Moshe Dayan
Israeli general and politician
A prominent Israeli military leader and politician, played significant roles during key events in Israeli history. Served as the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Held the position of Minister of Defense during the Six-Day War in 1967, which resulted in a decisive Israeli victory. Later became the fifth Minister of Foreign Affairs, where contributed to peace negotiations with Egypt. His leadership and strategies shaped the course of Israel's defense and diplomatic relations.
Served as Chief of Staff during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War
Oversaw Israel's military strategy in the Six-Day War
Played a key role in peace negotiations with Egypt
Other People Born on May 20th
Vladimiro Montesinos
Peruvian intelligence officer
Born
May 20th, 1945 80 years ago
Served as head of the National Intelligence Service of Peru from 1990 to 2000. Played a crucial role in the government's efforts against the Shining Path and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement. Managed intelligence operations and implemented controversial strategies that included corruption and human rights violations. His influence extended to various government decisions and policies during Alberto Fujimori's presidency. Faces multiple legal issues related to corruption and human rights abuses after the fall of Fujimori's government.
Continue ReadingJoe Cocker
English singer-songwriter with iconic vocals
Born
May 20th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2014 11 years ago — 70 years old
Emerging in the 1960s, this singer-songwriter gained prominence with a distinctive voice and passionate performances. Breakthrough came with a cover of 'With a Little Help from My Friends,' which led to a successful career in music. Released several acclaimed albums, including 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen' and 'Joe Cocker!' Collaborated with notable artists and participated in significant music festivals, including Woodstock. His rendition of 'You Are So Beautiful' became enduringly popular, showcasing his emotional delivery. Continued to perform live internationally until later years, earning respect as a compelling live performer.
Continue ReadingR. J. Mitchell
English engineer, designer of the Spitfire
Born
May 20th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1937 88 years ago — 42 years old
An English engineer specializing in aircraft design, contributed significantly to aviation technology. Designed the Supermarine Spitfire, a fighter aircraft used extensively during World War II. Spitfire gained a reputation for its performance and effectiveness in aerial combat. Mitchell's engineering leadership and innovative designs advanced the field of aeronautics and played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain.
Continue ReadingEmile Berliner
Inventor of the phonograph
Born
May 20th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1929 96 years ago — 78 years old
Emile Berliner was a German-American inventor and businessman credited with the invention of the phonograph, which played a pivotal role in the development of the music recording industry. Berliner developed the flat disc record, which replaced the earlier cylinder format, leading to significant advancements in audio technology. His company, the Berliner Gramophone Company, started the commercialization of recorded music. In addition to his work in sound recording, he contributed to various fields including telephony and aeronautics, holding numerous patents.
Continue ReadingJohn Strasberg
Actor and teacher associated with acting
Born
May 20th, 1941 84 years ago
An American actor and teacher, contributed significantly to the field of acting through teachings based on the methods developed by Lee Strasberg. Engaged in numerous productions, both on stage and in film, and played a critical role in directing and mentoring a new generation of actors. Operated in various theater companies and continued the legacy of the Actors Studio, focusing on emotional authenticity and character development in performances.
Continue ReadingWilliam Redington Hewlett
Co-founder of Hewlett-Packard
Born
May 20th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
January 12th, 2001 25 years ago — 87 years old
An American engineer and businessman co-founded Hewlett-Packard in 1939, a pioneering company in the electronics industry known for quality computing and measurement devices. The company initially gained success with the production of audio oscillators. Under effective leadership, the business expanded its range of products, influencing the growth of Silicon Valley. Hewlett also served as a director of the board for several organizations and was involved in various philanthropic activities throughout his career. His contributions to the technology sector helped shape the landscape of modern computing.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 16th
Hale Boggs
American politician and House Majority Leader
Born
February 15th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1972 53 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent lawyer and politician, served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana. Represented the state's 2nd congressional district for 14 years. Held the position of House Majority Leader from 1971 until 1973. Played a significant role in various legislative efforts during the 1960s and early 1970s. Disappeared in a plane crash in 1972 while campaigning, which led to enduring discussions and investigations surrounding the incident. His legacy continues in Louisiana politics and on Capitol Hill.
Continue ReadingLiaquat Ali Khan
1st Prime Minister of Pakistan
Born
October 1st, 1895 130 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1951 74 years ago — 56 years old
A lawyer and politician played a crucial role in the formation of Pakistan after the partition of India. Served as the first Prime Minister from 1947 until his assassination in 1951. Focused on establishing a democratic government and promoting economic development. Fostered relationships with other nations to bolster Pakistan's standing in the international community.
Continue ReadingVictor Amadeus III of Sardinia
King of Sardinia, Treaty of Paris signer
Born
June 26th, 1726 299 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1796 229 years ago — 70 years old
Ruled as King of Sardinia from 1773 until 1796. Played a significant role in the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War, establishing peace between Great Britain and the American colonies. The reign included efforts to modernize the state, focusing on the economy and military. Faced with political pressures, resisted French revolutionary influences. Abandoned direct governance in favor of a regency led by Charles Emmanuel IV and withdrew from active rulership during tumultuous times in Europe.
Continue ReadingIsaac van Ostade
Dutch painter of genre scenes
Born
June 2nd, 1621 404 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1649 376 years ago — 28 years old
Born in the 17th century, this Dutch painter specialized in genre scenes that captured peasant life and rural activities. His works often depicted taverns, interiors, and outdoor festivities, reflecting the daily lives of the common people in the Netherlands. He studied under another prominent artist and developed a distinctive style characterized by warm colors and intricate details. Significant contributions to the art of his time and influence on later artists marked his career. Many of his paintings are held in prestigious museums today, contributing to a rich legacy in Dutch art.
Continue ReadingArt Blakey
Jazz drummer and bandleader, founded Jazz Messengers
Born
October 11th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1990 35 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent figure in jazz, played in various bands before forming the Jazz Messengers in the late 1940s. The Jazz Messengers became a training ground for many notable jazz musicians. Blakey was known for his powerful drumming style and innovative approach to jazz performance. His band recorded numerous acclaimed albums and contributed to the development of hard bop, a subgenre of jazz that incorporates elements of rhythm and blues and gospel music.
Continue ReadingArthur Grumiaux
Violinist acclaimed for classical performances
Born
March 21st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1986 39 years ago — 65 years old
Acclaimed as a violinist, contributed significantly to classical music. Gained recognition for exceptional interpretations of violin concertos and chamber music. Collaborated with renowned orchestras, showcasing virtuosic talent. Influenced the next generation of musicians through teaching and performing. Played a pivotal role in promoting string music and expanding its audience.
Continue Reading