Matthias Corvinus

Hungarian king with a strong rule

Matthias Corvinus - Hungarian king with a strong rule
Born

February 23rd, 1443
582 years ago

Died

April 6th, 1490
535 years ago — 47 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Hungary

Links & References

Reigned as King of Hungary from 1458 to 1490. Led military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and strengthened the kingdom's defenses. Established a well-rounded court in Buda and promoted culture, including founding the library known as the Bibliotheca Corviniana, one of the largest Renaissance libraries in Europe. Implemented reforms to improve governance and taxation, enhancing royal authority.

Established the Bibliotheca Corviniana

Led campaigns against the Ottoman Empire

Other People Born on February 23rd

Debbie Friedman

Singer-songwriter of Jewish melodies
Born
February 23rd, 1951 74 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent singer-songwriter, this individual contributed significantly to contemporary Jewish music. Starting in the 1970s, created and popularized a repertoire of original melodies that became integral to Jewish worship and education. Works often featured themes of spirituality and community, resonating within synagogues across the United States and beyond. Released numerous albums, including 'Sing Unto God' and 'The Gift of Music,' solidifying a prominent place in the genre. Engaged in educational initiatives, training future generations in the tradition of Jewish song.

Continue Reading

Daymond John

Fashion designer; founder of FUBU
Born
February 23rd, 1969 56 years ago

An American fashion designer and businessman founded a clothing brand that revolutionized streetwear in the 1990s. Established FUBU, an acronym for 'For Us, By Us,' which became a significant player in urban fashion culture. FUBU garnered widespread popularity and success, resulting in a multi-million dollar business. John expanded his influence by appearing as an investor on the television series 'Shark Tank,' where he offered guidance and financial support to budding entrepreneurs.

Continue Reading

Norman Taurog

Film director and screenwriter
Born
February 23rd, 1899 126 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1981 44 years ago — 82 years old

Directed numerous films during a prolific career, contributing to the entertainment industry for over five decades. Taurog's work reflects a range of genres, with significant involvement in musicals and comedies. Directed the Elvis Presley films 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Blue Hawaii', which became iconic in the rock and roll era. Served as a director for multiple successful films which achieved commercial success.

Continue Reading

Clayton Anderson

American engineer and astronaut
Born
February 23rd, 1959 66 years ago

An engineer and astronaut, made significant contributions to NASA's space exploration missions. Completed two spaceflights, first on STS-131 in 2010 and later on STS-135 in 2011. Brought extensive expertise in mechanical and aerospace engineering to various programs during tenure at NASA.

Continue Reading

Onofrio Panvinio

Italian historian and chronicler
Born
February 23rd, 1529 496 years ago
Died
1568 457 years ago — 39 years old

Born in Italy in 1529, contributed significantly to historical literature and the understanding of Rome's past. Worked as a cleric and became a prominent figure in the study of historical events and figures, particularly focusing on the history of the Church. Wrote extensively, with major works that chronicled the history of prominent families and events in Italy. His writings provided insights into the political and cultural landscape of the time, influencing later historians. His careful documentation and analysis helped establish a foundation for modern historical methodologies.

Continue Reading

Casimir Funk

Polish biochemist who discovered vitamins
Born
February 23rd, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1967 58 years ago — 83 years old

A Polish biochemist contributed to the study of vitamins and their essential role in human health. Identified and named the term 'vitamin' in 1912, proposing that certain dietary substances were vital for preventing diseases. Conducted significant research on nutritional deficiencies and their effects, particularly in relation to beriberi and pellagra. His work laid foundational concepts in biochemistry and nutrition, enhancing understanding of dietary needs.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 6th

Florence Earle Coates

American poet with notable works
Born
July 1st, 1850 174 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1927 98 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent American poet, produced numerous volumes of poetry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Authored collections such as 'The Silver Crown' and 'The Tapestry of Life'. Contributed to various literary magazines and anthologies. Her work often explored themes of nature, love, and spirituality. Active in literary circles and associated with the Philadelphia arts community.

Continue Reading

Ray Charles

Singer-songwriter and conductor
Born
September 13th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2015 10 years ago — 96 years old

A significant figure in the development of soul music, composed and performed a blend of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. Gained prominence in the 1950s and went on to achieve widespread acclaim throughout the 20th century. Notable works include hit songs like "Georgia on My Mind" and "Hit the Road Jack." Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and also received numerous Grammy Awards for contributions to music.

Continue Reading

Red Norvo

Vibraphone player and jazz composer
Born
March 31st, 1908 117 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1999 26 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent American vibraphone player and composer, this musician played a significant role in the development of jazz. Active from the 1920s through the 1980s, collaborated with various jazz greats, including Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday. Contributed to the popularization of the vibraphone in jazz music and was involved in bands such as the Red Norvo Trio. Recorded numerous albums that showcased innovative approaches to rhythm and improvisation.

Continue Reading

James Best

Actor and director of 'The Dukes of Hazzard'
Born
July 26th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old

An American actor, director, and screenwriter, celebrated for significant contributions to television and film. Best played Rosco P. Coltrane in the popular television series 'The Dukes of Hazzard'. His career spanned several decades, featuring performances in various television shows and films, with numerous appearances in westerns. In addition to acting, Best directed several episodes of television series. He also had a background in military service and used his experiences to inform his work in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Rainier III

Prince of Monaco during long reign
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2005 20 years ago — 82 years old

Ruled as Prince of Monaco from 1949 until 2005. Focused on modernizing the principality and promoting tourism. Played a crucial role in establishing Monaco as a renowned destination for luxury and gambling. Maintained the independence of Monaco while fostering economic growth. Married American actress Grace Kelly, leading to increased global attention on the principality.

Continue Reading

David Blondel

French minister and historian
Born
1591 434 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1655 370 years ago — 64 years old

Served as a minister and contributed significantly to historical scholarship in France. Engaged in theological debates and wrote extensively on history and religion. His works, which include notable texts on ecclesiastical history, have provided insights into the Protestant Reformation and the development of religious thought in 17th-century France.

Continue Reading