Liberace
Pianist and entertainer with flamboyant style
A prominent American singer-songwriter and pianist, known for a lavish and flamboyant stage presence. Achieved significant popularity during the mid-20th century through performances that combined classical music with pop standards. Won multiple awards, including an Emmy Award for a televised special. Gained a reputation for elaborate costumes and an extravagant lifestyle, often dazzling audiences with both musical talent and grand showmanship.
Won an Emmy Award in 1955
Released numerous successful albums
Toured extensively with high-profile performances
Other People Born on May 16th
David Maclean
Scottish politician and Member of Parliament
Born
May 16th, 1953 72 years ago
Served as a Member of Parliament for over a decade. Represented the constituency of Penrith and The Border from 1997 to 2010. Focused on various issues including rural affairs, local government, and transport. Held the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, emphasizing parliamentary procedures and duties.
Continue ReadingEmma Georgina Rothschild
Historian and academic author
Born
May 16th, 1948 77 years ago
This English historian specialized in the economic history of France during the 18th century and 19th century. An academic and a prominent member of the history and economics community, emphasis included studies on the French Revolution and the works of key economic theorists. Contributions involved editing and writing scholarly articles in various publications, influencing contemporary understanding of historical economic systems. Held the prestigious position of a professor at Harvard University and contributed significantly to the field of economic history.
Continue ReadingEnrico Fumia
Automobile designer and product innovator
Born
May 16th, 1948 77 years ago
Born in Italy in 1948, a prominent automobile and product designer involved in various innovative projects throughout a career spanning several decades. Contributed to the design of notable automobile models and participated in high-profile automotive projects. Worked with leading automobile manufacturers and design firms, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality in vehicle design.
Continue ReadingStephen Woolman
Scottish judge and academic
Born
May 16th, 1953 72 years ago
A Scottish judge and academic held the title of Lord Woolman. Education included studying at the University of Edinburgh. Appointed as a judge in the Court of Session, contributed to significant legal decisions. Active in academia, taught law at the University of Edinburgh, influencing future generations of lawyers. Published works focused on various aspects of law, further establishing a reputation in legal scholarship.
Continue ReadingRobert Fripp
Guitarist and co-founder of King Crimson
Born
May 16th, 1946 79 years ago
A significant figure in progressive rock, played guitar and served as a songwriter and producer. Co-founded the band King Crimson, which released influential albums such as 'In the Court of the Crimson King'. Developed the Frippertronics guitar technique, which combines tape loops and effects. Collaborated with various artists across genres and contributed to several projects that bridged rock and classical music.
Continue ReadingGeorg Bednorz
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 16th, 1950 75 years ago
This individual contributed significantly to the field of condensed matter physics. Research focused on high-temperature superconductors led to groundbreaking discoveries that changed the understanding of material science. Collaborated with Alex Müller to develop the first high-temperature superconductor in 1986, prompting a rapid expansion of research into superconductivity. The work earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1987, highlighting a pivotal moment in physics and materials research.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 4th
Ilya Kormiltsev
Russian-English poet and translator
Born
September 26th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2007 19 years ago — 47 years old
Contributed significantly to contemporary Russian poetry and literature. Worked as a translator, bringing English poetry to Russian audiences. Actively engaged in literary discussions and events in both Russia and England. Created significant connections between Russian and English literary traditions through his translations and original works.
Continue ReadingStefan Meller
Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs
Born
July 4th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2008 18 years ago — 65 years old
An academic and politician held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland. Served in this role from 2005 until 2007, overseeing significant diplomatic initiatives. Coordinated Poland's foreign policy during its presidency of the European Union in 2007. Engaged in European integration and transatlantic relations, emphasizing alliances with Western powers. Contributed to shaping Poland's international presence in the post-communist era, focusing on strengthening ties with NATO and the EU.
Continue ReadingAga Khan IV
49th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community
Born
December 13th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2025 1 years ago — 88 years old
Assumed leadership as the 49th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community in 1957. Focused on the development and education of the Isma'ili community worldwide. Established institutions such as the Aga Khan Development Network to improve health, education, and infrastructure in various countries. Engaged in philanthropic efforts across multiple sectors, including health care, education, and rural development. Advocated for pluralism and the importance of dialogue within various cultures and faiths.
Continue ReadingFrank Calder
Ice hockey player and journalist
Born
November 17th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1943 83 years ago — 65 years old
An English-Canadian ice hockey player and journalist, played a significant role in the development of the National Hockey League (NHL) and served as its first president from 1917 to 1943. Participated in the early amateur leagues before transitioning to professional play with the Montreal Canadiens. Worked to promote and stabilize the league during its formative years and was actively involved in the establishment of various policies that shaped the NHL. Authored numerous articles and reports that contributed to hockey literature and discourse.
Continue ReadingÉtienne-Louis Boullée
Architect known for neoclassical designs
Born
February 12th, 1728 297 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1799 227 years ago — 70 years old
An influential French architect and educator, a key figure in the evolution of neoclassicism during the 18th century. Boullée proposed grand architectural concepts characterized by monumental simplicity and clarity of form. His designs often included vast interiors and symbolic architecture, meant to evoke strong emotions. Although many of his projects remained unbuilt, they significantly influenced architectural theory and practice. Boullée's work centered on the idea of architecture as a form of art rather than merely a functional craft. His writings, particularly 'Architecture, essai sur l'art', conveyed his vision of a new aesthetic in architecture that combined beauty and proportion. Several of his most notable projects included the Cenotaph for Isaac Newton, which exemplified his innovative approach to space and light.
Continue ReadingAugusta Dabney
American actress in film and television
Born
October 23rd, 1918 107 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2008 18 years ago — 89 years old
An actress with a career spanning several decades, contributions included work in theater, film, and television. Appeared in productions such as 'One Life to Live' and 'The Good Wife'. Known for performances that showcased a range of emotional depth, contributing to various storylines in both dramas and comedies.
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