What Happened This Year 1903

Born in 1903

Lucienne Boyer

French singer of romantic chansons
Born
August 18th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1983 41 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent French singer, active primarily in the early to mid-20th century, achieved widespread popularity with emotive performances of romantic chansons. Rose to fame with signature songs that captured the essence of French music during this period. Contributed to the chanson genre with numerous recordings and performances that resonated deeply with audiences. Continued to perform well into the 20th century, highlighting a dedicated commitment to her craft.

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Jerry Iger

Cartoonist, co-founder of Eisner & Iger
Born
August 22nd, 1903 121 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1990 34 years ago — 87 years old

Established a successful studio that produced comic strips and graphic novels. Collaborated with Will Eisner to create notable works in the comic industry. Pioneered various comic styles and formats during the early years of the medium. Contributed to the growth of the American comic book industry in the 20th century through innovative publishing strategies.

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Karl Hanke

German businessman and politician
Born
August 24th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 42 years old

Served as a prominent member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party and held various significant positions within the Nazi regime. Managed the German Economic Ministry during World War II and played a role in war production coordination. As Gauleiter of Lower Silesia, contributed to local governance and wartime policies. Post-war, was captured and tried, with sentences reflecting his political affiliations and wartime activities.

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Arpad Elo

American physicist and chess theorist
Born
August 25th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1992 32 years ago — 89 years old

Significant contributions to chess rankings through the Elo rating system, which standardized player rankings based on match results. Developed this system while working as a physicist and chess player. The Elo system is widely used in various competitive scenarios beyond chess. Published works on chess theory and rating, greatly influencing how player performance is evaluated in tournaments.

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Caroline Pafford Miller

American author, winner of Pulitzer Prize
Born
August 26th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1992 32 years ago — 88 years old

An author who received recognition for literary contributions, particularly noted for her novel 'Lamb in His Bosom,' which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1934. This work explored life in rural Georgia during the early 20th century and reflected the struggles of Southern life. Throughout her career, various works highlighted themes of resilience and cultural identity, contributing to the Southern literary tradition. She was active in writing for several decades, engaging with the rich tapestry of Southern history and heritage.

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Bhagwati Charan Verma

Indian author, notable for 'Jaise Ko Taisa'
Born
August 30th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent Indian author contributed significantly to Hindi literature. Published numerous works, including novels, short stories, and plays. 'Jaise Ko Taisa' stands out as one of the major novels. Engaged in themes of social issues, morality, and human relationships. Active during a time of cultural renaissance in India, influenced many contemporary writers. His literary career spanned several decades, during which he also worked on various editorial roles in periodicals.

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Arthur Godfrey

Television host and radio broadcaster
Born
August 31st, 1903 121 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1983 42 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent television host and radio broadcaster became widely recognized in the mid-20th century. Godfrey hosted the popular television program 'The Arthur Godfrey Show', which featured music, comedy, and interviews. His engaging style and distinctive personality attracted a large audience. Additionally, he was involved in a variety of radio shows throughout his career, enhancing his status in the entertainment industry. Notably, he cultivated many talents on his shows, including the famous singer and performer, the McGuire Sisters. Godfrey remained a significant figure in broadcasting until his later years, maintaining a presence in American popular culture.

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Phyllis A. Whitney

Author of mystery novels
Born
September 9th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 105 years old

An American author specialized in mystery novels, this writer started gaining prominence in the mid-20th century. Often referred to as the 'Queen of American Gothics,' she published over 75 novels throughout her career. Her works, which captivated readers with intricate plots and compelling characters, established her as a significant figure in the genre. The author received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Edgar Award for her contributions to mystery writing. Additionally, her novels have inspired adaptations that brought her storytelling to a wider audience.

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Edward Upward

Author of 'The Spiral Ascent'
Born
September 9th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2009 16 years ago — 105 years old

An English author and educator contributed significantly to literature throughout the 20th century. Upward published several novels, with 'The Spiral Ascent' receiving particular recognition for its exploration of political and personal themes. In addition to his novels, he was associated with the leftist literary group, the 'Group 47'. His work often reflected the socio-political issues of his time, demonstrating a strong narrative style that blended personal and political elements. Upward taught at various institutions, shaping the minds of future generations of writers and thinkers.

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