHector Abhayavardhana
Sri Lankan politician and theorist
Born
January 5th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2012 14 years ago — 93 years old
Born in 1919, this individual was a prominent theorist and political figure in Sri Lanka. He contributed significantly to the political discourse through his writings and active participation in the political arena. He played a key role in the leftist movement in Sri Lanka, advocating for various social and economic reforms. He served as a member of Parliament and was involved in several political parties, influencing the direction of Sri Lankan politics during the mid-20th century. Throughout his career, he engaged in numerous debates and discussions aimed at improving the socio-political landscape of the country.
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