Ryuichi Sakamoto
Pianist and composer of film scores
A pianist and composer, significant contributions included film scores and collaborations across various musical genres. Debuted with the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra in the late 1970s, which pioneered synth-pop and techno. Created acclaimed scores for films such as 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' and 'The Last Emperor', the latter winning an Academy Award. Collaborated with numerous artists and showed a versatile approach to composition, merging Eastern and Western musical influences.
Composed the Academy Award-winning score for 'The Last Emperor'
Co-founded Yellow Magic Orchestra
Other People Born on January 17th
M. G. Ramachandran
Indian actor and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Born
January 17th, 1917 109 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1987 38 years ago — 70 years old
An influential figure in Tamil cinema and politics, served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Transitioned from a successful acting career to a prominent political role. Acted in numerous films, becoming a beloved cultural icon. Founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party, which played a significant role in regional politics. Served two terms as Chief Minister in the late 20th century, focusing on policies that aimed to improve the welfare of the poor and marginalized. His unique blend of acting and political advocacy garnered a dedicated following among the populace.
Continue ReadingMay Gibbs
Author and Illustrator of Snugglepot
Born
January 17th, 1877 149 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1969 56 years ago — 92 years old
An English-Australian author and illustrator, recognized for creating beloved children's literature. Started illustrating and writing in early childhood. Gained prominence with the publication of 'Gumnut Babies' in 1916, featuring characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. The works often depicted Australian flora and fauna, appealing to young audiences. Founded the May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust, supporting emerging authors and illustrators. Contributed significantly to Australian children's literature through her distinctive artistic style and imaginative storytelling.
Continue ReadingRay Cunningham
Baseball player, New York Giants
Born
January 17th, 1905 121 years ago
Died
July 30th, 2005 20 years ago — 100 years old
Played professional baseball primarily as a catcher from the 1920s to the 1930s. Had significant tenure with the New York Giants in Major League Baseball. Competed at a high level during a time of great competition within the sport and took part in multiple seasons. Joined the Giants in 1929 and contributed to the team's efforts in various matches and series throughout his career.
Continue ReadingWilliam Vernon
American businessman and merchant leader
Born
January 17th, 1719 307 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1806 219 years ago — 87 years old
Engaged in the slave trade and other commercial enterprises in colonial America. Actively participated in the growth of trade networks and contributed to the economic landscape of his time. Held significant influence among early American merchants, especially in maritime commerce. Also involved in the political affairs of the colony, supporting local interests during a period of rising tension with British authorities.
Continue ReadingRichard Burns
Race car driver, 2000 World Rally Champion
Born
January 17th, 1971 55 years ago
Died
November 25th, 2005 20 years ago — 34 years old
A prominent figure in rally racing, achieved significant recognition on the international stage. Competed in the World Rally Championship from 1990 to 2003, winning the World Rally Championship title in 2000. Raced for teams such as Subaru and Peugeot, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. His career was marked by numerous victories and podium finishes in various prestigious rallies. Despite a battle with brain cancer that led to an untimely passing in 2005, remains a revered personality in the rally racing community.
Continue ReadingAntonio Prohías
Cuban cartoonist and Spy vs. Spy creator
Born
January 17th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1998 28 years ago — 77 years old
A prominent Cuban cartoonist, produced influential works that reflected political themes and satire. Emigrated from Cuba to the United States after the Cuban Revolution in 1960. Created the beloved comic strip 'Spy vs. Spy', which debuted in 'MAD Magazine' in 1961. The strip featured two spies, one black and one white, engaging in humorous and absurd battles. Worked for several publications, showcasing a distinctive style and sharp wit. Continued to contribute to 'MAD Magazine' and other comic venues until passing away in 1998.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 28th
Jerry Brudos
Serial Killer and Criminal Profile
Born
January 31st, 1939 87 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2006 20 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1939 and raised in Oregon, this individual became a notorious criminal during the late 1960s. Known for committing a series of murders in the Portland area, he garnered significant attention due to the peculiar items left at crime scenes, which reflected personal obsessions. Captured in 1969, a detailed investigation revealed a pattern of violent behavior linked to fetishism. Convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, this figure's case has been studied extensively in criminal psychology for its unusual psychological motivations and the impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior.
Continue ReadingLomer Gouin
Quebec Premier and lawyer
Born
March 19th, 1861 165 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1929 97 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1861, this individual served as the Premier of Quebec from 1905 to 1920. As a member of the Liberal Party, significant legislative achievements occurred during the tenure, including improvements in education and public infrastructure. Engaged in provincial politics, this individual was also a prominent lawyer, contributing to legal reforms and the development of the legal profession in Quebec.
Continue ReadingGeorge E. P. Box
Statistician; inventor of Box-Jenkins models
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2013 13 years ago — 94 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of statistics and was a prominent educator. Developed methods for time series analysis, particularly the Box-Jenkins method, which improved forecasting in various applications. Served at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and authored several influential books on statistics, including 'Statistics as a Language'. Promoted the use of graphical methods in data analysis and emphasized the importance of model building in statistical practice.
Continue ReadingWilliam Giauque
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 12th, 1895 131 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1982 44 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent chemist and academic, engaged in significant research in thermodynamics, particularly at low temperatures. Contributed to the understanding of the physical behavior of substances. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1949 for pioneering work in the field of chemical thermodynamics. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students and researchers in the discipline.
Continue ReadingPope Martin IV
Pope with papacy during the 13th century
Died
March 28th, 1285 741 years ago — None years old
Served as pope from 1281 until death in 1285. Elected following the papacy's return to Rome, focused on restoring order within the church and consolidating papal power. Engaged in political maneuvering to counteract the influence of powerful families in Italy, particularly in Rome and Sicily. Advocated for church reform and addressed issues related to clerical misconduct during tenure as pope. His papacy also coincided with conflicts involving Charles I of Anjou and the ongoing struggles for control in Sicily.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Toba
Emperor of Japan and poet
Born
August 6th, 1180 845 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1239 787 years ago — 58 years old
Emperor Go-Toba reigned over Japan during the late Heian period and early Kamakura period. Ascending to the throne in 1183, his reign was marked by political strife and the rise of the warrior class. Go-Toba witnessed the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, which led to a significant shift of power away from the imperial court. He was an accomplished poet and patron of the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Japanese poetry during his time. Go-Toba also attempted to regain imperial power through various political maneuvers but faced resistance from the shogunate. After his abdication in 1198, he continued to influence the court and the arts until his death in 1239.
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