Johann Mattheson
German composer and music theorist
Contributed significantly to music theory and lexicography in the Baroque period. Authored several key works, including 'Der vollkommene Capellmeister,' which explored compositional techniques and the role of the conductor. Composed operas and vocal music, notably 'Boris Gudunov,' which gained attention during his lifetime. Facilitated discussions on music and aesthetics through writings and his involvement in musical circles.
Wrote 'Der vollkommene Capellmeister'
Composed notable operas including 'Boris Gudunov'
Other People Born on September 28th
Jodie Williams
English sprinter and Olympic athlete
Born
September 28th, 1993 32 years ago
Competed in sprinting events, focusing on 200 meters and 400 meters. Achievements include winning multiple medals at World and European Championships. Represented Great Britain at the Summer Olympics, participating in the 2012 and 2016 Games. Notable for contributing to relay team successes.
Continue ReadingBen E. King
Singer-songwriter of 'Stand By Me'
Born
September 28th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2015 10 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent American singer-songwriter and record producer, contributed significantly to the music scene from the 1950s onward. Gained fame as a member of The Drifters, serving as the lead singer on hits like 'There Goes My Baby' and 'Save the Last Dance for Me'. Launched a successful solo career with the release of 'Stand By Me' in 1961, a song that became a classic and has been covered by numerous artists. Continued to write and perform throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry until passing away in 2015.
Continue ReadingCody Martin
Basketball Player, Charlotte Hornets
Born
September 28th, 1995 30 years ago
Born in 1995, a professional basketball player entered the NBA after playing college basketball at Nevada. During the college tenure, achieved accolades such as being named to the All-Mountain West Conference team. In 2019, signed with the Charlotte Hornets. Contributed as a guard/forward, known for versatility on the court and playing significant minutes in various games.
Continue ReadingAiden Moffat
British race car driver, BTCC competitor
Born
September 28th, 1996 29 years ago
This individual is a British race car driver who has competed in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Starting racing at a young age, involvement in various junior categories laid the foundation for a professional career in touring car racing. Achieving notable success in the BTCC, this driver became one of the prominent figures in the series, recognized for both talent and performance on track. The year 2021 marked a significant milestone when this driver secured the first championship win for a car manufacturer in a British Touring Car Championship event, contributing to further development in the sport and manufacturer representation.
Continue ReadingMelody Thornton
Singer-songwriter and dancer, The Pussycat Dolls
Born
September 28th, 1984 41 years ago
Born in 1984, a singer-songwriter and dancer gained prominence as a member of the girl group The Pussycat Dolls. The group achieved significant commercial success with hits like 'Don't Cha' and 'Buttons'. Following the group's hiatus, pursued a solo career, releasing various singles and participating in television projects. Apart from music, engaged in dance and modeling, showcasing artistic versatility.
Continue ReadingHenri Moissan
Chemist, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry
Born
September 28th, 1852 173 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1907 118 years ago — 54 years old
A French chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the understanding of chemical processes and elements. Conducted groundbreaking research on fluorine, isolating this previously unexamined element for the first time. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1906 for the development of the electric arc furnace and the extraction of fluorine from minerals. Led scientific advancements in high-temperature chemistry and materials.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 17th
Proclus
Greek philosopher and mathematician
Born
February 8th, 412 1613 years ago
Died
April 17th, 485 1540 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent figure in Neoplatonism during the 5th century, contributed extensively to mathematics and philosophy. Served as the head of the Academy in Athens. Wrote commentary on Plato’s works, developing metaphysical ideas and influencing later philosophers. Established a synthesis of Platonic traditions, emphasizing the significance of the One and the hierarchical structure of reality.
Continue ReadingDoris Roberts
American actress, 'Everybody Loves Raymond'
Born
November 4th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 90 years old
An American actress with a career spanning several decades, celebrated for roles in television and film. Featured prominently in the sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond' as Marie Barone, a mother figure. Other notable appearances included 'Remington Steele' and 'Murder, She Wrote'. Received multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for her performances, showcasing talent in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Continue ReadingRobert Atkins
Physician and creator of Atkins diet
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2003 22 years ago — 73 years old
A physician and cardiologist developed a low-carbohydrate diet that gained significant popularity in the 1970s. The diet emphasized the consumption of proteins and fats while limiting carbohydrates, which challenged conventional dietary guidelines. Authored several books on diet and nutrition, including 'Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution' published in 1972. The book became a bestseller and sparked widespread discussion on dietary practices. Continued to promote the diet through subsequent publications and maintained a clinic that provided guidance related to weight loss and nutrition up until his passing in 2003.
Continue ReadingDimitris Mitropanos
Greek singer with a rich vocal style
Born
April 2nd, 1948 77 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent figure in Greek music, recognized for contributions to the genre of laiko. Began his career in the 1960s and achieved widespread popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. Collaborated with various notable composers and musicians. Released numerous albums that showcased traditional Greek music and folk songs. His emotional delivery and unique voice resonated with audiences, earning a dedicated following throughout Greece and beyond.
Continue ReadingAimé Césaire
Caribbean-French poet and politician
Born
June 26th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2008 17 years ago — 94 years old
A prominent poet and politician, this individual contributed significantly to the negritude literary movement, emphasizing African culture and identity. In 1939, a first acclaimed work, 'Cahier d'un retour au pays natal' (Notebook of a Return to My Native Land), was published, showcasing the themes of exile and identity. This person also served as the Mayor of Fort-de-France and was a member of the French National Assembly for over 50 years. His works often blended poetic expression with political advocacy, reflecting deep roots in Martinican culture and a commitment to social justice.
Continue ReadingJoseph I
Holy Roman Emperor during the War of Spanish Succession
Born
July 26th, 1678 347 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1711 314 years ago — 32 years old
Ascended to the throne as Holy Roman Emperor in 1705. His reign coincided with the War of the Spanish Succession, a major European conflict driven by the issue of succession to the Spanish throne. Joseph I’s leadership was marked by efforts to strengthen the Habsburg influence in Europe. The emperor struggled with various challenges, including military conflicts and issues of governance within the empire. His reign ended with his death in 1711, after which his younger brother succeeded him.
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