Ronnie Van Zant
Singer-songwriter and Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent figure in Southern rock, contributed significantly to the genre as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band released several successful albums and became known for their anthems that captured the spirit of Southern life. Tragically, died in a plane crash in 1977, which cut short a rising career. His legacy continued to influence rock music well into the future.
Fronted the band Lynyrd Skynyrd
Wrote classic songs such as 'Sweet Home Alabama'
Contributed to the album 'Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd'
Other People Born on January 15th
Cliff Barker
Basketball player, 1947 NBA Champion
Born
January 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 77 years old
Played professional basketball as a guard in the National Basketball Association. Contributed to the success of the New York Knicks during the late 1940s. Helped lead the Knicks to win the 1947 NBA Championship. Transitioned later to coaching and mentoring young athletes in the sport.
Continue ReadingDerek Meddings
Special effects designer for Bond films
Born
January 15th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 64 years old
An influential British special effects designer contributed to the visual effects in several iconic films. Worked extensively in the film industry, especially noted for contributions to the James Bond series. Pioneered techniques in miniatures and practical effects during the 1960s and 1970s. Collaborated on projects that showcased advancements in special effects technology, setting high standards for future productions.
Continue ReadingJoanne Linville
Actress known for Star Trek role
Born
January 15th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 93 years old
An American actress, active from the late 1940s, gained recognition for portraying the character of Narcissa in the iconic television series Star Trek in the episode titled "The Enterprise Incident." Additionally, appeared in guest roles on numerous television shows including The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, and columbo. Also worked in theatre, particularly on Broadway. Voiced characters in animated series.
Continue ReadingFrank Thornton
English actor in TV and film
Born
January 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
March 16th, 2013 12 years ago — 92 years old
An English actor gained recognition through roles in television and film. Best remembered for playing Captain Peacock in the sitcom 'Are You Being Served?' and as a character in the sitcom 'Grace & Favour'. Thornton had a career that spanned several decades, making appearances in films such as 'The Last of the Summer Wine' and various stage productions. His work contributed to the lasting legacy of British television comedy.
Continue ReadingAshraf Aman
Engineer and pioneering mountaineer
Born
January 15th, 1938 87 years ago
Born in Pakistan, a prominent engineer and mountaineer achieved significant recognition in the climbing community. Made history as part of the first successful Pakistani ascent of K2 in 1987. Contributed to the development of engineering projects in Pakistan while simultaneously pursuing mountaineering endeavors. Climbed numerous peaks in the Karakoram range and was instrumental in promoting mountain sports in the country.
Continue ReadingAfonso V of Portugal
King of Portugal and the Algarves
Born
January 15th, 1432 593 years ago
Died
1481 544 years ago — 49 years old
Reigned as King of Portugal from 1438 to 1481, focusing on military campaigns and territorial expansion. Known for efforts to extend Portuguese influence in North Africa and embark on expeditions along the West African coast. His reign included the capture of the Moroccan city of Ksar al-Kabir. Promoted exploration and trade, contributing to the Age of Discovery. Struggled with internal conflicts and paternal influence that affected governance. Left a legacy through military engagements and support for maritime exploration.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 20th
Walter Jacob
Reform rabbi and community leader
Born
March 13th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2024 1 years ago — 94 years old
Served as a prominent Reform rabbi with a commitment to social justice and interfaith dialogue. Held the position of senior rabbi at a prominent synagogue in Pittsburgh, where leadership focused on community engagement and religious education. Contributed to various Jewish organizations and participated in significant movements advocating for civil rights and social equality. Authored numerous articles and publications addressing contemporary Jewish issues and religious practices.
Continue ReadingAnne Sullivan
American educator of Helen Keller
Born
April 14th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1936 89 years ago — 70 years old
An educator specialized in teaching students with disabilities. Contributed significantly to the education of Helen Keller, establishing methods to communicate using sign language. Developed innovative approaches to instruction that focused on tactile learning. Conducted teaching sessions that helped Keller achieve remarkable academic success.
Continue ReadingCarl Ferdinand Cori
Biochemist, Nobel Prize in Physiology
Born
December 5th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1984 41 years ago — 87 years old
This individual was a biochemist and pharmacologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of carbohydrate metabolism. Together with his wife, also a biochemist, conducted extensive research on the Cori cycle, describing how glycogen is converted to glucose in the body. Their work advanced knowledge in metabolic processes and laid foundations for further research in biochemistry. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947 for discoveries in the field of carbohydrate metabolism, this individual positively influenced medical and biological research.
Continue ReadingJanusz Olejniczak
Classical pianist and actor; Chopin performer
Born
October 2nd, 1952 73 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2024 1 years ago — 72 years old
A classical pianist and actor with a background in film and theater, gained acclaim for performances of Frédéric Chopin's works. Participated in various prestigious piano competitions and festivals, showcasing exceptional skill and interpretation of classical music. Made significant contributions to the cultural scene in Poland and abroad through performances and recordings. Also appeared in film and television, blending musical talent with acting.
Continue ReadingPaul Dirac
Theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
August 8th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1984 41 years ago — 82 years old
An English-American physicist contributed significantly to the field of quantum mechanics. Developed the Dirac equation, which describes the behavior of fermions and predicted the existence of antimatter. Held a professorship at the University of Cambridge and became a fellow of the Royal Society. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933 for his work on the foundations of quantum mechanics.
Continue ReadingLydia Maria Child
American journalist and abolitionist
Born
February 11th, 1802 223 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1880 145 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent journalist, author, and activist, contributed significantly to social reform in the 19th century. Published a series of influential books, including 'Hobomok' in 1824, which was one of the first novels to depict Native American characters sympathetically. Actively campaigned against slavery and supported women's rights, writing extensively on both subjects. Served as editor for the influential magazine 'The National Anti-Slavery Standard' and was among the first to advocate for the rights of women and children. Her work laid the foundation for the abolitionist movement and she became a respected voice among reformers.
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