John Gorton
Australian Prime Minister and politician
A lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, served as the 19th Prime Minister of Australia from 1968 to 1971. Gorton led the country during a period marked by the Vietnam War and notable domestic reforms. He was the first Australian Prime Minister to be born in Australia since the Federation in 1901. Gorton also served as Minister for Education and Science, where he implemented changes in higher education funding.
Served as Prime Minister from 1968 to 1971
Introduced reforms in higher education funding
Facilitated Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War
Other People Born on September 9th
Ton van Heugten
Motocross racer with championship titles
Born
September 9th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2008 18 years ago — 63 years old
Born in 1945, a motocross racer achieved prominence in the sport during the 1970s. Competed in various national and international competitions, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. Made significant contributions to motocross in the Netherlands, participating in events that highlighted the athleticism and competitiveness of the sport.
Continue ReadingDan Majerle
Basketball player, coach, and commentator
Born
September 9th, 1965 60 years ago
Played college basketball at Central Michigan University before being selected 14th overall in the 1988 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Played as a shooting guard and small forward for the Suns from 1988 to 1995 and returned in 2001. Participated in three NBA All-Star Games. Was part of the Suns team that reached the NBA Finals in 1993. Played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, winning an NBA Championship with the Heat in 2006. After retiring, transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant coach and later as head coach for the Grand Canyon University men's basketball team.
Continue ReadingDanny Kalb
American singer and guitarist with The Blues Project
Born
September 9th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2022 4 years ago — 80 years old
An influential figure in the American blues scene, this artist became a founding member of The Blues Project in the 1960s, contributing to the band's significant impact on the genre. The group helped to bridge the gap between blues and rock music. As a skilled guitarist and vocalist, this individual participated in various recording projects and performances, gaining recognition for the ability to blend different musical styles. The work included notable albums such as 'Projections', which showcased original compositions alongside classic blues standards.
Continue ReadingClaude Nougaro
French singer-songwriter and poet
Born
September 9th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2004 22 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent French singer-songwriter and poet, recognized for a unique blend of jazz, French chanson, and spoken word. Nougaro's career spanned several decades starting in the late 1950s, and he gained attention for his evocative lyrics and emotive performances. His music often reflected themes of love, identity, and social reflection. Nougaro released over a dozen albums throughout his career, many of which achieved significant acclaim. His multilingualism influenced his songs, integrating Spanish, English, and Arabic into his work. He garnered several prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix de la Chanson Française.
Continue ReadingBob Stoops
American football coach, Oklahoma Sooners
Born
September 9th, 1960 65 years ago
Acclaimed for a successful coaching career in American football. Served as the head coach of the University of Oklahoma's football team from 1999 to 2016. Achieved notable success, leading the team to a national championship in 2000. The Sooners recorded numerous Big 12 Conference championships under his leadership. Developed a reputation for recruiting top talent and fostering competitive teams.
Continue ReadingJanet Fielding
Australian actress; Doctor Who
Born
September 9th, 1953 72 years ago
Fielding is an Australian actress recognized for contributions to television and film, particularly noted for the role of Tegan Jovanka in the long-running British series Doctor Who. The character first appeared in 1981 and became a companion of the Fourth and Fifth Doctors. Fielding's portrayal brought significant recognition, and she was part of many iconic episodes throughout her tenure. In addition to Doctor Who, Fielding has acted in various other television and stage productions, further establishing her presence in the performing arts.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 19th
James Tiptree Jr.
Science Fiction Author, psychologist
Born
August 24th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1987 38 years ago — 71 years old
An American psychologist and science fiction author brought innovative narratives to the genre under the pseudonym James Tiptree Jr. Writing from the 1960s to the 1980s, stories combined elements of feminist themes and speculative worlds. Notable works include 'Houston, Houston, Do You Read?' and 'The Vast Voice.' With a career spanning approximately two decades, a commitment to exploring complex characters and ethical dilemmas marked the writing style. In 1987, became the first recipient of the Tiptree Award, established to honor works with gender themes. Contributed to anthologies and magazines, significantly influencing the genre's evolution.
Continue ReadingJadunath Sarkar
Indian historian and biographer
Born
December 10th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1958 67 years ago — 87 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of history, focusing primarily on the Mughal Empire. Authored several foundational texts including 'History of Aurangzeb' and 'Rise and Fall of the Mughal Empire'. Served as a professor of history at the University of Calcutta, shaping the study of Indian history through rigorous methodologies. Developed a reputation as a leading scholar and critic of earlier historiography, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of India's past. Engaged in various academic pursuits and contributed to the establishment of history as a formal discipline in India.
Continue ReadingHappy Rockefeller
Philanthropist and Second Lady
Born
June 9th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1926, a prominent philanthropist and the 31st Second Lady of the United States. Active in various charitable organizations, focused on health, education, and the arts. Served alongside husband Nelson Rockefeller during his vice presidency, providing support in social causes and public initiatives. Instrumental in promoting legislation related to the arts and children's welfare. Contributed significantly to the establishment of museums and cultural institutions.
Continue ReadingKristjan Raud
Estonian painter and illustrator
Born
October 22nd, 1865 160 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1943 82 years ago — 77 years old
Maintained a significant role in Estonian art, focusing on landscape and folk motifs. Contributed illustrations to various publications and created numerous notable artworks reflecting Estonia's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Played a key role in the development of the Estonian National Museum and was involved in art education. Worked on several prominent art exhibitions, showcasing the evolution of Estonian art.
Continue ReadingAuguste Molinier
French librarian and historian
Born
1851 175 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1904 121 years ago — 53 years old
Specialized in the history of literature and libraries, held the position of librarian at the Bibliothèque nationale de France. Contributed to the field through the publication of several works, including 'Les Bibliothèques en France', which analyzed library systems. Actively engaged in various historical societies and contributed to the cataloging of manuscripts. Served as a member of the Société des Bibliophiles françois, promoting bibliography and literature studies.
Continue ReadingJohann Friedrich von Eschscholtz
Physician and botanist known for plant studies
Born
November 12th, 1793 232 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1831 194 years ago — 37 years old
Born in Livonia in 1793, a physician and botanist contributed to the understanding of various plant species. Conducted extensive botanical research, exploring regions across Europe and Alaska. Described numerous plants, many of which were later classified and named. Associated with the field of systematic botany, focused on collecting and documenting flora, contributing to botanical literature and taxonomy.
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