Mary Wells
American singer-songwriter with 'My Guy'
A celebrated singer-songwriter, gained prominence in the 1960s. Achieved significant success with the hit single 'My Guy', which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Associated with the Motown label, released several albums that featured a blend of pop and soul music. Contributed to the genre with a distinctive voice and style, influencing the sound of many artists that followed. Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, honored for contributions to music and culture. Her career included struggles with health issues later in life, but she remained an important figure in music history.
Released the hit single 'My Guy'
Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame
Other People Born on May 13th
Count Johann Hartwig Ernst von Bernstorff
Danish politician and diplomat
Born
May 13th, 1712 314 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1772 254 years ago — 59 years old
Served as the Danish foreign minister from 1744 to 1751. Played a significant role in shaping Danish foreign policy during a transformative period in Northern Europe. Negotiated treaties and maintained relationships with other nations, impacting Denmark's position within European politics. Advocated for a neutral stance amidst conflicts, prioritizing trade and national interests.
Continue ReadingJim Jones
Cult leader, founded Peoples Temple
Born
May 13th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1978 47 years ago — 47 years old
Founded the Peoples Temple in the 1950s, promoting a mix of socialism and religion. Jones gained a following in California before moving the congregation to Guyana, establishing Jonestown. The settlement became infamous for the mass murder-suicide that occurred on November 18, 1978, leading to the deaths of over 900 people, including children. Prior to the tragedy, Jones was involved in various political activities and claimed to advocate for civil rights.
Continue ReadingGil Evans
Composer and bandleader of jazz music
Born
May 13th, 1912 114 years ago
Died
1988 38 years ago — 76 years old
Contributions included pioneering arrangements in the jazz genre, particularly through collaborative works with musicians such as Miles Davis. Worked extensively in the jazz fusion style and was integral in the development of orchestral jazz. Created influential recordings, including 'Miles Ahead' and 'Sketches of Spain'. Led the Gil Evans Orchestra, which showcased innovative compositions and arrangements. Received multiple Grammy Awards for work in music, cementing a legacy in jazz history.
Continue ReadingGeorgios Papanikolaou
Pathologist, invented the Pap smear
Born
May 13th, 1883 143 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1962 64 years ago — 78 years old
A Greek-American pathologist contributed significantly to cancer screening techniques through the invention of the Pap smear, a revolutionary method for detecting cervical cancer. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Athens, Papanikolaou emigrated to the United States, where he started working at New York Hospital. The Pap smear was introduced in 1943 and became a standard procedure in gynecological examinations, significantly reducing cervical cancer mortality rates. Throughout his career, he conducted extensive research on reproductive biology and the cellular changes associated with cancer.
Continue ReadingMaria Theresa
Holy Roman Empress and reformer
Born
May 13th, 1717 309 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1780 245 years ago — 63 years old
Served as the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions and the last Holy Roman Empress. Ascended to the throne in 1740 following the death of her father. Implemented significant administrative, military, and economic reforms. Her reign included the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, which challenged her authority. Established a centralized state and improved the education system. Promoted the welfare of the monarchy and the rights of her subjects during her reign, lasting until 1780.
Continue ReadingFakhruddin Ali Ahmed
Indian politician, 5th President of India
Born
May 13th, 1905 121 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1977 49 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent lawyer and politician, served as the 5th President of India from 1974 until 1977. Represented the Indian National Congress and held various key positions in government before presiding over the country. Oversaw a significant period in India's political history during presidency. Focused on issues such as social justice and government reform while in office.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 26th
Antonio Ascari
Italian race car driver and champion
Born
September 15th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1925 100 years ago — 36 years old
Born in 1888, played a crucial role in the early years of motor racing. Achieved significant success in the 1920s, racing for Alfa Romeo. Victorious at the 1925 Targa Florio, a prestigious endurance race. Contributed to the development of racing techniques and vehicle performance, influencing future generations of drivers.
Continue ReadingRobert Todd Lincoln
American lawyer, 35th U.S. Secretary of War
Born
August 1st, 1843 182 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1926 99 years ago — 82 years old
Served as a lawyer and politician, holding the position of the 35th Secretary of War under President James Garfield. Appointed to the position in 1881 and served until 1885. Contributed to military policies and reforms during a time of significant change in the U.S. Armed Forces. Also held various roles including serving as the president of the Pullman Company. Involved in the management of labor relations during a tumultuous period in American industry, particularly during the Pullman Strike of 1894. His lineage includes being the eldest son of Abraham Lincoln.
Continue ReadingOlivia de Havilland
Actress and Academy Award winner
Born
July 1st, 1916 109 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2020 5 years ago — 104 years old
Born in 1916, this British-American actress gained prominence in Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema. Renowned for roles in classics, she starred in 'Gone with the Wind' as Melanie Hamilton and in 'The Heiress', for which she received an Academy Award for Best Actress. The actress broke barriers in the film industry, becoming a notable advocate for performers' rights, challenging studio contracts that restricted actors. Her career spanned several decades, with performances that showcased a range of characters and emotional depth. Later in life, she received further recognition for her contributions to cinema, earning multiple honors and a lasting legacy in film history.
Continue ReadingPhaedon Gizikis
Greek general and President of Greece
Born
June 16th, 1917 109 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1999 26 years ago — 82 years old
A military officer and politician, served as President of Greece in 1973 during a period of military rule. Held the role briefly until the transition back to democracy. Involved in military operations during the Greek Civil War and contributed to the army's leadership. Engaged in political affairs within the government throughout his career, reflecting the tumultuous political landscape of Greece in the mid-20th century.
Continue ReadingGeorge Gallup
Statistician and polling pioneer
Born
November 18th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1984 41 years ago — 82 years old
A pioneering American statistician, Gallup founded the Gallup Organization, which developed sophisticated methods of public opinion polling. Gallup's work transformed the field of survey research and established standards for accurate measurement of public sentiment. He introduced innovations in sampling techniques and questionnaire design, contributing significantly to the social sciences. His methodologies became widely adopted across various fields, from politics to marketing. Gallup's insights into voter behavior and public perception influenced election strategies and campaigns.
Continue ReadingHoward Vernon
Swiss-French actor in horror films
Born
July 15th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1921 104 years ago — 7 years old
Born in 1914, an actor had a prolific career primarily in horror cinema. Worked with renowned directors and featured in several cult films. Notable performances include roles in 'The Last Man on Earth', 'The Horrible Dr. Hichcock', and 'The Devil's Nightmare'. His contributions to the genre left a lasting legacy in European horror films.
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