Robbie Robertson
Singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer
A Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed significantly to rock music through solo work and as a member of The Band. Collaborated on foundational albums and soundtracks, including the prominent work on Martin Scorsese films. Gained recognition for blending rock with Americana and folk influences.
Released the acclaimed album 'Music for the Native Americans'
Co-founded and worked with The Band, producing 'The Weight'
Contributed to the soundtrack of 'The Last Waltz'
Other People Born on July 5th
Pavel Chistyakov
Russian painter and educator
Born
July 5th, 1832 193 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1919 106 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent Russian painter and educator, contributed significantly to the development of Russian art in the 19th century. Served as a professor at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. Specialized in historical and religious themes, with a notable focus on realism in his works. His teaching influenced a generation of artists, and he is credited with promoting a national identity in art through the depiction of Russian culture and history.
Continue ReadingStamford Raffles
Politician, founder of Singapore
Born
July 5th, 1781 244 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1826 199 years ago — 45 years old
An English politician and colonial administrator played a pivotal role in the founding of Singapore during the early 19th century. This individual served as the Lieutenant-Governor of the island, shaping its early development and establishing it as a vital trading port in Southeast Asia. Raffles advocated for various reforms in the region, promoting trade and strengthening British influence. His policies contributed to Singapore's emergence as a key player in maritime commerce. Additionally, Raffles was deeply interested in local culture and biodiversity, authoring significant works on the flora and fauna of the region.
Continue ReadingFrancis Seymour-Conway
1st Marquess of Hertford, politician
Born
July 5th, 1718 307 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1794 231 years ago — 75 years old
Served as a prominent English courtier and politician. Held the title of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, overseeing the administration of the country during a pivotal period. Played a significant role in managing relations between Ireland and Great Britain. Contributed to various governmental functions, influencing policy and administration during his tenure.
Continue ReadingZheng Jie
Chinese tennis player and doubles champion
Born
July 5th, 1983 42 years ago
A prominent tennis player from China, achieved significant success in both singles and doubles formats. Reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 15 in 2010. Won two Grand Slam doubles titles, claiming victory at Wimbledon in 2006 and the US Open in 2008 alongside her partner. Competed prominently on the WTA Tour and represented China in various international competitions, including the Olympics.
Continue ReadingDave Haywood
American singer-songwriter in Lady A
Born
July 5th, 1982 43 years ago
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, significant contributions were made as a member of the country music group Lady A. Formed in 2006, the group achieved commercial success with hit singles and albums, blending elements of country and pop music. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2008, included the chart-topping single 'I Run to You.' Haywood played a key role in songwriting and harmonizing within the group. Over the years, the group received numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards, and became a prominent figure in the country music genre.
Continue ReadingJames Mirrlees
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 5th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
August 29th, 2018 7 years ago — 82 years old
Contributions focused on the theory of incentives and information asymmetry in economics. Developed the Mirrlees model, which analyzes how tax systems can be designed to maximize social welfare while accounting for individual responses to taxation. Served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of Cambridge. Critically engaged with topics such as public economics and economic policy.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 9th
James Brydges
English Duke and Lord Lieutenant
Born
January 6th, 1673 353 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1744 281 years ago — 71 years old
Born in 1673, served in important political roles including the first Duke of Chandos. Held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Radnorshire. Contributed to the development of arts and culture through patronage, particularly in the realm of music and architecture. Engaged in various public affairs and governance, shaping the administrative landscape of the era. Participated actively in the political life of England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Continue ReadingFouad Serageddin
Egyptian Minister of Interior
Born
November 2nd, 1910 115 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1999 26 years ago — 88 years old
Worked as a lawyer and served as the Minister of Interior in Egypt. Held the position during a transformative period in the country’s political landscape, managing internal security and public order. Engaged in significant governmental reforms and played a role in shaping law enforcement policies. Participated in various political activities and contributed to the administrative framework of the Egyptian state during his tenure.
Continue ReadingCarl Clauberg
Nazi physician known for medical experiments
Born
September 28th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1957 68 years ago — 58 years old
A German physician involved in the notorious medical experiments during World War II, Clauberg's work took place primarily in concentration camps. He specialized in gynecological experiments, particularly focusing on sterilization procedures. After the war, he was captured by Soviet forces, where he was tried and sentenced for his actions. Following his release, he practices medicine in Germany before his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingVincent Novello
Composer and music publisher
Born
September 6th, 1781 244 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1861 164 years ago — 79 years old
Born in England in 1781, a significant composer and music publisher contributed to the classical music landscape during the 19th century. Established a publishing house specializing in both sacred and secular music, making a vast array of compositions accessible in print. Collaborated with various composers and provided platforms for new works. Maintained an active role in the musical community, engaging with notable musicians and promoting their compositions.
Continue ReadingRuggero Leoncavallo
Italian composer of the opera Pagliacci
Born
April 23rd, 1857 168 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1919 106 years ago — 62 years old
Born in Italy, a composer gained prominence for contributions to the operatic genre. The most recognized work, 'Pagliacci', premiered in 1892 and became a staple of the operatic repertoire. His other significant works include 'Zaza' and 'I Medici'. Leoncavallo focused on the verismo style, emphasizing realistic narratives and emotional depth in his compositions. He also wrote numerous orchestral and vocal pieces throughout his career.
Continue ReadingJohn Harsanyi
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 29th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2000 25 years ago — 80 years old
Born in Hungary, an academic focused on game theory, utility, and social choice theory. Emigrated to the United States after World War II and continued work in economics. Received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994 for contributions to analyzing cooperative games and bringing psychological insights into economic thinking.
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