Walter Gropius
Architect, designed John F. Kennedy Building
A leading architect of the 20th century, contributed significantly to modern architecture as the founder of the Bauhaus school in Germany. Emphasized functional design and the integration of art with technology. Designed multiple iconic buildings including the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Boston and the Werkbund Exhibition in 1914. Advocated for the unity of art and industrial design, influencing generations of architects and designers.
Founded the Bauhaus school of design
Designed the John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Designed the Werkbund Exhibition in 1914
Other People Born on May 18th
Pope John Paul II
Religious leader and author of encyclicals
Born
May 18th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2005 20 years ago — 84 years old
Served as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until 2005. Played a key role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, notably influencing events in Poland. Advocated for human rights and interfaith dialogue, making significant contributions to the Church's teachings through numerous encyclicals. Undertook extensive travels, visiting 129 countries during papacy and meeting with leaders from various faiths. His efforts included promoting peace and addressing issues such as poverty and social injustice.
Continue ReadingBig Joe Turner
Blues/R&B singer and songwriter
Born
May 18th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1985 41 years ago — 74 years old
An influential figure in the development of rhythm and blues, contributed to the genre with a powerful voice and energetic performances. Gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, becoming a prominent force in the transition from blues to R&B. Recorded numerous songs that became classics, including 'Shake, Rattle and Roll', which gained significant attention in both the black and white music markets. Performed extensively in clubs and festivals, showcasing a vocal style that combined elements of jazz, gospel, and blues. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, recognized for significant contributions to American music.
Continue ReadingDon Whillans
Rock climber and mountaineer
Born
May 18th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1985 40 years ago — 52 years old
An English rock climber and mountaineer, gained recognition for significant ascents in the 1950s and 1960s. Participated in notable climbs in the Himalayas, including an attempt on Kangchenjunga in 1976. Contributed to the development of climbing techniques and equipment during a transformative period in the sport. Often associated with the spirit of adventure and pioneering climbing routes in the UK and abroad.
Continue ReadingNicholas II of Russia
Last Emperor of Russia before 1917
Born
May 18th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
1918 108 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1868, the last Emperor of Russia ruled from 1894 until his abdication in 1917 during the Russian Revolution. Nicholas II faced numerous challenges, including military defeats in World War I and widespread social unrest. His reign saw the fall of the Russian Empire, and he and his family were executed by Bolsheviks in 1918. Historically significant, his reign marked the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule.
Continue ReadingBernard Zweers
Dutch composer and educator
Born
May 18th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1924 101 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1854, one of the prominent figures in the 19th-century Dutch music scene. He composed numerous orchestral works, chamber music, and operas, contributing significantly to the classical repertoire. His education work influenced many musicians and composers in the Netherlands. Served as a professor at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where he shaped the education of emerging musicians. His works often reflect the Romantic style and were performed in various venues across Europe.
Continue ReadingW. G. Sebald
Novelist known for 'The Emigrants'
Born
May 18th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2001 24 years ago — 57 years old
An influential writer, focused on themes of memory, exile, and the impact of history. Worked primarily in German and was awarded several literary prizes. Utilized a unique narrative style, blending fiction with essays and photographs. Spent a significant part of his life in England, where he taught and published extensively. 'The Emigrants', a seminal work, explored the lives of displaced individuals and their ties to the past. Other notable works include 'Austerlitz' and 'Vertigo', which delve into similar themes.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 5th
Jüri Järvet
Estonian actor and screenwriter
Born
June 18th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1995 30 years ago — 76 years old
An Estonian actor and screenwriter, contributed significantly to film and theater in Estonia. Participated in the Estonian People's Theatre and later appeared in numerous films, showcasing talent in both comedy and drama. Gained prominence with roles in works such as 'Püha Tõnu kiusamine' and 'Viimne reliikvia'. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a prominent figure in the Estonian cultural scene.
Continue ReadingSid Luckman
American football quarterback
Born
November 21st, 1916 109 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1998 27 years ago — 81 years old
Played quarterback for the Chicago Bears from 1939 to 1950. Led the Bears to four NFL championships during the 1940s. After serving in the military during World War II, returned to the NFL and became a key figure in popularizing the modern passing game. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
Continue ReadingRaffaella Carrà
Italian singer and television presenter
Born
June 18th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2021 4 years ago — 78 years old
Carrà began her career in entertainment in the late 1960s, gaining prominence for her energetic performances and distinctive style. Her contributions include music, dance, and television, where she hosted popular shows such as 'Canzonissima' and 'Carràmba! Che sorpresa!' A significant figure in Italian pop culture, she integrated music and dance in engaging ways, becoming a household name. Her songs, often characterized by catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms, gained popularity across Europe and Latin America. Carrà also acted in films, including 'The Swindlers' and 'The Cat O' Nine Tails'.
Continue ReadingNick Cordero
Canadian actor and singer in musicals
Born
September 17th, 1978 47 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2020 5 years ago — 41 years old
Born in 1978, this Canadian actor and singer gained prominence in the Broadway scene. Major roles included 'Cheech' in 'Bullets Over Broadway', which earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Other prominent performances occurred in productions such as 'A Bronx Tale' and 'Waitress'. In addition to theater, Cordero appeared in television series, including 'Blue Bloods' and 'L.A. Law'. Recognized for a powerful singing voice and strong stage presence, he contributed significantly to musical theater until his untimely passing in 2020.
Continue ReadingBengt I. Samuelsson
Swedish biochemist, Nobel Laureate
Born
May 21st, 1934 91 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2024 1 years ago — 90 years old
Born in 1934, contributions to biochemistry included significant discoveries related to eicosanoids, which are vital hormone-like substances in the body. Research focused on lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, enzymes involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid. These findings led to advancements in understanding inflammation and allergies. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1982 alongside two others for work on the chemical mediators of the immune system, leading to breakthroughs in pharmacology and therapeutics. Held academic positions and played a crucial role in promoting biochemistry in Sweden.
Continue ReadingNicéphore Niépce
French inventor of the photograph
Born
March 7th, 1765 261 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1833 192 years ago — 68 years old
An inventor from France pioneered the earliest form of photography. In 1826, created the first successful permanent photograph known as 'View from the Window at Le Gras.' Developed a process called 'heliography,' enabling the capturing of images through sunlight exposure on a thin layer of bitumen of Judea.
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