John Bradbury
English musician and founding member of The Specials
Born
Died
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An influential English musician, a founding member of the ska band The Specials. Contributed to the band's distinctive sound characterized by a mix of reggae and punk rock. Played the drums on several of their most notable tracks. The Specials achieved critical and commercial success during the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly with their self-titled debut album. The band is recognized for their social commentary in songs and their role in the 2 Tone ska revival.
Played drums on The Specials' self-titled debut album
Contributed to the single 'Ghost Town'
Participated in the band's reunion tours
Other People Born on February 16th
Armand Guillaumin
French Impressionist painter
Born
February 16th, 1841 185 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1927 98 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1841, a prominent French painter associated with the Impressionist movement. Focused on landscapes and urban scenes, utilized vibrant colors and bold brushwork. Participated in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, contributing significantly to the movement's development. His works captured light and atmosphere, influencing many contemporary artists. Later, became known for his powerful depictions of Paris, including the famous scene of the Rue de la Gare.
Continue ReadingOussama Mellouli
Tunisian Olympic swimmer specializing in freestyle
Born
February 16th, 1984 42 years ago
Born in 1984, a Tunisian swimmer competed in multiple Olympic Games, achieving significant success in both the 1500 meters freestyle and open water events. Won gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. Also excelled at the World Championships, securing several medals over a career spanning more than a decade. His versatility allowed participation in both pool and open water competitions, demonstrating a wide range of swimming skills.
Continue ReadingWayne King
American singer-songwriter and conductor
Born
February 16th, 1901 125 years ago
Died
July 16th, 1985 40 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent figure in the music industry, contributed significantly as a bandleader and conductor. Gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, leading the Wayne King Orchestra, which became renowned for its romantic music style and dance arrangements. Achieved notable success with recordings of light classical pieces, popular songs, and his signature waltzes. The orchestra performed extensively on radio and in live concerts, establishing a wide audience. In addition to conducting, engaged in songwriting, furthering the appeal of the music through original compositions.
Continue ReadingAva Max
American singer with pop hits
Born
February 16th, 1994 32 years ago
An American singer and songwriter rose to prominence with the release of the hit single 'Sweet but Psycho' in 2018, which topped charts in several countries. The debut album, 'Heaven & Hell', released in 2020, featured popular tracks like 'Kings & Queens' and received critical acclaim. Distinctive for her powerful vocals and unique style, the artist has been recognized for her contributions to modern pop music.
Continue ReadingOtis Blackwell
Singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
February 16th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
May 6th, 2002 23 years ago — 71 years old
Developed a successful career as a singer-songwriter and pianist, contributing significantly to the music industry. Gained recognition for writing hit songs in the 1950s for various artists. Collaborated with prominent musicians, enhancing the sound of rock and roll during its formative years. Worked with artists such as Elvis Presley, contributing to the creation of several iconic tracks.
Continue ReadingJames Colosimo
Italian-American mob boss at the Chicago Outfit
Born
February 16th, 1878 148 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1920 105 years ago — 42 years old
An Italian-American mob boss became a significant figure in organized crime during the early 20th century. Colosimo immigrated to the United States and established himself as a key player in Chicago's underworld. His activities included prostitution, gambling, and mob operations. Colosimo's leadership and connections helped shape the Chicago Outfit, a major crime syndicate. His tenure was marked by expansion and influence in various illegal enterprises until his assassination in 1920.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 28th
Halton Arp
Astronomer and critic of redshift theory
Born
March 21st, 1927 99 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old
An American-German astronomer contributed significantly to the field of astronomy. Arp focused on peculiar galaxies and questioned the validity of redshift as a measure of distance in the universe, proposing alternative theories. Arp published several important works, including 'Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies', which featured 338 unique galaxies with unusual characteristics. This influential atlas aided in the understanding of galaxy formations and interactions. Arp also engaged in critical debates about the nature of galaxies and the interpretation of astronomical data, challenging mainstream cosmology.
Continue ReadingVáclav Drobný
Czech football goalkeeper
Born
September 9th, 1980 45 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2012 13 years ago — 32 years old
A professional football goalkeeper, played primarily in the Czech Republic and later in Germany. Began a career with Sigma Olomouc, before moving to play for notable teams such as 1. FC Kaiserslautern and SC Freiburg. Achieved recognition in international competitions representing the Czech national team. Competed in various championships across Europe, showcasing skills as a reliable and skilled guardian of the goal.
Continue ReadingFrankie Randall
American singer-songwriter, pianist
Born
1938 88 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 76 years old
An American singer-songwriter and pianist, recognized for contributions to the music industry primarily in the genres of jazz and pop. Achieved success as a solo artist and also as a recording artist for prominent labels such as Reprise and RCA. Collaborated with various musicians and ensembles, creating a distinct style that combined vocal prowess with skilled piano performances. Performed extensively in clubs and concert venues during a career that spanned several decades.
Continue ReadingJerry Orbach
Actor and singer of Law & Order fame
Born
October 20th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2004 21 years ago — 69 years old
An accomplished actor and singer, celebrated for a distinguished career in theater, film, and television. Originated the role of El Gallo in the off-Broadway production of 'The Fantasticks,' contributing significantly to its long-standing success. Gained widespread recognition for portraying Detective Lennie Briscoe on the television series 'Law & Order,' which spanned 12 seasons from 1992 to 2004. Additionally, appeared in notable films such as 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Beauty and the Beast,' lending his voice to the character of Lumière. Renowned for his distinctive baritone voice, which also earned accolades on Broadway.
Continue ReadingEloy Inos
Businessman and 8th Governor of NMI
Born
1949 77 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2015 10 years ago — 66 years old
Served as the 8th Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2013 to 2015. Prior to this role, held various business positions and was involved in local government. Focused on economic development and tourism during gubernatorial term. Contributed to the legislative process as a member of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate.
Continue ReadingThe Rev
Musician and drummer for Avenged Sevenfold
Born
February 9th, 1981 45 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2009 16 years ago — 28 years old
A drummer and songwriter, The Rev gained recognition as the drummer of the heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. Contributing to the band's unique sound, he played a crucial role in the group's success. The Rev's drumming style incorporated complex rhythms and high-energy performances, which helped elevate the band's status in the rock music scene. He was also involved in songwriting, contributing to many tracks. His life was cut short in 2009, yet his influence on the band and the genre remains significant, with Avenged Sevenfold achieving multiple accolades and chart-topping hits.
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