Kannadasan
Indian poet and songwriter
Born
1927
99 years ago
Died
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
India
Links & References
An influential Indian author, recognized for contributions to Tamil literature. Wrote extensively in poetry and music, blending emotion with philosophical themes. Authored a significant collection of poems and songs that have become part of the cultural fabric. Work in cinema included scripting memorable songs for popular films. Played a pivotal role in promoting the Tamil language and culture through literary works.
Authored the classic collection 'Nenjukkul Poo'
Composed lyrics for over 100 films, including 'Karnan'
Received the Sahitya Akademi Award for contributions to literature
Other People Who Died on October 17th
Raymond Aron
French journalist and philosopher
Born
March 14th, 1905 121 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1983 42 years ago — 78 years old
Contributed significantly to sociology, philosophy, and journalism. Worked as a professor at various institutions and wrote extensively on political theory and social issues. Published notable works such as 'The Opium of the Intellectuals', which critiqued Marxism and totalitarianism. His analysis of the Cold War was influential in understanding international relations during that period.
Continue ReadingMichael Fitzgerald
Irish republican on hunger strike
Born
1881 145 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1920 105 years ago — 39 years old
Involved in the Irish War of Independence, participated in the struggle for Irish independence from British rule. Joined the Irish Republican Army and was arrested during the 1920 campaign. Engaged in a hunger strike to protest his detention. Died on October 17, 1920, in a British prison, which garnered attention to the Irish republican movement and the treatment of political prisoners.
Continue ReadingTeresa Brewer
American singer with hit songs
Born
May 7th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
October 17th, 2007 18 years ago — 76 years old
Began a career in the music industry during the early 1940s, gaining popularity with a string of chart-topping songs. Achieved significant commercial success with singles such as 'Music! Music! Music!' and 'Let Me Go, Lover!', which dominated the charts. Her style incorporated elements of pop and traditional music, contributing to the sound of the era and making a lasting impression in the music world. Continued to perform well into her later years, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
Continue ReadingDanièle Delorme
French actress and film producer
Born
October 9th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
October 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old
Born in 1926, this individual gained prominence in the French film industry. She emerged as a leading actress during the post-war period and starred in numerous films throughout her career. Significant works included performances in 'Gervaise' and 'La Fille de l'Eau'. Besides acting, she contributed to film production, showcasing her versatility in the industry. Her work garnered critical acclaim and recognition in French cinema.
Continue ReadingCriss Oliva
Guitarist and songwriter for Savatage
Born
April 3rd, 1963 63 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1993 32 years ago — 30 years old
A prominent American guitarist and songwriter, significant contributions to the heavy metal genre occurred through work with the band Savatage. The band gained recognition for its unique blend of progressive and heavy metal sounds. Criss Oliva's guitar work and songwriting played a critical role in shaping the band's identity. The album 'Hall of the Mountain King' released in 1987 received acclaim and is considered a hallmark in heavy metal music. Oliva's style combined technical proficiency with melodic riffs. His life was abruptly cut short in 1993, but his legacy continues to influence guitarists and metal musicians.
Continue ReadingJohann Nepomuk Hummel
Austrian pianist and composer of sonatas
Born
November 14th, 1778 247 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1837 188 years ago — 58 years old
Born in 1778, a prominent Austrian composer and virtuoso pianist emerged during the late Classical and early Romantic eras. Studied under Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, contributed significantly to piano literature. Composed numerous works including sonatas, concertos, and chamber music. His compositions blended elements of the Classical style with Romantic expressiveness. Served as court composer in Weimar and gained recognition across Europe for piano performances and compositions. Hummel’s music remains an important part of the piano repertoire.
Continue Reading