John Ehrlichman
Lawyer and 12th White House Counsel
Served as the 12th White House Counsel during the Nixon administration. Played a significant role in the Watergate scandal, providing legal advice to President Nixon and helping to manage the administration's response to the crisis. After leaving office, faced legal consequences related to the Watergate cover-up, including conviction and imprisonment for conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury. Authored several works, including a memoir reflecting on his time in the Nixon administration.
Served as White House Counsel under Nixon
Convicted in relation to the Watergate scandal
Authored 'Witness to Power: The Nixon Years'
Other People Born on March 20th
Tim Yeo
Politician and Shadow Secretary of State
Born
March 20th, 1945 81 years ago
Born in 1945, served as a prominent member of the Conservative Party in the UK Parliament. Represented the constituency of South Suffolk from 1983 until 2015. Occupied various ministerial roles, including Minister of State for Health in the 1990s. Held the position of Shadow Secretary of State for Health, focusing on health policy and reform discussions. Engaged in environmental issues and actively supported sustainability initiatives throughout political career.
Continue ReadingGeoff Brabham
Race car driver; three-time Le Mans winner
Born
March 20th, 1952 74 years ago
Competed in various motorsport championships including Formula One, IndyCar, and Sports Car Racing. Achieved significant success in endurance racing, notably winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans three times in 1993, 1994, and 1999. Also secured multiple victories in other major events such as the American Le Mans Series. Transitioned to various roles within motorsport after retirement, including driver coaching and team management.
Continue ReadingLarry Elgart
Saxophonist and bandleader, Swing Era
Born
March 20th, 1922 104 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 95 years old
An American saxophonist and bandleader, played a significant role in the music scene during the Swing Era. Founded the Larry Elgart Orchestra, which became well-known for its successful performances and recordings. Collaborated with various artists and had chart-topping hits, including the famous single 'Theme from Our Man Flint'. Worked extensively in television, contributing to the music for numerous shows and specials, capturing the essence of the era.
Continue ReadingJohn Joubert
Composer and academic with choral works
Born
March 20th, 1927 99 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 92 years old
Born in 1927, a prominent South African-English composer and academic. Joubert studied at the University of Cape Town and later at the Royal College of Music in London. His work encompassed a variety of musical forms, but he gained recognition particularly for choral music and orchestral compositions. He served as a professor of music, influencing many students in the field. His compositions often reflected his deep interest in the choral tradition, and he was involved in creating music for various settings, including churches and performances. He passed away in 2020, leaving a legacy in both education and composition.
Continue ReadingKenji Kimihara
Japanese long-distance runner, Olympics
Born
March 20th, 1941 85 years ago
Competed in long-distance running events, particularly the marathon. Achieved significant success at the Tokyo 1964 Olympics, winning the gold medal in the marathon. Kimihara set a national record in the marathon that stood for several years, contributing to Japan's prominence in long-distance running during the period. Transitioned to coaching after retiring from competitive athletics, helping to train future generations of runners.
Continue ReadingJerome Biffle
American long jumper and coach
Born
March 20th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
2002 24 years ago — 74 years old
Biffle competed in long jump, representing the United States. Achieved notable success in his athletic career during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Also served as a coach, influencing the development of future long jump athletes through training and mentorship. His contributions to the sport extended beyond personal competition, as he dedicated time to coaching at various levels.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 14th
Dora Gerson
German actress and singer
Born
March 23rd, 1899 127 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1943 83 years ago — 43 years old
Gerson gained prominence as an actress and singer in pre-World War II Germany. She became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, performing in numerous films and theatrical productions. Gerson's works often showcased her singing talents alongside her acting skills. Her career came to an abrupt halt due to the rise of the Nazi regime, which led to her persecution. Gerson died in a concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Continue ReadingCarl Correns
Botanist and geneticist; Mendelian inheritance
Born
September 10th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1933 93 years ago — 68 years old
A German botanist and geneticist contributed significantly to the field of genetics. Played a crucial role in the rediscovery of Mendel's laws of inheritance in the early 20th century. Studied plant hybridization and inheritance patterns, particularly in the study of flower color in snapdragons. Published key research that helped establish the foundation for modern genetics, advancing understanding of heredity and variation.
Continue ReadingJames Cook
Explorer and cartographer of the Pacific
Born
November 7th, 1728 297 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1779 247 years ago — 50 years old
An English captain, cartographer, and explorer made three significant voyages to the Pacific Ocean. The first voyage from 1768 to 1771 mapped New Zealand and the eastern coastline of Australia, claiming the territory for Britain. The second voyage from 1772 to 1775 crossed the Antarctic Circle and explored various islands in the South Pacific. The third voyage from 1776 to 1779 aimed to find the Northwest Passage. The explorations contributed to the knowledge of the geography and biodiversity of the Pacific region and established navigational routes that would influence maritime trade.
Continue ReadingSteven Stucky
Composer and educator, Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
November 7th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2016 10 years ago — 66 years old
An American composer and academic contributed extensively to contemporary music. Stucky studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and received advanced degrees from Cornell University. He served as a professor of composition at the Ithaca College School of Music and later as the composer-in-residence for major orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Stucky composed numerous orchestral, chamber, and vocal works. His most notable piece, 'Silent Woods,' won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1993.
Continue ReadingHeikki Ritavuori
Finnish politician and lawyer
Born
March 23rd, 1880 146 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1922 104 years ago — 41 years old
A lawyer and politician contributed to the legal and political landscape of Finland during the early 20th century. Participated actively in political discourse and governance, representing the interests of his constituents. His career was cut short when assassinated in 1922, which highlighted the political tensions of the period.
Continue ReadingRonald Dworkin
American legal philosopher and scholar
Born
December 11th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2013 13 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent philosopher and scholar, contributed significantly to legal and political theory. Developed influential ideas on law and morality, emphasizing the importance of individual rights. Wrote several key texts including 'Taking Rights Seriously' and 'Law's Empire', addressing the relationship between law and ethics. Engaged in public debates on various issues including abortion and assisted suicide, advocating for liberal principles based on rights and dignity.
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