Leroy Anderson
Composer and conductor of light music

Born
June 29th, 1908
116 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1975
50 years ago — 66 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
Contributed significantly to the genre of light orchestral music. Anderson studied at Harvard and later became the principal arranger for the Harvard Band. Best recognized for catchy compositions, including 'Sleigh Ride' and 'The Typewriter'. His works, characterized by wit and charm, have remained popular in both orchestral and popular music contexts. Anderson also served in the United States Army during World War II, where he arranged and composed music for military ensembles.
Composed 'Sleigh Ride'
Created 'The Typewriter'
Wrote 'The Syncopated Clock'
Other People Born on June 29th
Squizzy Taylor
Operated as a prominent gangster in Melbourne during the early 20th century. Engaged in organized crime activities, including bootlegging and illegal gambling. Became involved in violent conflicts with rival gangs and law enforcement. Taylor's criminal activities drew significant media attention, leading to his notoriety in Australian popular culture. His life illustrated the rise of gangland culture in the city during that period.
Continue ReadingJohn William Vessey Jr.
Born in 1922, this American general served in the United States Army and became the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He played a significant role during the Vietnam War and later oversaw military operations during the Gulf War. His military career spanned over four decades, culminating in leadership positions that influenced U.S. military strategy. After retiring from the Army, he continued to serve the nation in various capacities, including advising on military and defense matters.
Continue ReadingColin Jost
Raised in Staten Island, a prominent comedian emerged from the ranks of 'Saturday Night Live', where contributions as a head writer led to multiple Emmy nominations. Writing for the show since 2005, served as co-anchor for 'Weekend Update' alongside Michael Che, providing a satirical take on current events. Co-wrote the screenplay for 'Staten Island Summer', a film based on his childhood experiences. Known for stand-up comedy performances across various venues, showcasing sharp wit and observational humor.
Continue ReadingRick Honeycutt
Played professional baseball as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1977 to 1994. Played for several teams including the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Transitioned to coaching after retiring as a player, spending many years as a pitching coach for MLB teams. Served as the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, contributing to team successes in various seasons.
Continue ReadingLloyd Richards
Born in 1919, this Canadian-American theatre director and actor significantly influenced American theatre. Contributions included directing the Broadway premiere of 'A Raisin in the Sun,' which highlighted the African American experience. Served as the artistic director of the National Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., and was dean of the graduate acting program at the University of California, San Diego. Worked extensively with playwrights such as August Wilson, helping to elevate their works on stage.
Continue ReadingOliver Tree
Gained recognition for a unique blend of alternative, electronic, and pop music. First single 'When I'm Down' became a viral success on various platforms. Released the album 'Ugly Is Beautiful' in 2020, which included multiple charting singles. Known for a distinct visual style in music videos and performances, often incorporating elements of surrealism. Collaborated with various artists, contributing to the evolution of contemporary music aesthetics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 18th
Betty Robinson
An accomplished sprinter, she achieved significant success in track and field events during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, where the 4x100 meter relay team won the gold medal, marking the first time women raced in Olympic track events. Also participated in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Overcame a life-threatening plane crash in 1931, which challenged her athletic career but did not prevent a remarkable return to competition.
Continue ReadingSteve Forrest
A drummer, prominently associated with the band Placebo since 2006. Contributed to the band's sound through various albums and tours. Prior to joining Placebo, worked with other bands and gained experience in the music industry. Active in live performances and studio recordings, showcasing a blend of alternative rock styles.
Continue ReadingLothar Schmid
Accomplished chess player and international arbiter. Played in numerous tournaments throughout the 20th century. Achieved the title of International Arbiter in 1984. Contributed to various chess publications and served as an organizer for major chess events. Actively participated in the chess community, promoting the game across different platforms.
Continue ReadingMary McLeod Bethune
An educator and civil rights leader, established a private school for African American girls in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1904. Instrumental in forming the National Council of Negro Women in 1935. Served as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, contributing to policies affecting African Americans. Advocated for education and civil rights throughout her life, promoting opportunities for black citizens.
Continue ReadingAustin Eubanks
Survived the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Became an advocate for addiction recovery, drawing from personal experiences with substance abuse following the trauma of the shooting. Engaged in speaking events across the country to share insights on mental health and addiction, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding of these issues. Worked with various organizations and initiatives focused on recovery and prevention. Contributed to numerous media outlets, spreading awareness about the impact of trauma and the importance of mental wellness.
Continue ReadingGeorge Meredith
An English novelist and poet, significant contributions include exploring themes of love and society in literary works. Worked as a novelist, poet, and essayist, blending realism with romantic ideals. Authored several influential novels, including 'The Egoist,' which highlighted the individual versus society. Poetry also incorporated historic themes and personal reflections, showcasing a distinct stylistic approach.
Continue Reading