Joe Cocker

English singer-songwriter with iconic vocals

Joe Cocker - English singer-songwriter with iconic vocals
Born

May 20th, 1944
81 years ago

Died

December 22nd, 2014
10 years ago — 70 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Emerging in the 1960s, this singer-songwriter gained prominence with a distinctive voice and passionate performances. Breakthrough came with a cover of 'With a Little Help from My Friends,' which led to a successful career in music. Released several acclaimed albums, including 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen' and 'Joe Cocker!' Collaborated with notable artists and participated in significant music festivals, including Woodstock. His rendition of 'You Are So Beautiful' became enduringly popular, showcasing his emotional delivery. Continued to perform live internationally until later years, earning respect as a compelling live performer.

Released 'With a Little Help from My Friends'

Performed at Woodstock

Recorded 'You Are So Beautiful'

Other People Born on May 20th

Sigrid Undset

Danish-Norwegian Nobel Prize-winning novelist
Born
May 20th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1949 76 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1882, a prominent novelist and essayist emerged, contributing significantly to literature. The author primarily focused on themes of womanhood, morality, and spirituality in her works. Notable literary achievements include the trilogy 'Kristin Lavransdatter', which explores the life of a medieval woman in Norway, and 'Gunnar's Daughter', showcasing her narrative style and deep character insights. Undset's literary contributions garnered her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928, recognizing her mastery of storytelling and cultural depiction. Throughout a lifetime of writing, her works reflected the tumultuous changes faced by society during her era.

Continue Reading

Greg Dyke

British journalist and academic leader
Born
May 20th, 1947 78 years ago

A prominent figure in British journalism and academia, played a significant role in shaping the landscape of broadcasting in the UK. Served as Director-General of the BBC from 2000 to 2004, overseeing major initiatives and challenges during a transformative period in public broadcasting. Played a key role in the expansion and adaptation of the BBC’s digital offerings. Later, held the position of Chancellor at the University of York, contributing to higher education and strategic growth. Engaged in journalism throughout his career, influencing media policy and practice in the UK.

Continue Reading

David Paterson

American politician, 55th Governor of New York
Born
May 20th, 1954 71 years ago

Served as the 55th Governor of New York from 2008 to 2010, becoming the first African American to hold the position. Prior to governorship, represented the 30th District in the New York State Senate from 2003 to 2008. Took office after Eliot Spitzer's resignation and focused on various issues, including economic challenges and public health. Paterson was instrumental in the passage of several significant pieces of legislation during his term, including reforms in education and labor laws. He later ran for various positions, including the New York City Mayor's race in 2013.

Continue Reading

Timothy Olyphant

Television actor from Justified
Born
May 20th, 1968 57 years ago

An actor and producer achieved recognition for roles in several television series and films. Gained prominence for portraying Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens in the television series 'Justified', which aired from 2010 to 2015. Also played Seth Bullock in 'Deadwood', which originally ran from 2004 to 2006. Appeared in films such as 'Hitman' and 'The Crazies', showcasing versatility in both dramatic and action roles. In addition to acting, engaged in producing, contributing to various projects in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Iker Casillas

Spanish football goalkeeper, 2010 World Cup
Born
May 20th, 1981 44 years ago

Celebrated for contributions to football, achieved prominence as a goalkeeper. Spent the majority of a career at Real Madrid, where won multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. Captained the Spanish national team, securing victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. Marked as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history due to outstanding performances and leadership on the field.

Continue Reading

Tomoya Satozaki

Japanese Baseball Player and Pitcher
Born
May 20th, 1976 49 years ago

A professional baseball player from Japan, Satozaki played for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Nippon Professional Baseball. He made significant contributions on the mound throughout his career, establishing himself as a skilled pitcher. Satozaki was part of the team that won the 2005 Japan Series, showcasing talent at the highest levels of Japanese baseball. His pitching skills were instrumental to the team's success, and he gained recognition for his performances during the 1990s and 2000s.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 22nd

Percivall Pott

English surgeon and pioneering anatomist
Born
January 6th, 1714 311 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1788 236 years ago — 74 years old

An English surgeon, significant contributions were made in the field of surgery and anatomy. Developed Pott's fracture nomenclature, which became a standard in medical terminology. Proposed theories regarding the connection between occupational hazards and health issues, particularly with chimney sweeps and scrotal cancer. Authored influential medical texts, including 'Chirurgical Observations,' which provided insights into surgical practices of the time. The establishment of surgical principles and techniques laid foundational aspects for future surgical practices.

Continue Reading

Willibald Pirckheimer

German lawyer and Renaissance author
Born
December 5th, 1470 554 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1530 494 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent figure of the German Renaissance, extensively contributed to humanist literature. Engaged in legal practice while also serving as a patron of the arts. Collaborated with notable artists of the period, influencing the cultural landscape. Authored letters and treatises that showcased classical learning and the significance of education. Played a vital role in the promotion of humanist thought in Germany.

Continue Reading

Peter Lundblad

Swedish singer-songwriter with popular hits
Born
1950 75 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2015 9 years ago — 65 years old

A Swedish singer-songwriter achieved significant recognition in the music industry. Lundblad's career spanned several decades, producing a series of popular albums and singles. Notable songs included 'Kvinnan i mitt liv' and 'Som en vind', both of which contributed to a successful presence in the Swedish pop music scene. Lundblad's music often featured emotional lyrics and catchy melodies, resonating with a wide audience in Sweden and beyond. His contributions to Swedish music were acknowledged through various awards over the years.

Continue Reading

Gilda Gray

Actress and dancer of Ziegfeld Follies fame
Born
October 24th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1959 65 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1901, this Polish-American actress, singer, and dancer gained fame in the early 20th century. Rose to prominence as a star of the Ziegfeld Follies, a series of theatrical revues known for their elaborate production numbers. Featured in popular films during the silent and early sound eras, including 'The Love Parade' and 'Hollywood Nights'. Made significant contributions to the art of jazz dancing and popularized the 'shimmy' dance move, which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1920s. Later performances included successful appearances in stage revues and musicals. Continued to perform until her later years, showcasing a commitment to her craft.

Continue Reading

Antipope John XXIII

Religious leader, claimed papal authority
Died
December 22nd, 1419 605 years ago — None years old

Claimed the papacy from 1410 to 1415 during the Western Schism, asserting authority against Pope Gregory XII. His election was influenced by the Council of Pisa, which sought to resolve the contested papacy. After being deposed by the Council of Constance, he was later imprisoned. His reign coincided with significant political and religious turmoil in Europe, affecting the Catholic Church's structure and authority.

Continue Reading

Butterfly McQueen

American actress and dancer in film
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1995 29 years ago — 84 years old

An American actress and dancer became notable for her role as Prissy in the classic film 'Gone with the Wind'. Her performance in the 1939 movie highlighted a character that was both memorable and pivotal to the story. Beyond acting, McQueen also worked as a dancer and appeared in various theatrical productions, showcasing her talents. She became a prominent figure during a time when African American actresses faced significant barriers in Hollywood, navigating a challenging industry to secure significant roles.

Continue Reading