Sy Oliver
American singer-songwriter and trumpeter
A prominent figure in American music, contributed significantly to the big band era as a trumpeter and arranger. Worked with notable orchestras, including the Cab Calloway Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Developed a style that blended jazz and popular music, and composed many memorable songs that became standards. Collaborated with various artists and groups, showcasing talents in both performance and composition.
Played with Cab Calloway Orchestra
Arranged for Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Composed popular songs
Other People Born on December 17th
John Bond
Football Manager and Player
Born
December 17th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
September 25th, 2012 13 years ago — 79 years old
A footballer and manager, played as a defender primarily for Bournemouth and Norwich City. Transitioned to management, leading clubs such as Norwich City, where significant achievements included guiding the team through 1959 to 1961 seasons. Later served as an assistant manager, contributing to the development of several teams in English football.
Continue ReadingMary Cartwright
Mathematician and academic in England
Born
December 17th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1998 27 years ago — 97 years old
Contributions included work in mathematical biology and chaos theory. Demonstrated how certain mathematical problems could explain the behavior of non-linear systems. Worked on the theory of differential equations and was influential in the analysis of oscillating systems. Served as a professor at the University of Birmingham, where significant research and teaching occurred throughout a lengthy academic career.
Continue ReadingDonald Payne Jr.
American politician and congressman
Born
December 17th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
April 24th, 2024 1 years ago — 65 years old
Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Jersey's 10th congressional district. Elected to office in 2012, following the passing of father and predecessor, Donald M. Payne Sr. Focused on issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure throughout tenure. Played a significant role in addressing various community concerns.
Continue ReadingWesley Fofana
Professional footballer, Chelsea FC defender
Born
December 17th, 2000 25 years ago
Born in France, this professional footballer began his career at Saint-Étienne, where he emerged as a key defender. Exceptional performances in Ligue 1 caught the attention of international clubs. In 2020, joined Premier League club Leicester City, contributing to the team's success, including a win in the FA Cup in 2021. In 2022, transferred to Chelsea FC, further establishing reputation in top-flight football. Represented France at various youth levels, showcasing potential for future contributions on the international stage.
Continue ReadingTakeo Spikes
American football linebacker and sportscaster
Born
December 17th, 1976 49 years ago
Played professional football as a linebacker for teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. Transitioned into broadcasting after retiring from the NFL. Contributed to sports analysis and commentary, sharing insights into the game and athlete experiences.
Continue ReadingCastello Lukeba
Footballer with Olympique Lyonnais
Born
December 17th, 2002 23 years ago
Born in December 2002, a footballer primarily recognized for playing as a defender for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. Developed through the club's youth academy, made his professional debut at the age of 18. Gained attention for strong defensive skills and composure on the ball. Represented France at various youth levels, contributing to team successes in international competitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 28th
Martha Scott
American actress, acclaimed for Stage and Film
Born
September 22nd, 1912 113 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2003 22 years ago — 90 years old
An American actress gained prominence in theater and film throughout the mid-20th century. Primarily recognized for stage roles, significant achievements include playing Emily in the original Broadway production of 'Our Town.' Transitioned successfully to film, starring in notable movies such as 'The Ten Commandments' and 'The Dark at the Top of the Stairs.' In addition to stage and film work, appeared in television productions, contributing to the medium in the 1970s and 1980s. Awards included a Tony Award for her performance in 'Our Town,' showcasing her talent in live performing arts.
Continue ReadingGary Coleman
American actor in 'Diff'rent Strokes'
Born
February 8th, 1968 58 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2010 15 years ago — 42 years old
Born in 1968, an American actor gained fame for the role of Arnold Jackson in the television series 'Diff'rent Strokes.' The show aired from 1978 to 1986 and explored the lives of two girls who are adopted by a wealthy businessman and his family. Coleman became a prominent figure in pop culture, recognized for his catchphrase, 'What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?' After 'Diff'rent Strokes,' faced a range of challenges and transitions in both personal and professional life, including significant legal battles regarding finances and contracts. Despite these difficulties, continued to make guest appearances in television and worked in various capacities within the entertainment industry until the end of his career.
Continue ReadingJörg Immendorff
German painter and sculptor, café owner
Born
1945 81 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2007 18 years ago — 62 years old
An influential German painter, sculptor, and academic, recognized for engaging with socio-political themes through art. Attended the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf under Joseph Beuys, later becoming a professor. Established a café called 'Café Ehemaliger' as a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. Immendorff's artwork often included references to historical events and personal experiences, merging political commentary with his artistic style. Works such as 'Café Deutschland' showcased his unique approach to merging personal narratives with broader themes in post-war German society.
Continue ReadingToshikatsu Matsuoka
Japanese Minister of Agriculture
Born
1945 81 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2007 18 years ago — 62 years old
Served as Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 2006 until death in 2007. Involved in various agricultural policies and initiatives during tenure. Contributed to discussions around food security and rural development. Held a significant role in responding to issues such as agricultural subsidies and international trade agreements that affected Japan's agriculture sector.
Continue ReadingDavid Brewer
English politician and Lord-Lieutenant
Born
May 28th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2023 2 years ago — 83 years old
Served as a prominent English politician and held the position of Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. Held various roles in local government, contributing to public service in the region. Actively engaged in community initiatives and represented the ceremonial role of the Lord-Lieutenant, fostering relations between the monarchy and the community. Participated in numerous events to promote London and supported various charitable activities throughout his tenure.
Continue ReadingNoah Webster
American lexicographer and dictionary creator
Born
October 16th, 1758 267 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1843 182 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1758, a prominent figure in American linguistics, dedicated a career to the improvement of language and education in the United States. Published the first American dictionary, 'An American Dictionary of the English Language' in 1828, which distinguished American English from British English. Engaged in educational reform efforts contributing to the establishment of American spellings and grammar. Advocated for a national language to unify the country post-independence, emphasizing the importance of standardizing American English.
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