Professor Longhair
American singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
An influential musician in the New Orleans rhythm and blues scene, significant contributions were made to the genre through a unique blend of jazz, blues, and Caribbean influences. Developed a distinct piano style characterized by intricate rhythms and vibrant melodies. Recorded several notable tracks, with 'Bald Head' and 'Tipitina' among the most celebrated. His performances often featured traditional New Orleans style and cultural references, contributing to the preservation of this musical heritage. Career spanned several decades, with a resurgence in popularity during the 1970s.
Recorded 'Tipitina' and 'Bald Head'
Influenced New Orleans rhythm and blues
Other People Born on December 19th
Chito Martínez
Belizean-American baseball player
Born
December 19th, 1965 60 years ago
A former baseball player, primarily played as an infielder in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 1991 with the New York Mets and also played for the Montreal Expos and the Cincinnati Reds. Concluded playing career in the late 1990s, contributing to various teams in a utility role.
Continue ReadingAziza Mustafa Zadeh
Composer and pianist in jazz genre
Born
December 19th, 1969 56 years ago
Azerbaijani composer, pianist, and singer gained prominence for blending jazz with traditional Mugham music. Achieved success in various international music festivals and has released several albums that highlight this fusion. Toured extensively, performing in prestigious venues and collaborating with notable musicians from around the world.
Continue ReadingTil Schweiger
German actor and filmmaker
Born
December 19th, 1963 62 years ago
An accomplished actor, director, and producer from Germany, he gained prominence in the film industry during the 1990s. The notable film 'Good Bye Lenin!' received critical acclaim and commercial success. He has directed and produced a number of box office hits in Germany, including the popular romantic comedy 'Keinohrhasen' and its sequel 'Zweiohrküken'. In addition to filmmaking, he has appeared in various international projects, increasing his visibility. His work spans multiple genres, showcasing versatility as an artist.
Continue ReadingKristy Swanson
American Actress in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
Born
December 19th, 1969 56 years ago
An actress began her career in the early 1980s, appearing in television series and films. Gained widespread recognition for the role of Buffy Summers in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' (1992). Also starred in 'Pretty in Pink' and 'The Phantom of the Opera' among other productions. In addition to film roles, made appearances in several television shows, showcasing versatility as an actress.
Continue ReadingAlberto Tomba
Italian Alpine Ski Racer, Olympic Champion
Born
December 19th, 1966 59 years ago
Competed in Alpine skiing, achieving remarkable success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Won two gold medals in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, one in the giant slalom and one in the slalom. Secured multiple World Cup titles, particularly excelling in the slalom and giant slalom disciplines. Dominated in several World Championships, contributing to Italy's prominence in the skiing world during this period.
Continue ReadingEric Allin Cornell
American physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
December 19th, 1961 64 years ago
Contributions to the field of physics include development of techniques to create Bose-Einstein condensates. Served as a professor and researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. Collaborated with other scientists to achieve significant breakthroughs in low-temperature physics and atomic manipulation. The work led to recognition within the scientific community and international accolades.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 30th
John Barry
Composer of film scores like 'Out of Africa'
Born
February 1st, 1873 152 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2011 14 years ago — 137 years old
A prominent English composer and conductor, contributions to film music defined an era. Barry scored a range of films, with significant works in the 1960s and 70s. Collaborated with directors like Lewis Gilbert and embraced the James Bond franchise, composing memorable themes for several films. Achievements include multiple Academy Awards and a lasting influence on film scoring, characterized by lush orchestrations and emotive melodies.
Continue ReadingThe Mighty Hannibal
American singer-songwriter and producer
Born
August 9th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2014 11 years ago — 74 years old
A singer-songwriter and producer emerged in the 1960s, primarily within the rhythm and blues genre. Gained recognition for a unique blend of gospel, soul, and storytelling incorporated into music. Developed a distinctive style marked by engaging narratives in songs. Released several records, with tracks exploring social themes and personal experiences. Continued to perform and record music throughout various decades, influencing numerous artists.
Continue ReadingWendy Wasserstein
Playwright with a Pulitzer Prize
Born
October 18th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2006 19 years ago — 55 years old
An American playwright and academic, achievements include writing several acclaimed plays that explore themes of feminism, identity, and the American experience. Works include 'The Sisters Rosensweig', which focuses on the lives of three women reuniting for a birthday celebration, and 'An American Daughter', addressing the roles of women in society. Wasserstein received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1998 for the play 'The Sisters Rosensweig' and a Tony Award for Best Play in 1977 for 'The Sisters Rosensweig'.
Continue ReadingCoenraad Jacob Temminck
Dutch zoologist and ornithologist
Born
March 31st, 1778 247 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1858 167 years ago — 79 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of zoology and ornithology. Established a systematic approach to the classification of birds and authored influential works. Played a key role in the development of natural history in the Netherlands during the 19th century. Served as the first director of the Natural History Museum in Leiden, which became a center for scientific research.
Continue ReadingRudolf
Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary
Born
August 21st, 1858 167 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1889 136 years ago — 30 years old
Born into the Habsburg dynasty, this individual served as the heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian throne. A proponent of social reform, he advocated for modernizing the empire. His interest in culture and science was evident through his friendships with various intellectuals and artists of the time. The prince's tragic death at a young age ended his potential reign and left significant implications for the empire's political landscape.
Continue ReadingColumba Marmion
Benedictine abbot and theologian
Born
April 1st, 1858 167 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1923 102 years ago — 64 years old
A Benedictine abbot contributed significantly to Catholic spirituality and theology. Entered the Abbey of Maredsous in Belgium and became its abbot. Emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with God and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. Authored several influential works that explored the inner life of Christians and the path to holiness, with a focus on the mystery of Jesus Christ. Recognized for a deep spiritual insight that resonated with many in the church.
Continue Reading