William Joel Blass
American soldier and politician
Born
October 19th, 1917
107 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2012
12 years ago — 95 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
Served in the United States Army during World War II, participating in key operations. Held various legal roles after returning from military service, including working as an attorney. Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 13th District for multiple terms. Throughout political career, focused on legislative issues and community engagement within the local region.
Served in the U.S. Army during World War II
Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates
Other People Born on October 19th
Jon Favreau
An American actor, director, and screenwriter. Directed the films Iron Man and Iron Man 2, which launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Created and executive produced the critically acclaimed series The Mandalorian, contributing to the Star Wars franchise. Worked as a writer and actor on the film Swingers, which became a cult classic. Favreau's direction and storytelling have influenced the landscape of blockbuster filmmaking.
Continue ReadingMordecai Brown
Professional baseball player and manager competed primarily as a pitcher. Played in Major League Baseball from 1903 to 1912, achieving prominence with the Chicago Cubs. Recognized for an exceptional curveball and control. Later managed teams in minor leagues after retiring as a player.
Continue ReadingPandurang Shastri Athavale
An influential philosopher and spiritual leader based in India. Founded the Swadhyaya Movement, which promotes the study of scriptures and self-development. Established numerous educational and rural development programs across India, emphasizing self-reliance and community upliftment. Engaged in socio-spiritual activism aimed at fostering social harmony and cultural revival.
Continue ReadingAnthony Santander
A professional baseball player from Venezuela, achieved success in Major League Baseball (MLB). Made significant contributions as an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles. Emerged as a key player for the team, particularly noted for offensive power and consistency. Played an instrumental role in the team’s lineup, showcasing skills in batting and fielding.
Continue ReadingJanet Leon
Born in 1990, this Swedish singer-songwriter and dancer gained recognition in the music industry during her early career. Initially a member of the group Jump5, her solo career took off with the release of successful singles. The artist's style blends pop and dance elements, drawing influence from various musical genres. Collaborations with renowned producers helped shape her distinctive sound, while her dynamic performances showcased her dancing abilities. Through albums and singles, the artist focused on themes of love and empowerment, appealing to a wide audience. Touring extensively added to public visibility and engagement.
Continue ReadingEmil Gilels
A prominent pianist contributed significantly to the classical music scene in the 20th century. Achieved international recognition for performances of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. Excelled in both solo and chamber music settings. Gained acclaim for recordings and performances with leading orchestras and conductors. Received numerous awards throughout the career, including the Stalin Prize and the People's Artist of the USSR title.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 23rd
Jerry Jeff Walker
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, notable for contributions to the country music genre. Grew up in New York and moved to Texas, where he became a key figure in the progressive country movement. Released the iconic song 'Mr. Bojangles' in 1968, which became a standard covered by numerous artists. Walker's style blended folk, country, and rock influences. He recorded several albums throughout his career, gaining a loyal fan base and influencing the Americana music scene.
Continue ReadingArmida
An influential Mexican-American actress and singer, gained prominence for performances in the film and music industries. Gained acclaim for roles in films during the 1940s and 1950s. Known for a captivating singing style that showcased traditional music. Las Musiquitas, a radio program, provided a platform for artistic expression and connected with audiences. Leveraged talents in acting, singing, and dancing to weave rich narratives that resonated with the cultural landscape of her time.
Continue ReadingRalph Rainger
A prominent pianist and composer, contributions to film music included popular songs and scores during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Collaborated with lyricist Leo Robin on numerous hits, enhancing the musical landscape of the time. Worked on notable films, composing memorable pieces that resonated with audiences. Rainger's work on projects such as "Going My Way" and "The Bank Dick" showcased exceptional talent in blending music with cinematic storytelling.
Continue ReadingThomas Williams
Contributed substantially to the field of American literature through both academic work and fiction. Authored several significant books, blending literary criticism with narrative storytelling. Held academic positions at various institutions, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of American literary texts. Engaged in research that explored the intersections of culture and literature, enhancing understanding of American literary history.
Continue ReadingThéophile Gautier
Born in 1811, a prominent French poet and critic contributed significantly to the literary world during the 19th century. Associated with the Romantic movement, published poetry collections such as 'Émaux et Camées' and engaged with literary criticism through works like 'La poésie' and 'Le roman de la momie'. Gautier played a crucial role in the promotion of the aesthetic movement in France and explored themes of beauty and art in his writings.
Continue ReadingW. G. Grace
A prominent cricketer and physician, played in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Associated with Gloucestershire and England's national team, played a significant role in popularizing the sport. Excelled as a batsman, accumulating over 54,000 runs in first-class cricket. His playing style and innovative techniques contributed to the evolution of batting in cricket. Also practiced medicine, balancing both careers. Considered one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game.
Continue Reading