Vangelis
Greek composer of electronic music
A celebrated Greek composer and keyboard player, made significant contributions to electronic music. Gained worldwide fame for composing film scores, particularly for 'Chariots of Fire' which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Also created the iconic score for 'Blade Runner', which became highly influential in the genre. Worked extensively with synthesizers and innovative techniques that shaped modern soundtracks. Released numerous albums that explored various musical styles and themes throughout a prolific career.
Composed the Academy Award-winning score for 'Chariots of Fire'
Created the score for 'Blade Runner'
Other People Born on March 29th
Pearl Bailey
Actress and singer of 'Porgy and Bess'
Born
March 29th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1990 35 years ago — 72 years old
An American singer and actress, known for contributions to theater and music from the 1930s through the 1990s. Achieved acclaim for performances in Broadway productions, particularly in 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Hello, Dolly!'. Recorded a number of successful albums and became an influential figure in both the theater and music industries. Received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for 'Hello, Dolly!' in 1968. Recognized for her ability to engage audiences with charisma and talent while blending comedic and dramatic performances.
Continue ReadingAdolfo Müller-Ury
Swiss-American portrait painter
Born
March 29th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1947 78 years ago — 85 years old
Born in Switzerland, a significant career involved portrait painting, primarily in the United States. Studied in Paris before moving to America. Gained recognition for the ability to capture the likeness and character of prominent figures. Supported by commissions from various high-profile clients, including political and artistic leaders. Worked in oil on canvas, showcasing meticulous detail and vibrant colors. Contributed to the art community through exhibitions, leading to a respected position among contemporaries. Continued to paint until the later years of life, leaving behind a legacy of portraits that reflected the culture of the time.
Continue ReadingMartin Fleischmann
Chemist known for cold fusion experiments
Born
March 29th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 2012 13 years ago — 85 years old
A British chemist contributed significantly to the field of electrochemistry and nuclear reactions. Conducted controversial cold fusion experiments in the late 1980s that claimed to achieve nuclear fusion at room temperature. The results sparked widespread interest and debate within the scientific community, leading to further investigation into low-energy nuclear reactions. Worked on techniques involving surface chemistry and developed an early electrochemical cell for measuring ionic concentrations.
Continue ReadingLudwig Büchner
German physiologist and philosopher
Born
March 29th, 1824 201 years ago
Died
May 1st, 1899 126 years ago — 75 years old
A prominent figure in the field of physiology and philosophy, contributed significantly to the understanding of the natural sciences. Explored the relationship between the mind and body, advocating for a scientific approach to psychology. Authored influential works that emphasized the importance of materialism in understanding human existence. Engaged in debates around the implications of scientific findings on philosophy and metaphysics.
Continue ReadingJózsef Mindszenty
Hungarian cardinal and church leader
Born
March 29th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1975 50 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent Hungarian cardinal, played a significant role in the Catholic Church during a tumultuous period in Hungary. Participated in the resistance against the Nazi regime and opposed Communist policies after World War II. Arrested in 1948 by the Communist government and imprisoned for several years. Subsequently took refuge in the U.S. embassy in Budapest, where he remained for over 15 years. His steadfastness on issues of religious freedom resonated within Hungary and abroad, garnering attention from international religious and political communities. Returned to Hungary in 1971, although under strict government surveillance, continuing to advocate for the Church's influence in the evolving political landscape.
Continue ReadingCy Young
Baseball pitcher and manager, Cy Young Award
Born
March 29th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1955 70 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent baseball pitcher and manager, achieved significant recognition in Major League Baseball. Played for teams including the Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox. Established a long-lasting legacy in the sport, marked by an unparalleled career that included multiple pitching milestones and records. Following retirement, an annual award for the best pitchers in the league was named in honor, reflecting a distinguished impact on baseball history.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 17th
Armand-Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis
French general and politician, Duc de Richelieu
Born
September 25th, 1766 259 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1822 203 years ago — 55 years old
Served as the 2nd Prime Minister of France during the Restoration period. Held the position of general, taking on various military responsibilities. Managed significant political changes, including the navigation of post-Napoleonic France. Engaged in revitalizing the French economy and established relationships with foreign powers.
Continue ReadingPeter Schulz
German lawyer and Mayor of Hamburg
Born
April 25th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
A lawyer and politician served as the Mayor of Hamburg during the early 1980s. Engaged in local governance, focused on urban issues and public administration. Advocated for policies aimed at improving the quality of life in Hamburg. Contributed to the development of the city's infrastructure and community programs.
Continue ReadingC. P. Krishnan Nair
Businessman, founder of The Leela Hotels
Born
February 9th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old
Built a luxury hotel chain in India, transforming the hospitality industry. Founded The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in 1987, establishing a reputation for excellence in service and design. Expanded the brand into several key cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Developed renowned properties that became landmarks in their respective locations. Contributed to the increase of tourism and hospitality standards in India.
Continue ReadingLi Maozhen
Chinese warlord and king
Died
May 17th, 924 1101 years ago — None years old
Li Maozhen served as a powerful warlord and king during the late Tang dynasty. He established control over the region of Shuzhou in what is now Sichuan province. His reign was marked by significant military and political maneuvers aimed at maintaining autonomy amid the fragmented power structure of the dynasty. Li claimed the title of king and held sway over the local populace through both military force and political alliances. His authority extended until his death in 924, a period characterized by the disintegration of centralized power in China.
Continue ReadingDaumantas of Pskov
Lithuanian prince and military leader
Died
May 17th, 1299 726 years ago — None years old
Born around 1240, this prince served as the ruler of Pskov in the late 13th century. His reign is characterized by military campaigns against the Teutonic Knights and efforts to consolidate power in the region. Under his leadership, Pskov successfully resisted external threats while maintaining autonomy. The prince's actions contributed to shaping the political landscape of the area during a tumultuous period marked by conflicts over territorial control and influence. Daumantas's legacy persisted beyond his death in 1299, impacting the future governance of Pskov and its relationships with neighboring states.
Continue ReadingEmpress Dowager Hu of Northern Wei
Empress Dowager of Northern Wei dynasty
Died
May 17th, 528 1497 years ago — None years old
Ruled as the Empress Dowager during the Northern Wei dynasty in China. Became regent after the death of her husband, Emperor Xiaowen. Played a significant role in promoting Buddhism within the court and influencing political decisions. Her reign was marked by the consolidation of power and the establishment of the Northern Wei as a major dynasty in northern China.
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