Maceo Parker
American saxophonist and bandleader
An influential American saxophonist, contributions spanned across funk, soul, and jazz music. Gained prominence in the 1960s as a key member of James Brown's band, delivering iconic saxophone riffs and solos. Later collaborated with the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, enhancing the funky sound of the era. Established a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums that showcased the distinct sound and style. Continues to perform and engage audiences with musical expertise and energetic stage presence.
Played saxophone for James Brown
Collaborated with Parliament-Funkadelic
Released acclaimed solo albums
Other People Born on February 14th
Mel Allen
American sportscaster and voice of baseball
Born
February 14th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1996 29 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent sportscaster, associated with baseball broadcasting. Served as the chief announcer for the New York Yankees from 1939 to 1964. Known for his distinctive voice and catchphrases, he provided commentary for numerous World Series and All-Star Games. Contributed to the growth of sports broadcasting, becoming a beloved figure among fans. Worked for various networks, including CBS and NBC, and had a significant role in the production of sports programming.
Continue ReadingMax Horkheimer
German philosopher, sociologist, and theorist
Born
February 14th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
July 7th, 1973 52 years ago — 78 years old
Born in 1895, this philosopher and sociologist contributed significantly to critical theory and the Frankfurt School. His work in social philosophy emphasized the interrelationship between society and culture. Co-authored the influential book 'Dialectic of Enlightenment' in 1944, which critiqued modernity and rationality. Served as the director of the Institute for Social Research and engaged in various intellectual debates on totalitarianism and individual freedom.
Continue ReadingGeorge Washington Gale Ferris Jr.
Engineer, inventor of the Ferris wheel
Born
February 14th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1896 129 years ago — 37 years old
An American engineer developed the Ferris wheel, a landmark amusement ride that debuted at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The structure aimed to surpass the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of innovation and engineering prowess. The Ferris wheel featured 36 cars, each capable of holding up to 60 passengers, providing an unprecedented view of the exposition and the surrounding city. This invention represented a significant achievement in civil engineering and design, leading to a new genre of large-scale attractions at fairs and amusement parks.
Continue ReadingChristopher Latham Sholes
American politician and typewriter inventor
Born
February 14th, 1819 206 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1890 135 years ago — 71 years old
An influential figure in American publishing, contributed to the development of the typewriter. Served as a politician in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Developed a practical version of the modern typewriter, which led to widespread use in offices and homes. The QWERTY keyboard layout, designed to reduce jamming in early typewriters, was established through this innovation. Efforts in publishing included founding the first newspaper in Wisconsin.
Continue ReadingEugene Fama
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 14th, 1939 86 years ago
An economist made significant contributions to financial economics and asset pricing. Developed the efficient market hypothesis, asserting that asset prices reflect all available information. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago, influencing both academic research and practical financial modeling. His work laid foundational theories that shaped modern investment strategies and risk assessment.
Continue ReadingLucas Hernandez
French footballer, 2018 World Cup champion
Born
February 14th, 1996 29 years ago
Lucas Hernandez is a professional footballer. He began his career at Atlético Madrid, where he won multiple titles including the UEFA Europa League. His performances earned him a spot on the French national team. In 2018, he played a key role in France's victory at the FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's success with strong defensive skills. Following his time at Atlético, he transferred to Bayern Munich, solidifying his reputation as a top defender in European football.
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