Vani Jairam
Playback Singer with a National Award
Acclaimed playback singer, recognized for contributions to Indian music across multiple languages. Career spanned several decades, starting in the early 1970s. Provided vocals for numerous films and worked with prominent music directors. Achievements include winning the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer multiple times. Collaborated with various artists and contributed to the music industry with unforgettable melodies.
Won National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer
Sang in over 20 languages
Contributed to soundtracks of films like 'Sankarabharanam' and 'Samsaram O Kadambaram'
Other People Born on November 30th
Tom Simpson
Professional Cyclist; 1965 World Champion
Born
November 30th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
July 13th, 1967 58 years ago — 29 years old
A prominent cyclist, achieved significant success during the 1960s. Competed in road racing and represented Great Britain in various international events. Won the World Road Race Championship in 1965, becoming the first British cyclist to secure this title. Participated in the Tour de France, where he was recognized for his competitive spirit and determination. Tragically passed away during the 1967 Tour de France, leading to increased awareness regarding substance abuse in cycling. His career remains a prominent chapter in sports history.
Continue ReadingOliver Winchester
Businessman and politician, arms manufacturer
Born
November 30th, 1810 215 years ago
Died
December 11th, 1880 145 years ago — 70 years old
An American businessman and politician, founded the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. The company became prominent in the production of firearms, particularly the Winchester rifle, which gained popularity during the American Civil War and the westward expansion of the United States. Winchester served as the company's president and played a significant role in its growth and success, contributing to the evolution of repeating firearms technology. After passing of his first wife, he engaged in philanthropic efforts, including contributions to education and public institutions.
Continue ReadingFirpo Marberry
Baseball player and manager
Born
November 30th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
June 30th, 1976 49 years ago — 77 years old
A professional baseball player and manager, made significant contributions to Major League Baseball from the 1920s to the 1930s. Played primarily as a relief pitcher for the Washington Senators and later managed the Charlotte Hornets in the minor leagues. Achieved recognition for pitching prowess and effective management strategies during the transition of baseball techniques and styles.
Continue ReadingAbbie Hoffman
American activist, Youth International Party co-founder
Born
November 30th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1989 36 years ago — 52 years old
An influential activist co-founded the Youth International Party, also known as the Yippies, during the 1960s, aiming to promote anti-establishment views and social change. Engaged in protests against the Vietnam War and advocated for various causes, including civil rights and environmentalism. Became a prominent figure in the counterculture movement, using theatrical methods to attract media attention to social issues. The organization organized the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests, which drew significant national attention to political dissent and youth activism. Authored books outlining views on social justice, anti-capitalism, and direct action.
Continue ReadingBobby Abel
English cricketer and test player
Born
November 30th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1936 89 years ago — 79 years old
Played cricket for Surrey and the England national team during the late 19th century. Career spanned from 1875 to 1908, accumulating over 20,000 runs in first-class matches. Made significant contributions as a top-order batsman and established a reputation for his stylish play. Participated in the inaugural Test match against Australia in 1880. Contributed to Surrey's dominance in county cricket during the 1880s and 1890s.
Continue ReadingClyfford Still
American abstract expressionist painter
Born
November 30th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1980 45 years ago — 75 years old
A leading figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, contributions included a focus on large-scale canvases characterized by bold colors and distinct forms. Teaching positions occurred at several institutions, including the San Francisco Art Institute. The creation of the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver established a dedicated space for the preservation and exhibition of works. Art made significant waves in the mid-20th century, advancing the exploration of form and color in contemporary art.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 4th
Patricia Highsmith
American novelist and thriller writer
Born
January 19th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1995 31 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1921, a prominent figure in American literature, known for psychological thrillers that explore themes of morality and identity. Achieved recognition with the publication of "Strangers on a Train" in 1950, which established a new genre of suspense fiction. The creation of the character Tom Ripley in the novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1955) further solidified a legacy in thriller writing. Highsmith's works often featured complex characters and moral ambiguity, influencing the genre significantly throughout her career. Her writing style and innovative plot techniques garnered critical acclaim, leading to several adaptations of her novels into films, thereby reaching wider audiences.
Continue ReadingCharles Marie de La Condamine
French mathematician and geographer
Born
January 28th, 1701 325 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1774 252 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1701, contributed to mathematics and geography during the Age of Enlightenment. Participated in the expedition to measure the degrees of the meridian at the equator, leading to important geographical findings. Conducted extensive studies on the Amazon River and its ecology. Authored works that facilitated the understanding of measurements and navigation.
Continue ReadingDonald Byrd
Trumpet player and jazz bandleader
Born
December 9th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2013 13 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent figure in jazz music, this trumpet player emerged in the 1950s and contributed significantly to the genre. Active from the bebop era, collaborated with numerous artists and bands, showcasing a unique style that blended hard bop with elements of funk and soul. Recorded numerous albums throughout a prolific career, with 'A New Perspective' being one of the notable works. Served as a professor at various institutions, influencing future generations of musicians. Continued to perform until the later years of life, maintaining a presence in the jazz community until passing in 2013.
Continue ReadingFlorence Green
English soldier and World War II veteran
Born
1901 125 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2012 14 years ago — 111 years old
Served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II. Enlisted in 1941 and contributed to the war efforts as a driver and operator. After the war, lived a private life and shared experiences of service when prompted in later years. Recognized as one of the last surviving veterans of World War II. Passed away in 2012.
Continue ReadingReg Presley
Singer-songwriter of The Troggs
Born
June 12th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2013 13 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent English singer-songwriter gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Troggs. The band achieved commercial success in the 1960s with hits such as "Wild Thing" and "With a Girl Like You." As a key figure in the garage rock movement, The Troggs influenced numerous artists in later generations. Presley also ventured into songwriting and released solo material, showcasing his talents beyond the band. In addition to music, Presley had interests in paranormal phenomena, which he explored in later years. He continued to perform until declining health affected his activities, leading to his passing in 2013.
Continue ReadingJohn Mahoney
Actor in 'Frasier' and 'Steel Magnolias'
Born
June 20th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2018 8 years ago — 77 years old
An English-American actor and voice artist, achieved prominence for a role as Martin Crane in the television series 'Frasier'. This acclaimed role earned critical recognition and multiple nominations. Additionally, performed in the film 'Steel Magnolias' and showcased versatility in various stage productions across the United States. Started a career in theater before transitioning to television and film, contributing substantially to acting craft and performance art.
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