What Happened This Year 1906

Born in 1906

Grete Sultan

Pianist and collaborator of John Cage
Born
June 21st, 1906 118 years ago
Died
2005 20 years ago — 99 years old

Born in Germany, a pianist emigrated to the United States in 1938, where significant contributions to contemporary music occurred. Collaborated extensively with composer John Cage, premiering many of his works. Actively performed throughout the 20th century, focusing on 20th-century classical repertoire. Involved in teaching and mentorship, influencing subsequent generations of musicians.

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Billy Wilder

Director of 'Some Like It Hot'
Born
June 22nd, 1906 118 years ago
Died
March 27th, 2002 22 years ago — 95 years old

Austrian-born American director, producer, and screenwriter, recognized for contributions to classic cinema. Migrated to the United States in the 1930s, transitioning from screenwriting to directing. Directed numerous acclaimed films, blending humor with social commentary. Collaborated with major studios and talent, influencing cinematic style and narrative structure. Achieved recognition through varied genres, including drama and comedy.

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Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Author and aviator with literary acclaim
Born
June 22nd, 1906 118 years ago
Died
February 7th, 2001 24 years ago — 94 years old

An author and aviator made significant contributions to American literature and aviation. Wrote several books, including the renowned 'Gift from the Sea', a reflection on women's roles and the balance between personal fulfillment and societal expectations. Became the first woman to earn a full pilot's license in the United States, demonstrating skills in flying by participating in long-distance flights with her husband, Charles Lindbergh. Her writings often explore themes of love, motherhood, and the complexities of life, gaining a lasting audience and critical acclaim.

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Tribhuvan of Nepal

King of Nepal, led during restoration
Born
June 23rd, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1955 70 years ago — 49 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1911, played a significant role in the political landscape of Nepal. Exiled in 1950, returned to power following a popular uprising against the Rana regime. His reign marked the restoration of the monarchy and the establishment of democratic institutions in Nepal. Oversaw a transitional period that led to constitutional reforms, which laid the groundwork for a more inclusive governance structure.

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Pierre Fournier

Cellist and educator, classical music
Born
June 24th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1986 39 years ago — 79 years old

An accomplished cellist and educator, contributed significantly to classical music. Studied at the Paris Conservatory and gained recognition for both solo performances and collaborations with various orchestras. Served as a professor at prestigious music institutions, imparting knowledge to future generations of musicians. Recorded numerous albums, showcasing a wide repertoire that included works by Bach, Beethoven, and Dvorak. Associated with leading orchestras in Europe and the United States, highlighted performances at international festivals.

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Viktor Schreckengost

American sculptor and designer of ceramics
Born
June 26th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
January 26th, 2008 17 years ago — 101 years old

A prominent American sculptor and designer contributed significantly to the field of ceramics and industrial design. Several major institutions and galleries displayed works, emphasizing a blend of artistic vision and functionality. Created significant ceramic sculptures and served as a professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art, influencing generations of artists and designers. Left a lasting legacy with his innovative approach to decorative arts.

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Alberto Rabagliati

Italian singer and radio star
Born
June 26th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 68 years old

Active during the mid-20th century, achieved popularity as a leading figure in Italian music and radio. Contributed significantly to the development of the Italian pop music genre. Recorded numerous songs that resonated with the public, becoming a prominent voice in the cultural landscape of the time.

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Vernon Watkins

Welsh-American poet and painter
Born
June 27th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1967 58 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1906, this individual gained recognition for contributions to poetry and painting. Active primarily in the mid-20th century, works include collections such as 'The Death of a Bird' and 'The Last Age'. The association with the Welsh literary scene was significant, and this poet's writing often reflected themes of identity and nature. Collaboration with other literary figures marked the career, particularly participation in the Group of Seven poets, which included notable contemporaries. The blend of visual art with poetic expression defined a unique artistic approach.

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Maria Goeppert Mayer

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
Born
June 28th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 66 years old

A German-American physicist contributed significantly to the understanding of nuclear structure. Developed the shell model of the nucleus, which describes the arrangement of protons and neutrons. Worked at several institutions including Columbia University and the University of California, San Diego. Shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963 with J. Hans D. Jensen and Eugene Wigner for achievements in the field. Focused research on the behavior of nuclear particles and interactions.

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