What Happened This Year 1915

Born in 1915

Rudolf Kirchschläger

Austrian politician and former president
Born
March 20th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
March 30th, 2000 24 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 8th President of Austria from 1974 to 1986. Before presidency, held various notable positions in the Austrian judiciary, including serving as a judge and court president. Contributed significantly to Austrian politics and represented the country in international contexts. Played a crucial role in domestic policy and governance during his tenure, focusing on issues related to justice and public service.

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Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Gospel singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
March 20th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 58 years old

A pioneering figure in gospel music, this artist combined traditional hymns with popular music elements, influencing the development of rock and roll. Recorded the hit song 'This Train' and became a prominent figure in the gospel genre. Performed extensively in the 1930s and 1940s, gaining a loyal audience through live performances and recordings. Collaborated with various musicians, helping bridge the gap between gospel and secular music.

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Vasily Zaytsev

Russian sniper during WWII
Born
March 23rd, 1915 109 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1991 33 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a captain in the Soviet Army during World War II. Gained prominence during the Battle of Stalingrad, where exceptional marksmanship resulted in the elimination of numerous enemy soldiers. Participated in sniper duels and demonstrated remarkable tactical acumen, which contributed to the Soviet defense. Zaytsev became a symbol of Soviet resistance and heroism, earning recognition among both soldiers and civilians.

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Dorothy Squires

Welsh singer and actress
Born
March 25th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Wales, a significant figure in British music during the mid-20th century. Rose to prominence with a successful singing career, celebrated for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Gained recognition for a series of popular songs and recordings, especially in the pop and traditional genres. Collaborated with numerous artists and contributed to various musical productions. In addition to music, ventured into acting and appeared in theatrical performances. Continued performing until advanced age, showcasing resilience and dedication to art.

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Hwang Sun-won

North Korean author and poet
Born
March 26th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
2000 25 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent author and poet, contributed significantly to North Korean literature. Worked in various capacities within the government and literary circles. Gained recognition for literary works that reflect North Korean society and ideology. Wrote novels, essays, and poetry during a time of political turmoil, capturing the essence of everyday life in North Korea and its evolving conditions.

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Lennart Strandberg

Swedish sprinter and Olympic athlete
Born
March 26th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1989 36 years ago — 74 years old

Participated in athletics, specializing in sprint events. Competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, representing Sweden. Achieved notable success in various national championships throughout the 1930s. Strandberg's performances in short-distance races showcased speed and athleticism, contributing to Sweden's presence in international track and field competitions.

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Robert Lockwood Jr.

American guitarist and blues musician
Born
March 27th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1915, a notable American guitarist contributed significantly to the blues genre. Involved in the Chicago blues scene, worked closely with luminaries such as Muddy Waters and appeared on many recordings. Released several albums, showcasing a unique blend of delta blues and Chicago styles. Recognized for extraordinary skill on the guitar and distinctive vocal style, influenced many musicians in the blues and rock genres. Received the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998, highlighting his contributions to American music.

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Jay Livingston

Singer-songwriter, 'Que Sera, Sera'
Born
March 28th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
October 17th, 2001 23 years ago — 86 years old

An American singer-songwriter contributed significantly to the music industry during the mid-20th century. Collaborated extensively with Ray Evans, with whom he co-wrote numerous successful songs. Secured an Oscar Award for Best Original Song for 'Que Sera, Sera' in 1956, a song that became popular through its association with the Doris Day film 'The Man Who Knew Too Much.' The partnership yielded many hit songs that remain standards in American music.

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Pietro Ingrao

Italian journalist and communist leader
Born
March 30th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2015 9 years ago — 100 years old

Born in 1915, a prominent figure in Italian politics and journalism, focused on leftist ideologies. Ingrao served as a member of the Italian Communist Party and later the Democratic Party of the Left. He was a key voice during the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for workers' rights and social justice. His work as a journalist included contributions to publications like 'L'Unità'. Ingrao held various political positions, including serving in the Italian Chamber of Deputies. He retired from active politics in the late 1990s, continuing to write and contribute to political discourse.

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