Maurice Ravel
French composer of orchestral music
A prominent figure in early 20th-century music, one contributed significantly to classical compositions. Born in the Basque region of France, created innovative works that merged classical and nationalistic elements. Known for intricate orchestration and distinctive melodies, compositions include the ballet 'Daphnis et Chloé' and the orchestral piece 'Boléro.' Worked as a conductor and was influenced by various musical styles, including jazz and Spanish music. His works often featured complex harmonies and rhythms, which helped shape modern classical music.
Composed 'Boléro'
Wrote the ballet 'Daphnis et Chloé'
Created the piano suite 'Miroirs'
Other People Born on March 7th
Hatem Ben Arfa
French footballer, known for Lille
Born
March 7th, 1987 39 years ago
A professional footballer played as a winger. Career began at Lyon, contributing to the team's Ligue 1 title. Transferred to Lille where significant performances included winning the Coupe de France. Later had stints at Marseille, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain, displaying notable dribbling and creativity on the field. Later years included time at clubs in Spain and France, showcasing skills but struggling to maintain consistent form.
Continue ReadingRik Mayall
Comedian and actor from 'The Young Ones'
Born
March 7th, 1958 68 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2014 11 years ago — 56 years old
Born in England, a prominent comedian and actor emerged in the 1980s. Co-created and starred in the cult television series 'The Young Ones', a significant influence on British comedy. Also featured in 'Bottom', which he co-wrote and performed alongside Ade Edmondson. Success in film included roles in 'Drop Dead Fred' and 'The New Statesman'. Additionally worked as a writer and screenwriter, contributing to the comedic landscape of British television. Regularly performed on stage and was recognized for his unique style of humor.
Continue ReadingTobias Menzies
Actor in Game of Thrones and Outlander
Born
March 7th, 1974 52 years ago
An English actor active in film, television, and theater. Gained recognition for roles in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones' as Edmure Tully and in 'Outlander' as Frank Randall and Jack Randall. Work in theater includes performances in productions such as 'Titus Andronicus' and 'The Homecoming'. Achievements include winning the BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actor and being nominated for other prestigious awards throughout a successful acting career.
Continue ReadingJeff Kent
Baseball player and 2000 MVP
Born
March 7th, 1968 58 years ago
Primarily played as a second baseman, achieved significant success in Major League Baseball. Spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco Giants, making notable contributions during the team's playoff runs. Garnered the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2000 while with the Giants. Accumulated over 2,400 hits and 377 home runs, marking a successful offensive career. Played in five All-Star Games and was a key figure in the Giants' 2002 World Series appearance.
Continue ReadingCecilie Thoresen Krog
Women's rights pioneer and activist
Born
March 7th, 1858 168 years ago
Died
November 13th, 1911 114 years ago — 53 years old
This individual made significant contributions to the women's rights movement in Norway. Engaged in various initiatives, she advocated for women's education and suffrage. Founded the Norwegian Association for Women's Rights, which aimed to promote gender equality. Actively participated in international women's conferences, helping to raise awareness about women's issues on a broader scale. The advocacy work contributed to the eventual granting of voting rights to women in Norway.
Continue ReadingTammy Faye Messner
Television personality and evangelist
Born
March 7th, 1942 84 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2007 18 years ago — 65 years old
An evangelist and television personality, she co-hosted the popular PTL Club alongside her husband, Jim Bakker, during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for her unique personality and emotional appeal, she became a significant figure in the realm of televangelism. After marital difficulties and financial scandals, her public life took new directions, including a successful solo career. She appeared on various talk shows and later became the focus of a biopic that highlighted her life and struggles with public perception and health.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 28th
Halton Arp
Astronomer and critic of redshift theory
Born
March 21st, 1927 99 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old
An American-German astronomer contributed significantly to the field of astronomy. Arp focused on peculiar galaxies and questioned the validity of redshift as a measure of distance in the universe, proposing alternative theories. Arp published several important works, including 'Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies', which featured 338 unique galaxies with unusual characteristics. This influential atlas aided in the understanding of galaxy formations and interactions. Arp also engaged in critical debates about the nature of galaxies and the interpretation of astronomical data, challenging mainstream cosmology.
Continue ReadingEsther Borja
Cuban soprano and actress
Born
December 5th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 100 years old
A prominent soprano and actress from Cuba, distinguished for contributions to opera and theater during the 20th century. Significant performances included roles in operas such as 'Carmen' and 'La Traviata'. Her career spanned decades, captivating audiences both in Cuba and internationally. Borja was celebrated for her vocal talent and artistry, becoming a notable figure in the cultural landscape of Cuban music. She also participated in various theatrical productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Continue ReadingSusan Sontag
American essayist and critic
Born
January 16th, 1933 93 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2004 21 years ago — 71 years old
An influential novelist, essayist, and critic, this individual explored themes of culture, art, and politics through a unique lens. Major works include 'On Photography' and 'Illness as Metaphor', which dissect the complexities of visual culture and the relationship between illness and metaphor. Contributions to literary criticism and cultural theory established a significant presence in contemporary thought. This individual engaged in public debates during the 1960s and beyond, addressing various social issues through essays and lectures.
Continue ReadingDennis Wilson
American singer-songwriter and drummer
Born
December 4th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1983 42 years ago — 39 years old
A significant figure in American music, Wilson co-founded the Beach Boys, a rock band that gained prominence in the 1960s. The band is recognized for its vocal harmonies and innovative sound. Wilson contributed to several of their classic albums, including 'Pet Sounds'. He also released solo work, with the album 'Pacific Ocean Blue' showcasing his songwriting and vocal abilities. His involvement in the Beach Boys helped shape the genre of surf rock and pop music during that era.
Continue ReadingSam Peckinpah
Film director and screenwriter, 'The Wild Bunch'
Born
February 21st, 1925 101 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1984 41 years ago — 59 years old
Director and screenwriter contributed significantly to the Western genre with a distinctive style characterized by slow motion and violent imagery. Directed several influential films, including 'The Wild Bunch,' which garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of anti-heroes and moral ambiguity. Also directed 'Straw Dogs,' notable for its controversial themes and intense violence. Began as a television director before moving to feature films, influencing generations of filmmakers with innovative techniques and storytelling.
Continue ReadingNicholas Ambraseys
Seismologist and engineer
Born
1929 97 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2012 13 years ago — 83 years old
Contributed extensively to the field of seismology and earthquake engineering. Published numerous research papers that advanced understanding of seismic activity in Greece and the eastern Mediterranean region. Developed seismic codes and guidelines that influenced building standards in earthquake-prone areas. Conducted detailed studies and analyses of significant earthquakes, assisting in disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
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