Jeff Deslauriers
Ice Hockey Player, NHL Goaltender
Played as a goaltender in the National Hockey League, primarily with the Edmonton Oilers. Had a notable career in professional hockey, also competing in various leagues in North America and Europe. Represented Canada at the international level during junior competitions. Transitioned from playing to coaching after retirement from professional play.
Played for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL
Competed in the AHL with teams like the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Represented Canada in international junior championships
Other People Born on May 15th
Dennis Frederiksen
American singer-songwriter and performer
Born
May 15th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2014 12 years ago — 62 years old
A singer-songwriter and performer, contributed significantly to the rock music scene. Gained recognition as frontman for the band Trillions and later as a lead vocalist for the rock group Survivor. Participated in the recording of the album 'Vital Signs' which featured the hit single 'I Can't Hold Back.' His musical style incorporated elements of rock and pop, blending melodic hooks with powerful vocals. Continued to perform and write music throughout his career, influencing subsequent artists in the genre.
Continue ReadingClaudio Monteverdi
Composer of operas and sacred music
Born
May 15th, 1567 458 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1643 382 years ago — 76 years old
Born in 1567, this Italian priest and composer played a pivotal role in the development of opera and sacred music during the late Renaissance. Monteverdi's work marked the transition from the Renaissance style to Baroque music. He served as a musician at the court of Mantua and later became the maestro di capella at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. His operas, especially "L'Orfeo" and "Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria," are regarded as foundational works of the operatic genre. Monteverdi's compositions also encompassed a variety of vocal and instrumental music, which greatly influenced future generations of composers.
Continue ReadingLevi Lincoln Sr.
American politician and Attorney General
Born
May 15th, 1749 276 years ago
Died
1820 206 years ago — 71 years old
Served as the 4th United States Attorney General from 1801 to 1805 under President Thomas Jefferson. Played a significant role in the administration, particularly in the legal matters of the federal government. Active in Massachusetts politics, served as a member of the Governor's Council and as the Lieutenant Governor. Instrumental in the establishment of several laws and policies, advocating for the rule of law and justice during early governance.
Continue ReadingUlrich Beck
German sociologist and risk society theorist
Born
May 15th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2015 11 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent sociologist, contributed significantly to social theory with the concept of 'risk society.' Focused on the implications of modernity and globalization, examining how societal risks shape human behavior and institutional responses. Authored influential works, including 'Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity' and 'The Reinvention of Politics.' Explored themes of individualization, ecological crisis, and the transformation of social structures. Established a framework for understanding the relationship between risks and societal changes.
Continue ReadingSébastien Le Prestre de Vauban
French military engineer and fortification expert
Born
May 15th, 1633 392 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1707 318 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent French military engineer, contributions centered on the development of fortified cities and modern military architecture. Served as a marshal of France under Louis XIV. Advanced the art of fortification through principles that emphasized geometric design and comprehensive defensive systems. Authored several treatises on military engineering, influencing the design of fortresses in Europe for centuries.
Continue ReadingJames Mason
English Actor in 'North by Northwest'
Born
May 15th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1984 41 years ago — 75 years old
An accomplished actor, producer, and screenwriter, gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Began his career in British theater and transitioned to cinema during the 1940s. Achieved recognition for performances in films such as 'The Man in Grey', 'A Star Is Born', and 'North by Northwest'. Earned extensive acclaim for his distinct voice and commanding screen presence. Worked in both British and American film industries, appearing in a variety of genres from drama to thrillers.
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