Ray Manzarek
Keyboardist and co-founder of The Doors
A prominent keyboardist and producer, contributed significantly to rock music as a co-founder of the band The Doors. Instrumental in shaping the sound of the band with distinctive keyboard melodies and innovative use of the organ. Served as the band's creative force alongside its iconic frontman. Played a key role in producing several of the band's albums and supporting the distinctive blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia that characterized their work. Frequent collaborator with other artists throughout his career, exploring various musical genres.
Co-founded The Doors in 1965
Contributed to classic albums like 'The Doors' and 'L.A. Woman'
Pioneered the use of keyboards in rock music
Other People Born on February 12th
Mike Posner
Singer-songwriter and producer
Born
February 12th, 1988 38 years ago
Started his career releasing mixtapes and gained significant attention with the single 'Cooler Than Me' in 2010. The debut album '31 Minutes to Takeoff' featured hits like 'Please Don't Go' and showcased a mix of pop and electronic influences. Later, produced tracks for prominent artists and expanded work into production and songwriting. Achieved recognition for the song 'I Took a Pill in Ibiza', which received widespread acclaim and commercial success, leading to a remix by a notable DJ. Has also undertaken projects involving personal reflection and poetry.
Continue ReadingRay Kurzweil
Computer Scientist and Futurist
Born
February 12th, 1948 78 years ago
A prominent computer scientist and engineer contributed significantly to fields such as artificial intelligence and technology. Developed the first text-to-speech synthesizer and created software for scanning music and producing machine-generated music. Authored several influential books on technology, futurism, and the singularity, including 'The Age of Spiritual Machines' and 'The Singularity Is Near'. Worked with companies to advance machine learning and natural language processing.
Continue ReadingGucci Mane
American rapper with influential mixtapes
Born
February 12th, 1980 46 years ago
A prominent figure in hip hop, contributed significantly to the genre through a series of influential mixtapes and albums. Gained recognition with the release of 'Trap House' in 2005, followed by 'Hard to Kill' and 'The State vs. Radric Davis'. Established the record label 1017 Records, promoting emerging artists. His style blends Southern rap with a distinctive delivery, influencing numerous artists and shaping trap music. Overcame legal challenges and personal struggles, leading to a resurgence in his career with collaborations and projects like 'Everybody Looking' and 'Evil Genius'.
Continue ReadingJosh Brolin
Actor in 'No Country for Old Men'
Born
February 12th, 1968 58 years ago
An American actor with a career spanning over three decades. Gained recognition through roles in several acclaimed films. Achieved prominence with performances in 'No Country for Old Men' and 'Milk'. Also portrayed Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame'. Starred in 'The Goonies' early in his career, which set the foundation for future success. Received critical acclaim and several award nominations for acting skills in various genres.
Continue ReadingZoran Mušič
Slovene painter and illustrator of landscapes
Born
February 12th, 1909 117 years ago
Died
May 25th, 2005 20 years ago — 96 years old
Born in Slovenia, a painter and illustrator gained recognition for contributions to modern art. Developed a unique style characterized by landscapes and figural compositions. Emigrated to Italy and later settled in Paris, where exposure to different cultures influenced artistic development. Worked primarily with oil paintings and was noted for incorporating elements of identity and memory into his artworks. His work reflected the tumultuous historical experiences of the 20th century, including the impact of World War II on personal and collective experiences.
Continue ReadingKane Richardson
Australian cricketer, ODI specialist
Born
February 12th, 1991 35 years ago
Accomplished Australian cricketer, with a focus on limited-overs formats. Made international debut in 2015, contributing significantly to the Australian national team as a fast bowler. Notable for representing Australia in One Day Internationals and T20 matches. Played for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, establishing a reputation for being a key player in the bowling lineup. Demonstrated consistent performance in domestic cricket, earning recognition for bowling skills and wicket-taking ability.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 20th
Pierre Gamarra
French author and poet
Born
July 10th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2009 16 years ago — 89 years old
An author, poet, and literary critic, significant contributions were made to French literature throughout the 20th century. Works often reflected themes of personal and collective identity, exploring the nuances of life and culture. Engagement with various literary forms and movements underscored a deep commitment to the craft of writing. In addition to original works, critical essays provided insights into contemporary literature and the role of the writer.
Continue ReadingColumba of Rieti
Italian Dominican sister and mystic
Born
February 2nd, 1467 559 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1501 524 years ago — 34 years old
Born in Italy in 1467, a Dominican sister focused on a spiritual life marked by mysticism and religious devotion. Primarily associated with the convent of Santa Maria in Rieti, played a significant role in the spiritual lives of her community and visitors. Engaged in contemplative prayer and served as a spiritual advisor, guiding others in their faith. Died in 1501, leaving behind a legacy of religious commitment.
Continue ReadingJohn Hicks
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 8th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1989 36 years ago — 85 years old
An English economist and academic, had a significant influence in the fields of welfare economics and general equilibrium theory. Contributed to the development of the IS-LM model, which describes the relationship between interest rates and real output. Authored important works, including 'Value and Capital', which examined the concepts of demand and supply. Received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1972 for contributions to the analysis of demand and supply. His theories continue to be referenced in economic literature and education.
Continue ReadingGero the Great
Saxon ruler and military leader
Died
May 20th, 965 1060 years ago — None years old
Ruled as the Margrave of the Saxon East Mark. Integrated various Slavic tribes into the Saxon realm. Established the territory of the March of Gerony in the early medieval period. Played a critical role in combating the expansion of Slavic influence in Central Europe. Extended the boundaries of Saxony and fortified them against invasions. His leadership contributed to the stabilization of the region during a turbulent era.
Continue ReadingEugene Polley
Engineer who invented the remote control
Born
1915 111 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 97 years old
An American engineer developed the first wireless remote control for television, known as the Zenith Space Command, in 1950. This invention transformed the way viewers interacted with their televisions, allowing them to change channels and adjust volume without getting up. Polley's design utilized ultrasonic tones and set the foundation for future remote control technology. Throughout his career, he worked on various projects related to television technology and electronic devices, contributing to advancements in home entertainment.
Continue ReadingJon Pertwee
English actor and Doctor Who star
Born
July 7th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1996 29 years ago — 76 years old
An English actor gained prominence through significant roles in television and film. Best recognized for portraying the Third Doctor in the long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who, the performance spanned from 1970 to 1974. Pertwee's career included various works in theater, radio, and television, showcasing versatility in character roles. His portrayal of the Doctor brought a blend of charm and authority, influencing the iconic character's future development. Apart from Doctor Who, Pertwee starred in the sitcom Worzel Gummidge as the title character, a scarecrow who comes to life, which became a beloved series in the UK.
Continue Reading