Rick Dees
Radio host and actor, 'Disco Duck'
Born
March 14th, 1950
75 years ago
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent radio host and actor, notable for revolutionizing morning radio with innovative content. Created the novelty song 'Disco Duck,' which became a significant hit in the 1970s, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Hosted the weekly top 40 countdown show 'American Top 40,' which gained widespread popularity and established a new format in radio programming. Contributed to television with appearances on shows such as 'The Rick Dees Show,' blending comedy and music.
Created the hit song 'Disco Duck'
Hosted 'American Top 40'
Starred in 'The Rick Dees Show'
Other People Born on March 14th
Wes Unseld
A prominent basketball player, coach, and manager, he played as a center for the Baltimore Bullets from 1968 to 1981. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988. After retiring as a player, served as the head coach for the Bullets from 1988 to 1994 and later in various managerial roles. His style of play and effectiveness on the court set him apart as a significant figure in the history of basketball.
Continue ReadingLes Baxter
An American pianist and composer, contributed significantly to the genre of film music. Gained recognition for the 1950s soundtrack of the film 'The World of Suzie Wong'. Also worked extensively in the 1960s and 1970s on projects that fused orchestral arrangements with popular music styles. Provided musical arrangements for various television shows and stage productions, showcasing a versatile approach to composition. Remembered for his innovative blending of pop and classical music elements.
Continue ReadingCastro Alves
Castro Alves was a Brazilian poet and playwright who became a prominent figure in Brazilian literature during the 19th century. He developed a unique style that combined Romantic and Brazilian cultural elements. His works often addressed themes of social injustice, particularly the abolition of slavery. Alves gained recognition for his powerful poetry that resonated with the struggles of his time. His most famous work, the poem 'O Navio Negreiro,' vividly depicted the horrors of the slave trade. His contributions to literature not only influenced his contemporaries but also left a lasting impact on future generations of writers.
Continue ReadingDorothy Tyler-Odam
Competed in high jump events during the mid-20th century. Achieved notable success at the 1948 London Olympics, securing a silver medal. Set multiple British records in high jump throughout the career. Later gained recognition as a coach and promoter of athletics, contributing to the sport's development in England.
Continue ReadingNaoki Matsuda
A professional footballer played primarily as a defender. Matsuda began his career with Yokohama F. Marinos, where he contributed to multiple J. League successes. Later, he had a stint in the Japanese national team, earning caps and participating in significant tournaments. His career was significant for its duration and the influence he had in Japanese football during the early 2000s. Matsuda's unexpected passing in 2011 after a heart attack shocked the football community.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Schiaparelli
An Italian astronomer and historian contributed significantly to the study of Mars. Schiaparelli worked at the Brera Observatory in Milan and became the director of the observatory. He published detailed maps of Mars, noted for the accurate depiction of the planet's surface features. His observations led to the introduction of the term 'canali', which was misinterpreted as 'canals' in English, spurring interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Schiaparelli also authored various works on astronomy and history, influencing future research.
Continue Reading