Walter Piston
Composer and music theorist
A prominent American composer and theorist, contributions spanned both the realms of composition and music education. Served as a professor at Harvard University and influenced future generations of musicians. Composed symphonies, concertos, and chamber music that demonstrated a deep understanding of harmony and form. Works often incorporated elements of American folk music while maintaining a classical structure, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the 20th century.
Won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1948
Composed eight symphonies and multiple concertos
Published influential textbooks on music theory
Other People Born on January 20th
Harold Gray
Cartoonist, creator of Little Orphan Annie
Born
January 20th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
May 9th, 1968 57 years ago — 74 years old
An American cartoonist created the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, which debuted in 1924. The strip featured the adventures of an orphan girl and her dog, Sandy, and became a significant part of American culture. It was celebrated for its themes of optimism and resilience during the Great Depression. The character of Annie was adapted into various forms of media, including a popular Broadway musical and several film adaptations. The work received both critical and popular acclaim, leading to widespread recognition and lasting popularity.
Continue ReadingSebastian Münster
German cartographer and cosmographer
Born
January 20th, 1488 537 years ago
Died
May 26th, 1552 473 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent 16th-century German scholar, played a crucial role in the fields of cartography and cosmography. Published the influential work 'Cosmographia' in 1544, which served as one of the first comprehensive descriptions of the world. Contributed significantly to mapping by producing multiple maps and atlases, including the 'Karte von Deutschland' which illustrated German territories. Held a position as a professor at the University of Basel, and engaged in various scholarly activities that advanced geographic knowledge during the Renaissance period.
Continue ReadingHennie Aucamp
South African poet and author
Born
January 20th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
March 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1934, this individual was a poet, author, and academic in South Africa. A significant contributor to Afrikaans literature, numerous works were published including poetry collections and novels. Academic roles included teaching literature at universities, influencing a generation of writers and poets. The literary community recognized contributions through various awards.
Continue ReadingColin Clive
English actor, starred in horror films
Born
January 20th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1937 88 years ago — 37 years old
An English actor prominent in the 1930s, recognized for performances in horror films. Played Dr. Henry Frankenstein in the original 1931 film 'Frankenstein' and its sequel 'Bride of Frankenstein' in 1935. Contributed to the evolution of the horror genre through gripping portrayals and dynamic characterizations. His career was characterized by memorable roles that left a lasting legacy in cinematic history. Clive's performances established a foundation for future horror films, influencing a generation of actors and filmmakers.
Continue ReadingTyler Herro
Professional basketball player, NBA star
Born
January 20th, 2000 25 years ago
A professional basketball player who plays as a shooting guard. Played college basketball for the University of Kentucky before entering the NBA. Selected by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. Contributed to the Heat reaching the NBA Finals in 2020, showcasing scoring ability and clutch performances during the playoffs.
Continue ReadingJohannes V. Jensen
Danish author and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 20th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1950 75 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1873, an influential Danish author, poet, and playwright achieved recognition for significant contributions to literature. A notable work includes the novel 'The Long Journeys,' which reflects deep philosophical and existential themes. Jensen's literary career comprised both poetry and prose, with a focus on the Northern landscape and human experience. In 1944, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his body of work, which often explored the complexities of life in Denmark. His contribution to Danish literature is considered foundational, influencing subsequent generations of writers.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 12th
John Cady
American golfer champion from the 1890s
Born
January 26th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1933 92 years ago — 67 years old
Active in the late 19th century, this golfer made a mark in American golf history with numerous tournament wins. Victories included the prestigious 1898 U.S. Open, cementing a place among the sport's early legends. Renowned for skill and technique, contributions to the game later influenced future generations of golfers. The golfer's competitive spirit and determination were evident in every match played, showcasing athletic excellence during the sport's formative years.
Continue ReadingDuncan II of Scotland
Scottish King and ruler
Born
1060 965 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1094 931 years ago — 34 years old
Ascended to the throne of Scotland in 1094 after a brief reign, he became a key figure in the ongoing conflicts among Scottish clans and the English crown. His time as king was marked by instability, leading to a swift downfall. Duncan II's reign ended when he was killed during a battle against his predecessor’s supporters, significantly affecting the power dynamics in Scotland. His legacy includes participation in the early establishment of the monarchy in the region and setting the stage for future rulers in the Scottish lineage.
Continue ReadingSally Shlaer
Mathematician and engineer with Shlaer-Mellor
Born
December 3rd, 1938 87 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1998 27 years ago — 59 years old
Accomplished mathematician and engineer contributed significantly to software engineering methodologies. Developed the Shlaer-Mellor method, a pioneering object-oriented approach to software design. Worked extensively in formal methods for software quality assurance and contributed to various educational initiatives. Published numerous papers on software engineering topics and co-authored key texts in the field, establishing foundational principles that influenced modern software development practice.
Continue ReadingPercival Lowell
Astronomer and mathematician with Mars theories
Born
March 13th, 1855 170 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1916 109 years ago — 61 years old
An American astronomer and mathematician pursued the study of Mars in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lowell founded the Lowell Observatory in Arizona in 1894, where he conducted extensive observations of Mars, leading to his theory of Martian canals. These ideas spurred public interest in the possibility of life on Mars and fueled science fiction. Additionally, Lowell contributed to the understanding of celestial bodies and was instrumental in promoting the search for Planet X, which later led to the discovery of Pluto. His advocacy for planetary science left a lasting legacy in the field.
Continue ReadingNorman Bethune
Canadian physician and medical innovator
Born
March 4th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1939 86 years ago — 49 years old
A physician and surgeon, contributed significantly to medical practices, particularly in the treatment of injuries. Participated as a medical officer in the Spanish Civil War and later in the Second Sino-Japanese War. Developed innovative methods for blood transfusions and mobile medical units. His work focused on providing medical care in war zones and improving healthcare access for the underserved. His commitment to his patients and medical ethics shaped modern practices in military medicine.
Continue ReadingAlbert Bond Lambert
American golfer and aviation pioneer
Born
December 6th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1946 79 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent golfer and aviation figure, played a significant role in both sports. Achieved success in golf during the early 20th century, winning the St. Louis District Golf Championship multiple times. Also contributed to aviation as an enthusiastic pilot and supporter, actively promoting the development of the aviation industry. Helped establish Lambert Field, which is now known as St. Louis Lambert International Airport, further solidifying a legacy in both golfing and aviation.
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