Rio Reiser
German singer-songwriter and musician
Born
1950
76 years ago
Died
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
Germany
Links & References
A prominent singer-songwriter and musician in Germany, recognized for contributions to rock and pop music. Founded the band Ton Steine Scherben, which became influential in the late 1960s and 1970s. Achieved solo success with a string of hits and maintained a strong poetic and activist presence in lyrics. The music often addressed social and political issues, resonating with many in the German-speaking world. Released several albums that showcased a blend of rock, folk, and political commentary.
Founded the influential band Ton Steine Scherben
Released the solo album 'Rio I' in 1977
Wrote the song 'Künstler' which became an anthem
Other People Who Died on August 20th
Pope Pius X
Pope and church reformer
Born
June 2nd, 1835 191 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1914 112 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1903 until death in 1914. Focused on updating church practices and emphasized frequent communion. Initiated reforms in liturgy and catechism, seeking to counter modernist interpretations of the faith. Canonized saints and promoted devotion to the Eucharist. Advocated for the establishment of a new code of canon law and addressed issues of social justice and poverty.
Continue ReadingWilliam Bedloe
English spy during the 17th century
Born
April 20th, 1650 376 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1680 346 years ago — 30 years old
Born in 1650 in England, significant contributions were made to espionage efforts during the turbulent period of the 17th century. Engaged in various intelligence activities, often working undercover to gather and deliver vital information. Involved in numerous plots and conflicts of the time, including the Popish Plot, a supposed conspiracy to assassinate King Charles II. Worked alongside prominent figures in the government and influenced political decisions through intelligence operations. Bedloe's activities spanned several critical events in English history, showcasing the role of espionage in shaping national policy and security.
Continue ReadingEnrique Flórez
Spanish historian and author
Born
February 14th, 1701 325 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1773 253 years ago — 72 years old
This individual contributed significantly to Spanish historiography during the 18th century. Authorship includes works such as 'España Sagrada', which detailed the history of the Spanish Church. Focused on documenting religious and historical aspects of Spain, this historian engaged in extensive research, producing texts that are still referenced in academic circles. In addition, Flórez was a member of the Royal Academy of History, where he influenced the study of history in Spain through scholarship and editorial efforts.
Continue ReadingB. K. S. Iyengar
Yoga Instructor and Iyengar Yoga founder
Born
1918 108 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2014 12 years ago — 96 years old
An influential yoga instructor and author, established a method of yoga that emphasizes precision and alignment. Founded Iyengar Yoga, which integrates a systematic approach to the practice through the use of props. Authored several books on yoga, including 'Light on Yoga', which serves as a foundational text for many practitioners. The teachings and methodologies contributed significantly to the global spread and practice of yoga.
Continue ReadingDom Mintoff
Maltese politician and Prime Minister
Born
August 6th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 14 years ago — 96 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta and was a prominent figure in the Maltese Labour Party. Played a significant role in Malta's independence from the UK. Mintoff advocated for a strong welfare state and pursued policies that aimed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of Maltese citizens. Also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, focusing on infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Malta into a more self-sufficient nation.
Continue ReadingPercy Williams Bridgman
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 21st, 1882 144 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1961 65 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent American physicist and academic, he contributed significantly to experimental physics and high-pressure research. Bridgman developed methods to achieve extreme pressures and studied their effects on various materials. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946 for his work on the properties of matter under high pressures, he became a professor at Harvard University where he mentored future scientists. His research advanced the understanding of physical phenomena in solid state physics.
Continue Reading