Percy Heath
American jazz bassist of the Modern Jazz Quartet
A prominent jazz bassist contributed significantly to the Modern Jazz Quartet. The quartet formed in 1952 and became well-known for blending classical music with jazz. Participated in numerous recordings and performances, influencing the jazz genre. Collaborated with various jazz legends, showcasing versatility and artistry. Continued to perform and record until later in life, maintaining a strong presence in the jazz community.
Performed with the Modern Jazz Quartet
Contributed to influential jazz recordings
Collaborated with various jazz legends
Other People Born on April 30th
Levi Celerio
Filipino composer and songwriter of hits
Born
April 30th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2002 23 years ago — 91 years old
A prolific composer and songwriter in the Philippines. Celerio wrote more than 4,000 songs across multiple genres, securing a prominent place in Filipino music. He gained recognition for creating music for films, radio, and television. Celerio became the only person to produce music using a leaf, which earned him a place in the Guinness World Records. His work contributed significantly to the Filipino cultural landscape.
Continue ReadingRichárd Weisz
Olympic champion wrestler from Hungary
Born
April 30th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1945 80 years ago — 66 years old
Competed in the heavyweight wrestling category during the early 20th century. Achieved significant success at the Olympic Games. Secured a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Olympics, becoming one of Hungary's early heroes in the sport. His contributions to wrestling have been recognized, and his legacy endures through the impact he had on Hungarian wrestling.
Continue ReadingCharles Exeter Devereux Crombie
Scottish cartoonist and illustrator
Born
April 30th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
1967 59 years ago — 87 years old
Born in 1880, a Scottish cartoonist and illustrator created memorable cartoons that captured the spirit of the early 20th century. Crombie's work often focused on social observations and the intricacies of everyday life. His humorous style and engaging illustrations appeared in various publications, including 'The Sketch' and 'Punch'. Throughout his career, he contributed significantly to the field of illustration, cementing his reputation within the artistic community.
Continue ReadingOlof Sandborg
Swedish actor from early cinema
Born
April 30th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1965 61 years ago — 81 years old
Played significant roles in early Swedish films during the silent film era. Participated in various productions that reflected the cinematic developments of the time. Contributed to the foundation of the Swedish film industry through stage performances and film appearances. His career spanned several decades, engaging audiences with both dramatic and comedic portrayals in multiple genres.
Continue ReadingReverend Gary Davis
American singer and guitarist of gospel
Born
April 30th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
1972 54 years ago — 76 years old
Born in South Carolina, a prominent figure in American folk music, played a significant role in shaping the sound of blues and gospel with unique fingerpicking guitar style. His music gained popularity in the 20th century, influencing generations of musicians. Davis' performances conveyed deep spiritual messages, and he often integrated elements of traditional gospel music into his compositions. He recorded numerous albums, enriching the genres of folk and blues music. In addition to solo performances, he taught various aspiring musicians techniques that contributed to the evolution of acoustic guitar playing.
Continue ReadingTom Moore
British army officer and fundraiser
Born
April 30th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 101 years old
Served as a British Army officer during World War II, contributing to the war effort through various roles. In later years, raised significant funds for the National Health Service by completing laps in his garden. This initiative gained widespread public attention and support, culminating in a remarkable fundraising total that surpassed initial goals. Honorary titles and awards were received in recognition of these efforts, including a knighthood bestowed in a public ceremony, further solidifying a legacy of dedication to charitable causes.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 28th
Brad Lesley
Baseball player and actor
Born
1958 68 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 55 years old
Played professional baseball as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Competed for the Milwaukee Brewers and the California Angels during the 1980s. Transitioned into acting, appearing in the film 'The Sandlot' and several television shows. Also participated in the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Continue ReadingEdgar Laprade
Ice hockey player with the New York Rangers
Born
October 10th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old
A Canadian ice hockey player played predominantly for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Laprade had a successful career that spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1950s. He was recognized for his playmaking abilities and scoring talent. After retiring as a player, he contributed to the sport as a coach in various capacities. Laprade's hockey journey included participation in several important matches, ultimately leading to his induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
Continue ReadingJenny Diski
English author and screenwriter
Born
July 8th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2016 9 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1947, this writer published numerous novels, essays, and memoirs. Influenced by her experiences, themes of mental health and personal reflection are prevalent in her work. Contributions to literature included several novels, essays for notable publications, and screenwriting. Recognition included her literary work celebrated in various reviews and awards.
Continue ReadingFred Marriott
Race car driver and land speed record holder
Born
December 31st, 1872 153 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1956 69 years ago — 83 years old
Began racing in the early 1900s, competing in various automobile events. Achieved prominence by setting a world land speed record on a motorcycle in 1907, reaching a speed of 202.7 miles per hour at Ormond Beach, Florida. Later transitioned to automobile racing, participating in numerous events including the Vanderbilt Cup. Contributed to the popularity of racing during the early years of motorsport. Continued to compete until the 1920s, becoming an influential figure in the racing community.
Continue ReadingJohn Singleton
Film director of 'Boyz n the Hood'
Born
January 6th, 1968 58 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2019 6 years ago — 51 years old
A prominent American director, producer, and screenwriter gained recognition for directing the groundbreaking film 'Boyz n the Hood' in 1991. The film was significant for its raw portrayal of life in South Central Los Angeles and addressed issues of race and violence. Singleton's work often explored themes related to African-American culture and identity. He became the first African-American to receive a Best Director Academy Award nomination for this debut feature. In addition to 'Boyz n the Hood', Singleton directed several other films, including 'Poetic Justice' and 'Shaft'. He also contributed to television, serving as a director and executive producer for the series 'Snowfall'.
Continue ReadingAnn Petry
American novelist, wrote 'The Street'
Born
October 12th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1997 28 years ago — 88 years old
Petry began her writing career in the 1940s, exploring themes of race and gender through fiction. She gained significant recognition with the publication of 'The Street' in 1946, which was the first novel by an African American woman to sell over a million copies. Petry's works often focused on the struggles and aspirations of African Americans, reflecting social issues of the time. Throughout her career, she published several novels, short stories, and children's books. Petry also worked as a journalist and editorial assistant, furthering her contributions to literature and culture.
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