Louis Jordan

American singer-songwriter and saxophonist

Louis Jordan - American singer-songwriter and saxophonist
Born

July 8th, 1908
117 years ago

Died

February 4th, 1975
50 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A notable figure in the transition from jazz to rhythm and blues, this musician's career spanned several decades, particularly active during the 1930s and 1940s. Often referred to as the 'King of the Jukebox', contributions to the music scene included popularizing jump blues, a genre that fused jazz, blues, and swing. Achieved mainstream success with the hit songs 'Caldonia' and 'Choo Choo Ch'Boogie', which became anthems during the era. Collaborated with various artists while leading a band known for its vibrant performances and innovative sound. Made significant strides in the popularization of the saxophone in popular music, influencing later musicians.

Hit song 'Caldonia'

Hit song 'Choo Choo Ch'Boogie'

Pioneering jump blues genre

Other People Born on July 8th

Anastasia Myskina

Professional tennis player and champion
Born
July 8th, 1981 44 years ago

Achieved prominence in the early 2000s as a professional tennis player. Won the French Open in 2004, becoming the first Russian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title. Reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 2. Represented Russia in several Fed Cup competitions, contributing to the team's success.

Continue Reading

Marianne Williamson

Author and political activist
Born
July 8th, 1952 73 years ago

An American author and activist, engaged in spiritual and political realms. Gained recognition for books such as 'A Return to Love' which promoted self-help teachings rooted in Course in Miracles principles. Entered politics and ran for the Democratic nomination for President in 2020, advocating for progressive policies, including universal healthcare and a Green New Deal. Maintained a public presence through lectures, workshops, and social media, addressing issues like mental health, poverty, and social justice.

Continue Reading

Igor Tamm

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 8th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 76 years old

A physicist contributed significantly to the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion. Collaborated with Andrei Sakharov on the development of the Soviet hydrogen bomb. Authored numerous scientific papers and made key advancements in plasma physics. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for work on controlled fusion and plasma research.

Continue Reading

V. K. R. Varadaraja Rao

Economist and Indian political educator
Born
July 8th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1908, this individual contributed significantly to the fields of economics and education in India. As a professor, played a crucial role in shaping economic policies and education reform. Engaged in political activities, influenced governance and public policy, and served in various capacities within the Indian government. Authored several impactful publications on economic theories and practices in the context of India's development.

Continue Reading

Wang Zhizhi

Chinese basketball player with NBA experience
Born
July 8th, 1977 48 years ago

Played professional basketball, primarily as a center. Made history as the first Chinese player to join the NBA, signing with the Dallas Mavericks in 2001. Played in the Chinese Basketball Association, representing the Bayi Rockets and later the Shandong Golden Stars. Contributed to the Chinese national team, participating in the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games. Helped the national team secure a bronze medal at the 2001 FIBA Asian Championship.

Continue Reading

Eli Lilly

Chemist and businessman, founded Eli Lilly
Born
July 8th, 1838 187 years ago
Died
1898 127 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1838, a soldier and chemist founded a pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly and Company. The company initially focused on medicinal products, advancing throughout the decades to become a major player in the pharmaceutical industry. Contributions included the development of insulin and the first mass-produced penicillin. The company became synonymous with prescription medications and established an enduring legacy in medical innovation.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 4th

Étienne-Louis Boullée

Architect known for neoclassical designs
Born
February 12th, 1728 297 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1799 226 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 Reading

Reg Presley

Singer-songwriter of The Troggs
Born
June 12th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent English singer-songwriter gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Troggs. The band achieved commercial success in the 1960s with hits such as "Wild Thing" and "With a Girl Like You." As a key figure in the garage rock movement, The Troggs influenced numerous artists in later generations. Presley also ventured into songwriting and released solo material, showcasing his talents beyond the band. In addition to music, Presley had interests in paranormal phenomena, which he explored in later years. He continued to perform until declining health affected his activities, leading to his passing in 2013.

Continue Reading

Matti Nykänen

Ski Jumper and Olympic Gold Medalist
Born
July 17th, 1963 62 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2019 6 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent ski jumper from Finland, achieved significant success during the 1980s and 1990s. Secured four Olympic gold medals, earning gold in the 70m and 90m events at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Also claimed multiple World Championship titles, contributing to a storied career in the sport. Transitioned into music later in life and released several albums, showcasing personal talents beyond sports.

Continue Reading

Barry John

Welsh rugby player and Lions star
Born
January 6th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2024 1 years ago — 79 years old

One of the leading fly-halves in rugby union history, contributed significantly to the success of the Welsh national team during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Played a key role in Wales’ Grand Slam victories in 1969 and 1971. His performance in the 1971 series against the All Blacks is often highlighted as one of the greatest in rugby history. Captained the British and Irish Lions during the 1971 tour to New Zealand, leading a team that achieved a historic series win against the All Blacks. After retiring from rugby, transitioned to a successful career as a sports commentator and analyst, sharing insights on the game and its evolution.

Continue Reading

Septimius Severus

Roman emperor and founder of the Severan dynasty
Born
April 11th, 145 1880 years ago
Died
February 4th, 211 1814 years ago — 65 years old

Ascended to the throne in 193 AD after a civil war. Governed the Roman Empire until 211 AD, expanding its territories and strengthening its frontiers. Severus initiated military campaigns in Britain and against the Parthian Empire, successfully increasing Roman influence in the East. Implemented reforms within the military and administration, enhancing the loyalty of soldiers through increased pay and benefits. Established the Severan dynasty, which continued for nearly three decades after his death.

Continue Reading

Susanne Suba

Watercolorist and illustrator
Born
1913 112 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2012 13 years ago — 99 years old

Born in Hungary, this watercolorist and illustrator gained recognition while active in the United States. Works included blending traditional watercolor techniques with modern subject matter. The artistic contributions during a significant period in her life highlighted a commitment to both beauty and storytelling through art. Engaged in numerous exhibitions and projects, focused on promoting the power of visual art.

Continue Reading