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
Dave Madden
Actor on The Partridge Family
Born
December 17th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2014 11 years ago — 82 years old
An actor gained recognition for portraying manager Reuben Kincaid on the television series The Partridge Family. Started career in the 1960s and made numerous television guest appearances, often in comedic roles. Also lent voice to characters in animated series, including the cartoon version of The Partridge Family. Acted in films and theater, showcasing versatility.
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 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 ReadingPaul César Helleu
French painter and etcher
Born
December 17th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1927 98 years ago — 67 years old
Engaged in the art movement known as Impressionism, created numerous portraits and depictions of fashionable society. Worked closely with artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. Developed a unique style characterized by the use of pastels and etching techniques. Exhibited widely in Paris and gained recognition for contributions to both painting and printmaking. Notable works include portraits of high-society women, capturing the essence of Belle Époque Paris.
Continue ReadingSimo Häyhä
Finland's legendary World War II sniper
Born
December 17th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
April 1st, 2002 23 years ago — 96 years old
A Finnish soldier achieved significant notoriety during the Winter War (1939-1940) between Finland and the Soviet Union. Renowned for exceptional marksmanship skills, recorded over 500 confirmed kills as a sniper. Utilized a Finnish M28/30 rifle and took advantage of the winter landscape to conceal movements. Adopted a strategy that involved minimizing exposure and maximizing stealth, earning the nickname 'White Death.' Survived serious injuries and continued to lead a private life after the war until passing away in 2002.
Continue ReadingLiisa Ehrberg
Estonian cyclist with championship titles
Born
December 17th, 1988 37 years ago
Competed in various national and international cycling events. Achieved significant success in road cycling, including participation in the UCI Women's World Tour. Represented Estonia in multiple championships, contributing to the visibility of Estonian cyclists on the global stage.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 28th
Zainul Abedin
Bangladeshi painter and academic
Born
December 29th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1976 49 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1914, an influential painter and academic contributed significantly to the art scene in Bangladesh. Studied at the Government Art College in Kolkata and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the East Pakistan Arts Council. His work primarily focused on the plight of the rural poor, using mediums such as ink and watercolor to depict their struggles and everyday lives. Abedin's paintings reflect themes of social justice and national identity, particularly during the tumultuous period of the Bengal famine and the liberation war. He served as the first principal of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka, cultivating a new generation of artists.
Continue ReadingAudie Murphy
Lieutenant and Medal of Honor recipient
Born
June 20th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1971 54 years ago — 45 years old
Served in the United States Army during World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat. After the war, pursued a career in acting, becoming well known for the film 'To Hell and Back,' which detailed his experiences. Portrayed himself in the movie, which became a commercial success. Also acted in several other Westerns and war films, including 'Red Badge of Courage' and 'The Wild and the Innocent.'
Continue ReadingMartha 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 ReadingToshikatsu Matsuoka
Japanese Minister of Agriculture
Born
1945 80 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 ReadingIlya Prigogine
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 25th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2003 22 years ago — 86 years old
Contributions to thermodynamics and physical chemistry included the formulation of the theory of dissipative structures. This work highlighted the behavior of complex systems far from equilibrium. Served as director of the International Solvay Institutes and held a professorship at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. In 1977, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for contributions that advanced the understanding of thermodynamic processes.
Continue ReadingMaya Angelou
Memoirist and poet, wrote 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings'
Born
April 4th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 86 years old
A significant figure in American literature, she authored several autobiographies, with 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' being the most acclaimed, detailing her early life and experiences of racism and trauma. Angelou held various roles throughout her career, including a dancer, singer, and civil rights activist. She recited her poem 'On the Pulse of Morning' at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993, marking a historic moment in American poetry. Angelou's work focused on themes of identity, family, and resilience, making notable contributions to literature and civil rights.
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