Joseph Martin Kraus
Composer of symphonies and operas
Born in 1756, a German-Swedish composer and educator. Studied in Germany and later moved to Sweden, where he became prominent in the classical music scene. Composed symphonies, concertos, and operas. Worked as a court composer for King Gustav III of Sweden, influencing the cultural landscape of the time. His music reflected the styles of the classical era, incorporating both German and Italian elements. Kraus's works were performed during his lifetime, and he gained recognition for his contributions to the music of the 18th century. He passed away in 1792, leaving behind a significant body of work that has since been rediscovered and appreciated in the modern era.
Composed the opera 'Proserpine'
Wrote over 60 symphonic works
Other People Born on June 20th
Jacques Saly
French painter and sculptor, famous works
Born
June 20th, 1717 309 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1776 250 years ago — 58 years old
Worked primarily in France during the 18th century, focusing on sculpture and painting. Specialized in creating decorative sculptures and was a significant figure in the academic art scene. Contributed to various projects, including the decoration of public buildings. His artistry was influenced by the prevailing style of the time, which emphasized grandeur and classical themes.
Continue ReadingJohn of Lancaster
English statesman and 1st Duke of Bedford
Born
June 20th, 1389 637 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1435 590 years ago — 46 years old
Born in 1389, held the title of 1st Duke of Bedford. Played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War. Served as regent for King Henry VI in France. Managed military campaigns and diplomatic efforts during the war, striving to maintain English territories in France. Oversaw the administration of the French territories and facilitated efforts in recovering land lost to the French.
Continue ReadingAnthony Buckeridge
English author of children's books
Born
June 20th, 1912 114 years ago
Died
June 28th, 2004 21 years ago — 92 years old
An English author, recognized primarily for writing children's literature. Best known for creating the character Jennings in a series of novels, which started with ' Jennings Goes to School' in 1950. The stories centered around the adventures of Jennings and his friend Darbishire at a British boarding school, blending humor with relatable school experiences. Buckeridge also worked as a teacher and wrote for radio, contributing to educational programs. His storytelling style captivated young audiences and solidified his place in children's literature.
Continue ReadingCharles Emmanuel II
Duke of Savoy and military leader
Born
June 20th, 1634 392 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1675 351 years ago — 40 years old
Born in 1634, served as the Duke of Savoy from 1638 until death in 1675. Focused on consolidating power in the region, expanding Savoy territories and promoting trade. Engaged in several military campaigns, notably in the War of the Spanish Succession. Strengthened ties with France, ultimately allying with them in various conflicts. Played a pivotal role in the political landscape of 17th-century Europe, navigating complex alliances and rivalries.
Continue ReadingMartin Landau
Actor and producer in film and television
Born
June 20th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
July 15th, 2017 8 years ago — 89 years old
Born in 1928, a successful career spanned over six decades, featuring a wide range of roles in both film and television. Significant contributions included portraying Rollin Hand in the television series 'Mission: Impossible' and Bela Lugosi in the film 'Ed Wood', which earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Worked extensively in theater, contributing to various productions and gaining critical acclaim. Served as a mentor to younger actors, notably during his time teaching at the Actors Studio.
Continue ReadingJohn George III
Elector of Saxony and military leader
Born
June 20th, 1647 379 years ago
Died
1691 335 years ago — 44 years old
Born in 1647, the Elector served as a prominent figure within the Holy Roman Empire. His reign was noted for military engagement during the Thirty Years' War and the subsequent political landscape shaped by the Peace of Westphalia. He sought to strengthen the power of the electorate and managed substantial territorial gains. Under his rule, Saxony developed a system of governance that encouraged trade and culture. He played a significant role in forming alliances to secure Saxony's position within Europe.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 15th
Wilfred Kitching
General of The Salvation Army
Born
August 22nd, 1893 132 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1977 48 years ago — 84 years old
Served as the 7th General of The Salvation Army from 1963 until retirement in 1974. Held a prominent leadership role within the organization, guiding its mission and initiatives during a period of significant change. Focused on expanding outreach to communities in need and strengthening the organization's global presence. Oversaw various programs aimed at social welfare and spiritual support, and promoted the core principles of the Salvation Army.
Continue ReadingSaufatu Sopoanga
Tuvaluan politician, 8th Prime Minister
Born
February 22nd, 1952 74 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2020 5 years ago — 68 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 2002 to 2004. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Finance and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Focused on issues of climate change and sustainable development during time in office. Worked to raise Tuvalu's profile in international forums and enhance diplomatic relations.
Continue ReadingKeith Arbuthnott
Scottish soldier and peer
Born
August 21st, 1897 128 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1966 59 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1897, served in the British Army during World War I and World War II. Advanced to the rank of Major General. Involved in military operations with notable leadership during key campaigns. Held the title of 15th Viscount of Arbuthnott.
Continue ReadingSitting Bull
Hunkpapa Lakota chief and leader
Born
1831 195 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1890 135 years ago — 59 years old
A Hunkpapa Lakota tribal chief, played a pivotal role in resisting United States government policies towards Native Americans. Advocated for the rights and traditions of his people, and became a symbol of Native American resistance. Championed the return of the Lakota to their ancestral lands and led his people during the Great Sioux War. Fought in the Battle of Little Bighorn against General Custer's forces, resulting in a significant victory for the Lakota and their allies. Later, captured and ultimately surrendered, Sitting Bull spent time in captivity before his eventual release.
Continue ReadingWolfgang Pauli
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
April 25th, 1900 126 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1958 67 years ago — 58 years old
A physicist and academic contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and theoretical physics. Pauli formulated the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system. In 1945, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the exclusion principle. Worked at institutions such as the University of Zurich and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where influences in physics were widely acknowledged. His theories have had lasting implications in quantum theory and particle physics.
Continue ReadingOwoye Andrew Azazi
Nigerian General and military leader
Born
February 1st, 1952 74 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2012 13 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 1952, a Nigerian general held several key military positions in the Nigerian Army. Served as the Chief of Defence Staff from 2011 until 2012. His military career included pivotal roles in various operations during his tenure. He was appointed the National Security Adviser in 2010. Focused on addressing security challenges in Nigeria during a period marked by threats from insurgencies.
Continue Reading