Ludwig Beck
German general and military strategist
Served as a prominent general in the German Army during World War II, notably opposing Hitler's aggressive expansionist plans. Played a key role in the military planning leading up to the German invasion of France. Became chief of the Army General Staff in 1938 and advocated for stronger military strategies that could potentially counter the warfare tactics of the Allies. In 1944, Beck was involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime, which ultimately led to his execution. His military expertise and ethical stance against the government were significant during a defining moment in German history.
Chief of the Army General Staff (1938)
Opposed Hitler's military expansion
Other People Born on June 29th
Quintin Demps
American football player & safety
Born
June 29th, 1985 40 years ago
Career spanned from 2008 to 2017 with stints on various teams, primarily as a safety. Played for the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears. Contributed to the Eagles during a season that culminated in a playoff appearance. Recorded significant interceptions and tackles throughout career, showcasing skills in both defense and special teams.
Continue ReadingNick Fry
English economist and businessman
Born
June 29th, 1956 69 years ago
An economist and businessman with significant contributions in the automotive and motorsport industries. Played a crucial role as Managing Director of the Honda Racing F1 Team, leading the team to its first Constructors' Championship in 2006. Held various leadership positions in different companies and is recognized for expertise in business operations and strategic management.
Continue ReadingAarre Merikanto
Finnish composer and educator, notable works
Born
June 29th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1958 67 years ago — 65 years old
Born in Finland in 1893, a prominent composer and educator emerged, contributing significantly to Finnish music. Studied at the Helsinki Music Institute and continued education in Germany. Composed various orchestral works, operas, choral pieces, and songs. Established a unique style that blended impressionism with Finnish folk elements. Served as a teacher at the Helsinki University of the Arts, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. His compositions remain a vital part of the Finnish classical repertoire, celebrated for their melodic strength and emotional depth. Through both performance and education, played a significant role in the development of Finnish music during the 20th century.
Continue ReadingJohn II of Aragon and Navarre
King of Aragon and Navarre
Born
June 29th, 1398 627 years ago
Died
1479 547 years ago — 81 years old
Ruled as king of Aragon from 1458 to 1479 and king of Navarre from 1425 to 1479. Contributed to the consolidation of the crowns of Aragon and Navarre during his reign. Engaged in military campaigns against the Kingdom of Castile, influencing territorial disputes in the region. Pursued policies that prioritized the unification of the Aragonese crown, though faced challenges from local nobility.
Continue ReadingNelson Eddy
American singer and film actor
Born
June 29th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1967 58 years ago — 65 years old
Acclaimed as a leading baritone, contributed significantly to the music and film industries during the 1930s and 1940s. Became a prominent figure in operatic and popular music, appearing in a number of musical films. Starred opposite Jeanette MacDonald in several successful productions, notably in 'Naughty Marietta' and 'Show Boat'. Recorded numerous popular songs and albums that showcased operatic and theatrical elements. Maintained a successful career in both film and music until declining health impacted performances.
Continue ReadingEdward Maya
Romanian singer-songwriter and producer
Born
June 29th, 1986 39 years ago
Edward Maya gained recognition in the music industry with the release of the hit single 'Stereo Love' in 2009. The song achieved international success and topped charts in several countries. As a singer-songwriter and producer, contributions to the dance and electronic music scene have influenced contemporary music trends. Maya has also released albums and collaborated with various artists throughout his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 20th
Ted Grant
Political theorist and activist
Born
1913 113 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2006 19 years ago — 93 years old
A prominent political theorist and activist, dedicated career to Marxist theory and socialist movements. Served as a key figure within the British and South African left. Helped found the Socialist Appeal, contributing extensive writings advocating for socialist policies. Participated actively in various left-wing organizations and movements throughout the late 20th century, influencing the political landscape in both countries. Engaged in educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting socialist ideas among grassroots activists.
Continue ReadingChester Bennington
American rock singer of Linkin Park
Born
March 20th, 1976 49 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2017 8 years ago — 41 years old
A prominent singer-songwriter and producer, he led the rock band Linkin Park, achieving global success with the album 'Hybrid Theory', which was certified diamond by the RIAA. This album featured hits including 'In the End' and 'Crawling', contributing to the nu-metal genre's mainstream popularity. In addition to his work with Linkin Park, he was also the lead vocalist for the band Dead by Sunrise and briefly performed with Stone Temple Pilots. His contributions to music extended to charitable work, including performances for causes like the Music for Relief foundation.
Continue ReadingMark Rosenzweig
Psychologist and academic researcher
Born
September 12th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2009 16 years ago — 86 years old
Contributions focused on animal behavior and brain development. Rosenzweig studied the effects of environmental factors on the brain, notably through experiments with rats. Research demonstrated that enriched environments could enhance cognitive functions and brain plasticity. Served as a professor and continued to share findings through numerous publications and educational efforts within the field of psychology.
Continue ReadingKlaus Schmidt
German archaeologist and academic
Born
1953 73 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 61 years old
Significant contributions were made to the field of archaeology, particularly through the work at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient archaeological site in Turkey. Schmidt led excavations that uncovered monumental structures dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, showcasing early religious and communal activities. His research provided insights into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled farming, emphasizing the importance of Göbekli Tepe in understanding early human civilization.
Continue ReadingKarl Bernhard Zoeppritz
Geophysicist and seismologist
Born
October 22nd, 1881 144 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1908 117 years ago — 26 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of geophysics and seismology. Developed Zoeppritz equations, which describe the reflection of seismic waves at an interface between two different elastic materials, essential for exploration geophysics. Made substantial advancements in understanding how seismic waves interact with geological structures. Conducted research that laid foundational work for future studies in seismic analysis and petroleum exploration.
Continue ReadingKhurshed Alam Khan
Indian politician, 2nd Governor of Goa
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 94 years old
Held the position of the 2nd Governor of Goa from 2000 to 2005. Served in various political roles within the Indian National Congress. Participated in the Indian freedom struggle, actively engaging in movements against colonial rule. Played a significant role in state politics and governance during tenure as Governor.
Continue Reading