Tom Robbins
American novelist and author of 'Even Cowgirls Get the Blues'
An American writer, gained prominence in the 1970s with a distinctive narrative style blending elements of surrealism and philosophy. Published notable works that include 'Another Roadside Attraction', 'Still Life with Woodpecker', and 'Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas'. Explored themes of love, freedom, and self-discovery, often utilizing humor and unconventional characters. Through a career spanning several decades, captivated readers with whimsical prose and an adventurous spirit. Continues to influence contemporary literature with a devoted following.
Wrote 'Even Cowgirls Get the Blues'
Published 'Another Roadside Attraction'
Authored 'Still Life with Woodpecker'
Other People Born on July 22nd
Emma Lazarus
Poet and educator, wrote 'The New Colossus'
Born
July 22nd, 1849 176 years ago
Died
November 19th, 1887 138 years ago — 38 years old
A poet and educator, contributed significantly to American literature and Jewish identity in the United States during the late 19th century. Best remembered for the poem 'The New Colossus', which is inscribed on a plaque at the Statue of Liberty, celebrating immigration and freedom. Lazarus was an advocate for Jewish causes, particularly in response to antisemitism and the plight of Jews in Eastern Europe. In addition to poetry, worked to promote the arts and education within the Jewish community.
Continue ReadingGeorg Wilhelm Richmann
Physicist and academic, lightning researcher
Born
July 22nd, 1711 314 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1753 272 years ago — 42 years old
Born in 1711, a physicist and academic conducted significant research on electricity and atmospheric phenomena. Most notable was the investigation into lightning rods, which led to experimentation with lightning during thunderstorms. A member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, Richmann contributed to the advancement of electrometry and developed the first electrostatic generator in Russia. He faced challenges in his studies due to technological limitations, yet his work laid groundwork for later research in electricity and meteorology. Tragically, Richmann died in 1753 during an experiment when lightning struck him, marking a notable event in the history of scientific inquiry.
Continue ReadingMichael Abney-Hastings
English-Australian politician and Earl
Born
July 22nd, 1942 83 years ago
Died
June 30th, 2012 13 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1942, a significant figure in Australian politics and noble lineage, held the title of 14th Earl of Loudoun. Actively involved in various political roles and community engagements, contributions include advocacy for local issues and participation in political discourse. Engaged in representing both English and Australian interests throughout a political career marked by a commitment to service and development in both nations.
Continue ReadingGorni Kramer
Italian bassist and bandleader
Born
July 22nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1995 30 years ago — 82 years old
Pioneer of jazz music in Italy with significant contributions as a bassist and bandleader. Formed and led the popular band Quartetto di Gorni Kramer, which combined traditional Italian music with jazz influences. Collaborated with notable musicians and participated in various music festivals across Italy. In the 1950s, involved in the popularization of jazz through radio programs and performances, cementing a legacy in the Italian music scene.
Continue ReadingPatriarch Daniel of Romania
Religious leader, Patriarch of Romania
Born
July 22nd, 1951 74 years ago
Ordained as a priest in 1976, served in various ecclesiastical roles before becoming the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 2007. Leadership emphasized social issues, cultural heritage, and interfaith dialogue. Played a crucial role in the church's involvement in charity and community service. Engaged in promoting the Romanian Orthodox faith and traditions both domestically and internationally. Involved in numerous religious and cultural events, fostering closer ties between the church and Romanian society.
Continue ReadingPhilip I of Castile
King of Castile, husband of Juana
Born
July 22nd, 1478 547 years ago
Died
1506 520 years ago — 28 years old
Born in 1478, held the title of Duke of Burgundy and became King of Castile in 1506. His marriage to Juana of Castile consolidated power in Spain. His reign was marked by struggles for authority, particularly with the nobility, and efforts to unify the Spanish kingdoms. His rule was brief, lasting only a few months until his death in 1506, which led to a power shift in the monarchy.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 9th
Percy Faith
Composer and conductor of orchestral music
Born
April 7th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1976 49 years ago — 67 years old
A Canadian composer and conductor achieved prominence in the mid-20th century with orchestral arrangements and recordings. Best known for popularizing easy listening music, created lush orchestral arrangements that appealed to a wide audience. Worked on multiple albums, achieving commercial success with tracks such as 'Theme from a Summer Place.' Won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement in 1960. Influenced the sound of numerous artists and contributed significantly to the genre of pop orchestral music.
Continue ReadingEddy Duchin
Pianist and bandleader, famous for his orchestras
Born
April 1st, 1909 116 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1951 74 years ago — 41 years old
A prominent American pianist, bandleader, and actor, played an essential role in the jazz and popular music scene during the 1930s and 1940s. Led the Eddy Duchin Orchestra, which gained significant popularity for its romantic style and danceable rhythms. Also contributed to film, appearing in 'The Eddy Duchin Story,' a biographical film showcasing the life and music of this musician. Despite a short career, left an enduring mark on the American music landscape before passing away in 1951.
Continue ReadingHoward Martin Temin
Geneticist, Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology
Born
December 10th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1994 31 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent geneticist and academic, contributed significantly to the understanding of the interplay between genetics and viral behavior. Conducted groundbreaking research that led to the discovery of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that converts RNA to DNA, illuminating mechanisms behind certain viruses such as HIV. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975 for co-discovery of reverse transcription. His work laid important groundwork for molecular biology and genetics research.
Continue ReadingOsamu Tezuka
Japanese manga artist and animator
Born
November 3rd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1989 36 years ago — 60 years old
An influential manga artist and animator, contributed significantly to the development of manga and anime as art forms. Created the iconic character Astro Boy and produced the first feature-length animated film in Japan, titled 'A Thousand and One Nights'. Established Tezuka Productions, becoming a prominent figure in the industry. Many works incorporated themes of humanity, morality, and social issues, paving the way for future creators in the medium.
Continue ReadingDionysios Solomos
Greek poet and translator of 'Hymn to Liberty'
Born
April 8th, 1798 227 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1857 168 years ago — 58 years old
A significant figure in Greek literature, this individual played a crucial role in the national revival of Greece during the 19th century. Writing primarily in the Greek language, the poet's most celebrated work is the poem 'Hymn to Liberty', which later became the national anthem of Greece. Engaging with themes of freedom and identity, this individual contributed to the cultural movements of the time through poetry and translations that reflected the struggles and aspirations of the Greek people during their fight for independence from Ottoman rule. His literary legacy continues to influence modern Greek literature.
Continue ReadingBill Haley
Rock and roll pioneer with 'Rock Around the Clock'
Born
July 6th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1981 44 years ago — 55 years old
An American singer-songwriter and guitarist played a central role in the development of rock and roll music during the 1950s. Achieved widespread popularity with the hit single 'Rock Around the Clock', which became an anthem for the rock and roll era. Formed the band Bill Haley & His Comets, which gained fame not only in the United States but also internationally. Contributed significantly to the genre's evolution with an energetic style that blended rhythm and blues with country music.
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