Larry Knechtel

Session musician and The Wrecking Crew member

Larry Knechtel - Artists & Creatives born August 4th, 1940
Born
Died
Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent American bass player and pianist, became a leading session musician in the 1960s and 1970s. Contributed to numerous iconic recordings across various genres. Notably played on tracks for The Beach Boys, including the seminal album 'Pet Sounds'. Collaborated with artists such as Elvis Presley and Simon & Garfunkel, contributing to the classic hit 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. Won a Grammy Award for his work with the band Bread. Knechtel's expertise in both bass and keyboard instruments solidified his reputation in the music industry as a highly sought-after session musician.

Played on The Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds'

Contributed to Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'

Won a Grammy Award with Bread

Other People Born on August 4th

Maurice Richard

Ice hockey player, The Rocket
Born
August 4th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2000 25 years ago — 78 years old

An elite ice hockey player participated in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. Established a reputation as a prolific goal scorer, notably becoming the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season during the 1944-45 season. Served as a coach and mentor after retiring, influencing future generations of players. His jersey number 9 was retired league-wide, signifying his impact on the sport. The Rocket continues to be a symbol of hockey excellence in Canada.

Continue Reading

Jake Beckley

Baseball player and coach
Born
August 4th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1918 107 years ago — 50 years old

Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1888, contributing significantly as a first baseman. Played for teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals over a career spanning more than two decades. Established a reputation as a reliable hitter, finishing with over 2,900 hits. Transitioned to coaching following retirement from active play, influencing future generations of players.

Continue Reading

Percy Bysshe Shelley

English poet and playwright
Born
August 4th, 1792 233 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1822 203 years ago — 29 years old

A key figure in the English Romantic movement, one wrote extensively during the early 19th century. Major works include the poems "Ozymandias" and "To a Skylark," which exemplify themes of beauty and transience. Also contributed to the genre with plays such as "The Cenci," which explores themes of justice and morality. His life was often marked by political radicalism, particularly in areas pertaining to social justice and equality.

Continue Reading

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

Prime Minister of Spain
Born
August 4th, 1960 65 years ago

A Spanish academic and politician served as the 5th Prime Minister of Spain from 2004 to 2011. Focused on social reforms and economic policies during tenure, adopted measures to address the housing crisis and labor market issues. Promoted laws advancing gender equality and minority rights. Led Spain's response to the 2008 financial crisis and aimed for a shift towards sustainable energy. Represented the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and was influential in European politics.

Continue Reading

Robbin Crosby

Guitarist and songwriter for Ratt
Born
August 4th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
2002 24 years ago — 43 years old

A prominent figure in the American rock scene, contributed to the formation of the band Ratt, which emerged in the early 1980s. Played a key role in the band's ascent to fame with albums such as 'Out of the Cellar' and 'Invasion of Your Privacy'. Recognized for innovative guitar work and songwriting that helped define the glam metal genre. In addition to the band's success, worked on side projects and produced music for other artists throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Clarke Reed

American businessman and politician
Born
August 4th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2024 1 years ago — 96 years old

A businessman and politician from the United States. Served as the chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party and played a significant role in the party's development in the state. Elected as a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the party's platforms. Helped in establishing key local and state policies during tenure as a politician. Also engaged in various business ventures throughout career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 20th

Edward Herbert

English-Welsh soldier and diplomat
Born
March 3rd, 1583 442 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1648 377 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1583, served as a soldier and diplomat during the early 17th century. Engaged in military campaigns for the English crown. Achieved the title of 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury. Contributed to historical documentation through writings that reflected on the political and social conditions of the time. His works offered insights into the complexities of his era, including religious and philosophical discussions.

Continue Reading

Pope Pius X

Pope and church reformer
Born
June 2nd, 1835 190 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1914 111 years ago — 79 years old

Served as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1903 until death in 1914. Focused on updating church practices and emphasized frequent communion. Initiated reforms in liturgy and catechism, seeking to counter modernist interpretations of the faith. Canonized saints and promoted devotion to the Eucharist. Advocated for the establishment of a new code of canon law and addressed issues of social justice and poverty.

Continue Reading

Meles Zenawi

Ethiopian Prime Minister and revolutionary leader
Born
May 9th, 1955 70 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 57 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 until 2012. Played a significant role in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, which controlled the government after the overthrow of Mengistu Haile Mariam. Implemented economic reforms that spurred growth and attracted foreign investment. Also participated in regional politics, including peace negotiations in the Horn of Africa. Advocated for the role of the African Union in addressing continental issues.

Continue Reading

Percy Williams Bridgman

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 21st, 1882 143 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1961 64 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent American physicist and academic, he contributed significantly to experimental physics and high-pressure research. Bridgman developed methods to achieve extreme pressures and studied their effects on various materials. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946 for his work on the properties of matter under high pressures, he became a professor at Harvard University where he mentored future scientists. His research advanced the understanding of physical phenomena in solid state physics.

Continue Reading

B. K. S. Iyengar

Yoga Instructor and Iyengar Yoga founder
Born
1918 108 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 96 years old

An influential yoga instructor and author, established a method of yoga that emphasizes precision and alignment. Founded Iyengar Yoga, which integrates a systematic approach to the practice through the use of props. Authored several books on yoga, including 'Light on Yoga', which serves as a foundational text for many practitioners. The teachings and methodologies contributed significantly to the global spread and practice of yoga.

Continue Reading

Enrique Flórez

Spanish historian and author
Born
February 14th, 1701 324 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1773 252 years ago — 72 years old

This individual contributed significantly to Spanish historiography during the 18th century. Authorship includes works such as 'España Sagrada', which detailed the history of the Spanish Church. Focused on documenting religious and historical aspects of Spain, this historian engaged in extensive research, producing texts that are still referenced in academic circles. In addition, Flórez was a member of the Royal Academy of History, where he influenced the study of history in Spain through scholarship and editorial efforts.

Continue Reading