Mark Donohue
Race car driver, Indianapolis 500 winner
A prominent race car driver achieved notable success in American motorsports. Competed in the Indianapolis 500, winning the event in 1970. Helped develop the Penske Racing team into a leading force in racing. Also excelled in Trans-Am and Can-Am series, securing multiple championships and setting speed records on various tracks. His engineering insights contributed to advancements in race car performance.
Won the Indianapolis 500 in 1970
Secured the 1971 Trans-Am Championship
Achieved multiple victories in Can-Am series
Other People Born on March 18th
Richard de Zoysa
Sri Lankan journalist and author
Born
March 18th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
1990 35 years ago — 32 years old
A journalist and author focused on social issues in Sri Lanka. Worked with several publications, including The Sunday Times, and contributed to discussions on democracy and human rights. Engaged in television journalism, hosting programs that addressed political and social concerns. Disappeared in 1990, with his death raising awareness of the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones. His work highlighted government repression and the importance of free speech.
Continue ReadingCourtney Pine
Saxophonist and clarinet player
Born
March 18th, 1964 61 years ago
Pine is a British musician specializing in saxophone and clarinet. Emerging in the late 1980s, merged jazz with elements of reggae and hip-hop. Created a distinctive sound and gained recognition in the United Kingdom and internationally. Released numerous albums, including 'Journey to the Urge Within', garnering critical acclaim and chart success. Contributed to the jazz scene with live performances and collaborations, emphasizing the importance of cultural fusion in music. Served as a mentor to emerging artists and frequently participated in educational initiatives to promote jazz.
Continue ReadingJerry Cantrell
Singer-songwriter and guitarist for Alice in Chains
Born
March 18th, 1966 59 years ago
A prominent figure in the Seattle grunge movement, this artist co-founded the rock band Alice in Chains in 1987. The band achieved significant commercial success during the 1990s, known for a distinctive sound that blended heavy metal and acoustic elements. The release of the landmark album 'Dirt' in 1992 solidified the band's reputation, featuring hit singles like 'Would?' and 'Rooster'. As a guitarist and primary songwriter, contributions included deeply personal lyrics and innovative guitar riffs. The band faced a period of hiatus due to personal struggles but reunited in the mid-2000s, continuing to tour and release new music.
Continue ReadingGuy Carbonneau
Ice hockey player and coach, Stanley Cup Champion
Born
March 18th, 1960 65 years ago
Achieved success as a professional ice hockey player and coach. Played primarily as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, and the Quebec Nordiques. Won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986 and again in 1993. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, taking the role of head coach for the Montreal Canadiens during the 2006-2009 seasons. Recognized for contributions to both playing and coaching on the ice.
Continue ReadingRick Martel
Professional wrestler and AWA champion
Born
March 18th, 1956 69 years ago
Born in 1956, a Canadian wrestler began a prominent career in professional wrestling during the 1970s. Achieved fame in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), where held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Additionally performed in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), gaining popularity as a character known as 'The Model.' Became a key figure in tag team wrestling while performing alongside partners in various promotions. Also made notable contributions to international wrestling circuits throughout the 1980s and 1990s, wrestling for various organizations across Canada, Japan, and the United States. Retired in the late 1990s but remained involved in wrestling through appearances at fan conventions and events.
Continue ReadingAlex Caffi
Race car driver, F1 competitor
Born
March 18th, 1964 61 years ago
A prominent figure in motorsports, this individual competed in Formula One during the 1990s, participating in various Grand Prix races. Notably drove for teams such as Scuderia Italia and Minardi. Achieved a significant presence in the racing community, competing in both F1 and in endurance racing.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 19th
David Bomberg
Painter and illustrator, notable for Expressionism
Born
December 5th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1957 68 years ago — 66 years old
Born in 1890, this English painter and illustrator was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century art scene. Studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, and later became an influential member of the London Group. His work often encompassed elements of modernism and the avant-garde. Engagement with the Vorticist movement characterized many of his early canvases, demonstrating a unique approach to abstraction. Later in life, the artist embraced a more figurative style, which included landscapes and portraits. His teaching at various institutions also contributed to the development of future artists, and he became known as an academic figure who influenced subsequent generations.
Continue ReadingTomás Burgos
Chilean philanthropist
Born
September 18th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1945 80 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent figure in philanthropy in Chile, focused on social welfare and community development. Established various charitable organizations and initiatives aimed at improving education and healthcare in underprivileged areas. Collaborated with governmental and non-governmental entities to promote social justice and assist those in need.
Continue ReadingPierre Schaeffer
Composer and producer of musique concrète
Born
August 14th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1995 30 years ago — 85 years old
Born in France, this individual developed musique concrète, a form of experimental music that uses recorded natural sounds as raw material. He worked as a radio producer and composer, and began the interdisciplinary use of sound in art and music. The creation of the GRM (Groupe de Recherches Musicales) in 1958 marked a significant moment in the exploration of electronic music and sound manipulation. The contributions to sound and music aesthetics influenced generations of composers and musicians.
Continue ReadingTevfik Fikret
Turkish poet and educator, prominent in literature
Born
December 24th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1915 110 years ago — 47 years old
Born in 1867, this individual emerged as a significant figure in Turkish literature and education. He served as a journalist and a teacher, advocating for modernization in education and literary expression. His poetry often addressed social issues and reflected the struggles of the period. He founded a literary magazine aimed at promoting contemporary poetry and ideas. The influence of his work extended beyond literature, impacting cultural and social reform during a transformative time in Turkey.
Continue ReadingMaria Branyas
Supercentenarian and longevity record holder
Born
March 4th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2024 1 years ago — 117 years old
Born in the United States, later moved to Spain, reached the age of 116, becoming one of the oldest verified living persons in the world. This individual witnessed significant historical events throughout a long life, including both World Wars and the Spanish Civil War. Residing in Catalonia, health and longevity practices were emphasized, contributing to remarkable age milestones. Lived through numerous societal changes and cultural shifts, adapting to evolving lifestyles while maintaining a legacy of resilience.
Continue ReadingAugustus
Elector of Saxony and patron of arts
Born
July 31st, 1526 499 years ago
Died
August 19th, 14 2011 years ago — -1512 years old
Birth occurred on July 31, 1526. Served as Elector of Saxony from 1547 until death in 1586. Played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation by supporting Martin Luther and promoting Protestantism in Saxony. Established the University of Wittenberg, where reformist ideas flourished. Encouraged the development of the arts and culture, leading to notable advancements during the Renaissance period in Germany.
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