Jean Langlais
French organist and composer of liturgical music
Career spanned from the mid-20th century, focusing on organ music and sacred compositions. Studied at the Paris Conservatory, where expertise in organ performance and composition developed. Served as organist at various churches, including the Church of Saint-Denis in Paris. Contributed significantly to liturgical music with works that incorporated contemporary styles while maintaining traditional roots. Worked with a variety of instruments, showcasing a unique blend of modern and classical elements in compositions.
Composed 'Suite Brève' for organ
Published numerous liturgical works
Other People Born on February 15th
Irena Sendler
Polish nurse and humanitarian
Born
February 15th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2008 17 years ago — 98 years old
Worked as a nurse and social worker during World War II, providing assistance to Jewish families in German-occupied Poland. Facilitated the escape of approximately 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto, placing them with Polish families and in convents to protect them from the Holocaust. After the war, continued to advocate for social justice and human rights. Received numerous awards and honors posthumously for contributions to saving lives during the Holocaust.
Continue ReadingDerrick Jones Jr.
Basketball player for Miami Heat
Born
February 15th, 1997 28 years ago
A professional basketball player who played for the Miami Heat in the NBA. Achieved recognition for athleticism and versatility on the court. Won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2020, showcasing remarkable jumping ability and creativity. Also played for teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Chicago Bulls during his career, contributing to their performances in various seasons.
Continue ReadingTitu Maiorescu
Romanian philosopher and Prime Minister
Born
February 15th, 1840 185 years ago
Died
June 18th, 1917 108 years ago — 77 years old
A prominent philosopher and academic, this figure served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Romania in the late 19th century. His contributions to literature and philosophy were significant, particularly in shaping the cultural landscape of Romania. He founded the cultural society "Junimea," which played a crucial role in Romanian literature. His critiques and theories in aesthetics and logic left a lasting impact on Romanian intellectual thought. A notable aspect of his political career included efforts to modernize Romanian education and promote national culture.
Continue ReadingCallum Turner
English actor, starred in 'Fantastic Beasts'
Born
February 15th, 1990 35 years ago
Born in 1990, this English actor gained prominence through performances in film and television. Debuted in acting with roles in various television series and progressed to feature films. Recognized for the role of Theseus Scamander in 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald'. Featured in 'Green Room' and 'The Only Living Boy in New York'. Acclaimed for strong performances, contributing to storytelling across genres. Work includes collaboration with established filmmakers and participation in significant film projects.
Continue ReadingPhilipp Degen
Swiss footballer, Borussia Dortmund player
Born
February 15th, 1983 42 years ago
A professional footballer from Switzerland, played as a defender. Had a successful career in the Bundesliga and various European competitions. Began the professional career with FC Basel before joining Borussia Dortmund. Contributed to the team's success during the late 2000s, including participation in DFB-Pokal and UEFA competitions. Represented the Swiss national team in international tournaments.
Continue ReadingGeorge Russell
Racing Driver and Formula 1 Competitor
Born
February 15th, 1998 27 years ago
Began a racing career in karting, achieving notable success before advancing to single-seaters. Competed in the GP3 Series, winning the championship in 2017. Joined Williams Racing in Formula 1 in 2019, where significant performances garnered attention. Transitioned to Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team in 2022, securing podium finishes and demonstrating competitiveness.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 8th
Rikissa of Denmark
Queen of Sweden
Died
May 8th, 1220 805 years ago — None years old
Served as queen consort of Sweden through marriage. Completed her role in the royal family during the early 13th century, significantly influencing dynastic alliances. Demonstrated political acumen during her tenure in a time of significant territorial and political changes in Northern Europe.
Continue ReadingJulius Hirsch
German footballer and Olympian
Born
April 7th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1945 80 years ago — 53 years old
A German footballer, played as a forward for FC Bayern Munich. Represented Germany in international competitions, including the 1912 Summer Olympics. His career was cut short due to the rise of the Nazi regime, which targeted him due to his Jewish heritage. He was ultimately killed in a concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Continue ReadingVital Brazil
Immunologist and physician in Brazil
Born
1865 160 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1950 75 years ago — 85 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of immunology and tropical medicine. Developed serum therapies for various snake bites, including anti-venoms for bites from the Jararaca snake. Founded the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, a leading center for biomedical research and production of vaccines and anti-serums. Conducted extensive research on infectious diseases, contributing to public health in Brazil and beyond.
Continue ReadingTore Svennberg
Swedish actor and film director
Born
February 28th, 1858 167 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1941 84 years ago — 83 years old
Born in Sweden, a prominent figure in early cinema and theater. Worked extensively in film and stage productions, contributing to the growth of the arts in the region. Directed several films and participated in numerous theatrical performances, highlighting the evolution of Swedish entertainment. Also took part in the burgeoning movement of cinema during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influencing the artistic landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingAhmed Sanjar
Seljuk Sultan and military leader
Born
1086 939 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1157 868 years ago — 71 years old
Ruled as a Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire during the 12th century, one of the last prominent rulers of the Seljuk dynasty. Established a brief reign characterized by military campaigns against various factions and significant control over Persian territories. Oversaw the expansion of the empire into regions of modern-day Iran and parts of Central Asia. Experienced defeats against rival states but maintained authority over important areas until the decline of Seljuk power.
Continue ReadingHaakon V
King of Norway
Born
1270 755 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1319 706 years ago — 49 years old
Ruled as King of Norway from 1299 until death in 1319. Focused efforts on consolidating the kingdom and strengthening its governance. Engaged in conflicts which helped secure territorial integrity, particularly against Sweden. Initiated development projects that improved the infrastructure of Norway, and was involved in establishing laws that contributed to the kingdom's stability.
Continue Reading