Yip Harburg

American songwriter for 'Over the Rainbow'

Yip Harburg - American songwriter for 'Over the Rainbow'
Born

April 8th, 1896
129 years ago

Died

March 5th, 1981
44 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent American songwriter and lyricist, contributed significantly to musical theater and film. Wrote lyrics for the enduring hit song 'Over the Rainbow' from the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz'. Collaborated with composers like Harold Arlen and contributed to various Broadway productions. Involved in social causes and themes through his works, reflecting social commentary and political issues.

Wrote lyrics for 'Over the Rainbow'

Contributed to 'The Wizard of Oz'

Worked on Broadway shows like 'Finian's Rainbow'

Other People Born on April 8th

Harri Rovanperä

Finnish rally car driver, WRC champion
Born
April 8th, 1966 59 years ago

A rally car driver from Finland, competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the 1990s and early 2000s. Achieved notable success with multiple rally wins and was recognized for skillful performances on challenging terrains. Career highlighted by driving for teams such as Toyota and Mitsubishi. Successfully transitioned to a co-driver role in subsequent years, sharing expertise and insights with upcoming drivers.

Continue Reading

Patricia Arquette

Actress and director with an Oscar win
Born
April 8th, 1968 57 years ago

An actress and director, contributions include work in film and television. Achievements include a lead role in the series 'Medium,' which aired from 2005 to 2011. Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film 'Boyhood' in 2015. The directorial debut was with the film 'Love Comes Softly.'

Continue Reading

Kim Woo-jin

South Korean singer and musician
Born
April 8th, 1997 28 years ago

A South Korean singer, this individual gained prominence as a member of the boy group Stray Kids. The group debuted in 2018 under JYP Entertainment, quickly rising to fame in the K-pop industry. In addition to group activities, this artist pursued a solo career, showcasing songwriting and vocal talents. Several singles released as a solo artist contributed to a solid fan base, reflecting significant achievements in the music scene.

Continue Reading

Herman van Raalte

Dutch footballer and national team player
Born
April 8th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 92 years old

Played as a forward in professional football. Made contributions to the Dutch national team and participated in several international competitions. Competed in the Dutch league, showcasing skills and proficiency in the sport. Retired from professional play but remained involved in football through various roles.

Continue Reading

Funda Arar

Turkish pop singer and songwriter
Born
April 8th, 1975 50 years ago

Born in Turkey, this singer gained popularity in the late 1990s with a unique blend of pop and world music influences. The debut album released in 1999 featured traditional Turkish melodies, showcasing a modern interpretation of folk music. Over the years, multiple albums were produced, with several achieving commercial success. Concert tours across Turkey and abroad established a strong fan base. Collaborations with various artists and contributions to soundtracks expanded musical repertoire and visibility. The artist received several awards for vocal performances and album sales, marking a significant presence in the Turkish music industry.

Continue Reading

Steven Blaney

Canadian politician and former minister
Born
April 8th, 1965 60 years ago

Served as the 5th Canadian Minister of Public Safety from 2013 to 2015. Held the position of Member of Parliament for Lévis–Bellechasse from 2006 to 2015, representing the Conservative Party. Focused on national security, emergency management, and immigration policy during the time in office. Contributed to various committee roles within Parliament.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 5th

Edgar Lee Masters

Poet and author of 'Spoon River Anthology'
Born
August 23rd, 1868 157 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1950 75 years ago — 81 years old

A significant figure in American literature, this poet and playwright authored the renowned work 'Spoon River Anthology', a groundbreaking collection of free verse poems that presented a vivid portrait of small-town life through the voices of its residents. The compilation, published in 1915, gained substantial acclaim and is considered a classic of American poetry. In addition to poetry, this individual wrote several other works, including novels and plays, exploring themes of life, death, and human experience. The legacy includes lasting influence on modernist poetry and contributions to literary realism.

Continue Reading

Alessandro Volta

Italian physicist, inventor of the battery
Born
February 18th, 1745 280 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1827 198 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1745, this physicist made significant contributions to the study of electricity. He developed the first true chemical battery, known as the voltaic pile, in 1800. This invention provided a continuous source of electric current and laid the groundwork for the field of electrochemistry. His work contributed to advancements in the understanding of electrical phenomena and inspired later innovations in energy storage. Volta also conducted experiments on gas and was involved in the development of the electrophorus, a device used to generate static electricity.

Continue Reading

Tito Gobbi

Operatic Baritone and singer
Born
October 24th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1984 41 years ago — 70 years old

An Italian baritone achieved prominence in the operatic world during the mid-20th century. Notable for performing in major roles in operas by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart. Gained acclaim for performances in famous operas such as 'Il barbiere di Siviglia,' 'Madama Butterfly,' and 'Don Giovanni.' Developed a reputation for both vocal ability and dramatic presence on the operatic stage. Besides opera, engaged in concert performances and recordings in collaboration with renowned orchestras across Europe.

Continue Reading

Richard Stapley

British actor and writer
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
March 5th, 2010 15 years ago — 87 years old

An actor and writer, contributions spanned film and television. Gained recognition for performances in productions during the mid-20th century. Achieved significant roles in shows such as 'The Forsyte Saga' and appeared in films including 'The Kidnappers'. Active in the entertainment industry both in the UK and abroad for several decades, showcasing a range of talents from dramatic performances to screenwriting.

Continue Reading

William O. Wooldridge

American Army Sergeant, Medal of Honor recipient
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
March 5th, 2012 13 years ago — 90 years old

Served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in combat. Demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of enemy fire, showcasing bravery and commitment to duty. Contributions recognized by peers and military officials.

Continue Reading

Otto Tief

Estonian politician, Prime Minister.
Born
August 14th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1976 49 years ago — 86 years old

A lawyer and politician from Estonia, served as Prime Minister during a critical period. Assumed office in 1944 and led the Estonian government in exile after World War II. Advocated for Estonian sovereignty and worked to gain international recognition for the Estonian government in exile until death.

Continue Reading