Jimmy Witherspoon
Jump blues singer with hit 'Ain't Nobody's Business'
Born in 1920, this American jump blues singer gained recognition in the 1940s and 1950s. With a powerful voice and emotive delivery, this artist blended genres and influenced later musicians. Career highlights included performances at major venues and recordings that showcased a unique vocal style. A notable collaboration with prominent jazz musicians helped solidify a place in the music world. The singer's music addressed themes of love, heartache, and everyday life.
Released the hit song 'Ain't Nobody's Business'
Worked with jazz legends like Duke Ellington
Performed at the Apollo Theater
Other People Born on August 8th
Jimmy Murphy
Football manager and player for Manchester United
Born
August 8th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1989 36 years ago — 79 years old
Played as a footballer and later managed Manchester United. Assisted in rebuilding the team after the Munich air disaster in 1958. Held the position of the team's assistant manager, contributing to the development of players and strategy during a transformative period for the club.
Continue ReadingEsther Hobart Morris
American lawyer and first female judge
Born
August 8th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1902 123 years ago — 87 years old
A pioneering figure in the legal field, served as a justice of the peace in Wyoming. Played a significant role in women's suffrage, advocating for women's rights and their participation in the legal system. With the passage of women's suffrage in Wyoming, became the first woman to hold a judicial office in the United States in 1870. Her contributions helped establish a precedent for women's involvement in public service and the judiciary.
Continue ReadingRichard Anderson
Actor in 'The Six Million Dollar Man'
Born
August 8th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 91 years old
An American actor and producer. Born in 1926, Anderson began his career in the 1940s. Gained widespread recognition for portraying Oscar Goldman in the television series 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and its spinoff 'The Bionic Woman'. Appeared in various film and television roles over decades, including performances in 'Forbidden Planet' and 'Perry Mason'. Transitioned into producing and continued to be active in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingSheila Varian
Horse trainer and breeder, Varian Arabians
Born
August 8th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2016 9 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent horse trainer and breeder, significant contributions were made to the Arabian horse community. Established Varian Arabians in California, specializing in breeding top-quality Arabian horses. Played a crucial role in promoting Arabian horse shows and training programs. Produced multiple national champions and trained horses that excelled in various equestrian disciplines.
Continue ReadingEmperor Horikawa
Japanese Emperor during the Heian period
Born
August 8th, 1079 946 years ago
Died
1107 919 years ago — 28 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1087 at the age of eight, serving until his death in 1107. His reign occurred during the Heian period, a time of cultural development in Japan. The government was dominated by the Fujiwara clan, which wielded significant power through regency roles. Horikawa's era saw the continuation of courtly traditions and the patronage of the arts. He presided over a court that valued poetry and literature, encouraging the creation of works that reflected the aesthetic ideals of the time. The reign faced challenges, including political intrigue and struggles for power within the noble class.
Continue ReadingErnest Lawrence
American physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
August 8th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1958 67 years ago — 57 years old
Contributed to the field of nuclear physics and invented the cyclotron, a particle accelerator, which allowed for groundbreaking experiments in nuclear science. Played a significant role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his work on the artificial production of radioactive isotopes. Served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and helped establish the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 18th
Fairfield Porter
American painter and art critic
Born
June 10th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1975 50 years ago — 68 years old
A major figure in American art, emphasized figurative painting amidst the rise of abstraction. Pioneered a unique style that combined realism with an emphasis on color and light. Contributed to art criticism through essays and reviews, shaping public perception of contemporary art. Played a significant role in the movements within the 20th-century art scene, especially in the context of New York City's vibrant artistic community.
Continue ReadingMarcel Reich-Ranicki
Literary critic and author of 'My Last Read'
Born
June 2nd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 93 years old
A prominent literary critic and author, contributed significantly to the analysis of German literature. Worked as a critic for major publications, influencing literary discourse in Germany. Authored several books, with 'My Last Read' reflecting on personal readings and literary figures. Renowned for television appearances that made literature accessible to the general public. Received various accolades for contributions to literature and criticism.
Continue ReadingRon Lancaster
Football player and coach
Born
October 14th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2008 17 years ago — 69 years old
Played quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL), winning the Grey Cup in 1966. Transitioned to coaching, becoming head coach for multiple teams including the Roughriders and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1982 for contributions to the sport both as a player and coach.
Continue ReadingAmérico Tomás
Portuguese Admiral and 14th President
Born
November 19th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1987 38 years ago — 92 years old
Served as the 14th President of Portugal from 1958 to 1974. Held the rank of Admiral in the Portuguese Navy and was involved in various naval operations. His presidency coincided with a period of political turmoil in Portugal leading up to the Carnation Revolution, which ultimately resulted in his resignation. Was a prominent figure during the Estado Novo regime and played a significant role in maintaining the government's authority during his term.
Continue ReadingNick Gravenites
Singer-songwriter of blues music
Born
October 2nd, 1938 87 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 85 years old
Born in 1938, this American musician established a career as a prominent singer-songwriter in the blues genre. In the 1960s, performed with various artists and became a member of the band Electric Flag, contributing to their distinctive sound. Co-wrote the classic song "Born in Chicago," which became an anthem for the Chicago blues scene. Produced numerous solo albums, showcasing personal songwriting and rich vocal style.
Continue ReadingBob Hayes
Sprinter and NFL football player
Born
December 20th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2002 23 years ago — 59 years old
Achieved Olympic success in sprinting and professional accolades in American football. Won a gold medal in the 100 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and played for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Contributed to the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl VI and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Also excelled in college football at Florida A&M University.
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