Johnny Hodges
American jazz saxophonist, Duke Ellington

Born
July 25th, 1906
118 years ago
Died
1970
55 years ago — 64 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
An influential jazz saxophonist and clarinet player, recognized for a distinctive style and smooth tone, contributed significantly to the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Joined Ellington's band in 1928, becoming a central figure in its sound. Explored various musical genres and collaborated with notable musicians throughout his career. Recorded numerous albums as a leader and participated in iconic Ellington compositions.
Contributed to the classic jazz standard 'Mood Indigo'
Played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra for over 40 years
Recorded successful albums including 'Ellington: Ten Dances with Duke'
Other People Born on July 25th
Alexei Filippenko
Contributed extensively to the understanding of supernovae, black holes, and the expansion of the universe. Played a significant role in the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe through observations of distant supernovae. Served as a professor of astrophysics at the University of California, Berkeley. Actively participated in public outreach and education in astronomy by delivering lectures and media appearances, promoting science to a wider audience.
Continue ReadingTommy Skjerven
Born in Norway in 1967, played as a footballer and later transitioned to officiating matches as a referee. Competed at various levels within Norwegian football before moving on to a refereeing career, taking charge of both domestic league matches and international fixtures. Involved in the development of football in Norway through officiating, contributing to the integrity of the sport.
Continue ReadingMaria Gripe
Contributed significantly to children's literature. Authored numerous books that often featured themes of adventure and fantasy. Works included collaborations with illustrators that enhanced the storytelling experience. Gripe's narratives often dealt with complex emotions and existential questions, appealing to both children and adults. Her storytelling style blended realism with elements of myth, making stories relatable yet imaginative. Gripe received several awards recognizing her contributions to literature, including the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Continue ReadingJack Perrin
An American actor and stuntman active in the early 20th century. Perrin appeared in numerous silent films, gaining recognition for performances in action and western genres. His career spanned from the 1910s to the late 1920s, during which he became well established in the film industry. He was involved in many productions, showcasing his skills in both acting and stunt work. His contributions to the genre helped shape early cinema, particularly in the field of action sequences. After transitioning out of acting, he remained a significant figure in the stunt community, influencing future action stars.
Continue ReadingBrian Gibson
A director and screenwriter worked extensively in film and television. Gained recognition for the feature film 'Ladybird Ladybird', which showcased the struggles of a mother in a challenging environment and received critical acclaim. Also directed 'The Last of the Mohicans', a made-for-television adaptation that highlighted the complexities of the historical narrative. Contributed to the arts through various documentaries and television projects that reflected social issues. His work often emphasized character-driven storytelling and featured strong emotional depth.
Continue ReadingTony Granato
Played collegiate ice hockey at the University of Wisconsin, achieving All-American honors. Entered the NHL, representing teams such as the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and the San Jose Sharks. Transitioned to coaching roles after retirement, notably serving as head coach for the University of Wisconsin and the USA Hockey National Team. Led the US National Team during international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships.
Continue Reading