Ornette Coleman
Innovative jazz saxophonist and composer
A pioneering figure in the jazz genre, this musician revolutionized the way jazz was perceived and played. Renowned for the development of free jazz, the approach to improvisation emphasized spontaneous performance without predetermined chord progressions. In 1959, released the influential album 'The Shape of Jazz to Come,' which challenged conventional jazz norms and introduced a new level of creative freedom. Collaborated with various artists and formed the group 'Ornette Coleman Quartet,' notable for their innovative sound and improvisational style. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1994 for the album 'Sound Grammar,' solidifying a significant position in American music history.
Released 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' in 1959
Founded the Ornette Coleman Quartet
Received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1994
Other People Born on March 9th
Vyacheslav Molotov
Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs
Born
March 9th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
November 8th, 1986 39 years ago — 96 years old
Played a significant role in Soviet foreign policy from the 1920s to the 1950s. Served as the Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1939 to 1949. Signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1939, which was a non-aggression treaty between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Held various key positions within the Communist Party and contributed to the establishment of post-war Eastern European states under Soviet influence.
Continue ReadingWill Geer
American actor and The Waltons star
Born
March 9th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1978 47 years ago — 76 years old
An American actor, recognized for work in film, television, and theater. Gained significant fame as Grandpa Zebulon Walton in the television series 'The Waltons,' which aired from 1972 to 1981. Involved in various stage productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s, contributing to early theatrical movements. Actively engaged in social issues, advocating for civil rights and environmental causes. Also had a notable film career with appearances in movies such as 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'The Long, Hot Summer.'
Continue ReadingAndrew Viterbi
Engineer and Qualcomm co-founder
Born
March 9th, 1935 90 years ago
An American engineer and businessman, co-founded Qualcomm Inc., a global leader in wireless technology. Developed the Viterbi algorithm, a fundamental statistical decoding algorithm widely used in digital communication, including mobile phones and satellite communications. Made significant contributions to coding theory and telecommunications, influencing the design and efficiency of communication systems. Served as a professor at the University of California, San Diego, influencing many through academia.
Continue ReadingMickey Spillane
Crime Novelist with Mike Hammer Series
Born
March 9th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1977 48 years ago — 59 years old
An American crime novelist published a series of hardboiled detective novels featuring the character Mike Hammer. The first novel, 'I, the Jury,' released in 1947, established a new standard in the genre with its visceral style and complex plots. Spillane's work gained immense popularity, selling millions of copies. His writing style combined graphic violence and a focus on moral ambiguity, appealing to a broad audience. The character of Mike Hammer became iconic in American fiction, influencing both literature and film. Spillane also ventured into screenwriting and created adaptations of his works for film and television, further cementing his legacy in the crime genre.
Continue ReadingLloyd Price
R&B singer-songwriter and musician
Born
March 9th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2021 4 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1933, a significant figure in the R&B genre, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. Gained widespread recognition for hit singles such as "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" and "Personality." Played a crucial role in the crossover appeal of R&B music to a broader audience. Successfully blended gospel and blues styles into his music, influencing future generations of artists. In addition to a successful music career, founded the record label KAGU Records. His contributions were acknowledged with several accolades throughout his career.
Continue ReadingGeorge Lincoln Rockwell
Founder of the American Nazi Party
Born
March 9th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1967 58 years ago — 49 years old
An American commander and politician, founded the American Nazi Party in 1959. Advocated for white supremacy and antisemitism through speeches and publications. Challenged the mainstream political discourse of the 1960s with extreme right ideology. Assassinated in 1967, leaving a controversial legacy regarding race relations in America.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 11th
Karl Bryullov
Russian painter of historical scenes
Born
December 12th, 1799 226 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1852 173 years ago — 52 years old
Born in Russia in 1799, a prominent painter specialized in historical and mythological themes. Studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and gained recognition for exceptional skill in portraying dramatic narratives. Achieved acclaim for the masterpiece 'The Last Day of Pompeii', which showcased a tragic historical event with vivid detail and emotional depth. This artwork significantly influenced Russian art and garnered attention across Europe. Later served as a professor at the Academy, mentoring future generations of artists.
Continue ReadingChesley Bonestell
American space artist and illustrator
Born
January 1st, 1888 137 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1986 39 years ago — 98 years old
A painter, designer, and illustrator, contributed significantly to the visualization of space and celestial phenomena. Worked on the first images of the surface of the Moon and Mars for NASA during the mid-20th century. Created artwork for magazine covers, science fiction books, and educational publications. Helped popularize astronomy and space exploration through art, inspiring generations.
Continue ReadingRobert Fogel
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 1st, 1926 99 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old
Contributed to the field of economics with groundbreaking research on the economic impact of railroads in America. Focused on the relationship between economic growth and quality of life improvements. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago, influencing economic thought and policy. Awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1993 for contributions to the new economic history and cliometrics.
Continue ReadingJames III of Scotland
King of Scotland, patron of the arts
Born
July 10th, 1451 574 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1488 537 years ago — 36 years old
Ascended the throne in 1460 and ruled until 1488. Focused on strengthening royal authority and enhancing cultural life in Scotland. Promoted arts and learning, leading to the construction of significant architectural works. Engaged in conflicts with nobility, culminating in the Battle of Sauchieburn, which resulted in his death. His reign is marked by efforts to centralize power and a patronage of luxury and culture.
Continue ReadingHenry the Young King of England
Young King of England, co-ruler
Born
1155 870 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1183 842 years ago — 28 years old
Served as co-king of England alongside father Henry II from 1170 until death in 1183. Received the title of King of England at a young age but was never fully crowned. Involved in military campaigns against his father's rule. Engaged in conflicts with siblings over territories and succession, often leading rebellions. His reign was marked by struggles for power with the King of France, ultimately leading to significant strife within the royal family.
Continue ReadingJunna
Emperor of Japan during the Heian period
Died
June 11th, 840 1185 years ago — None years old
Ascended to the throne in 823 and ruled until death in 840. His reign marked the continuation of the Heian period, a time characterized by the flourishing of Japanese culture and Buddhism. Efforts were made to support the arts and promote Buddhist practices. A significant focus was placed on consolidating political power and maintaining stability within the imperial court. The period saw developments in literature and the establishment of important religious institutions.
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