What Happened This Year 1915

Born in 1915

Jerome Lawrence

Playwright and co-author of Inherit the Wind
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
February 29th, 2004 21 years ago — 89 years old

This American playwright collaborated with Robert E. Lee to create notable works including plays, adaptations, and original stories. The playwright's most recognized work, 'Inherit the Wind', premiered in 1955 and explores the themes of science versus religion. Other significant works include 'The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail' and 'Auntie Mame', which have been adapted into successful films. The playwright's contributions to theatre earned acclaim and recognition in the American arts community.

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Billo Frómeta

Dominican conductor and composer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1988 36 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent Dominican conductor and composer, significant contributions were made to merengue music. Established Billo's Caracas Boys, a popular band that helped popularize merengue in the mid-20th century. Conducted numerous performances across Latin America and the Caribbean, influencing the genre's development. Composed various merengue pieces that became staples in the music repertoire of the Dominican Republic.

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Achille Zavatta

French clown and circus performer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 16th, 1993 31 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Tunisia, achieved prominence as a circus clown and performer. Started performing at a young age, gained recognition in France and internationally. Developed a unique style combining humor and acrobatics. Became a staple in various circuses, captivating audiences with elaborate performances and charm. Also ventured into television, showcasing talents in various shows. Left a lasting legacy in the world of circus and entertainment.

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Gardner Ackley

Economist and U.S. Ambassador to Italy
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

An economist and diplomat contributed to economic policy and international relations. Served as the United States Ambassador to Italy from 1977 to 1981. Held various positions in academia, including as a professor at the University of Michigan. Authored several works on economic theory and policy, influencing both academic circles and government practices.

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Robert Hofstadter

American physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1990 34 years ago — 75 years old

A physicist conducted pioneering research in the structure of nucleons through electron scattering experiments. Contributed significantly to the field of quantum electrodynamics and understanding of strong interactions. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1961 for his work in measuring the charge distribution within the proton and neutron, which advanced knowledge in particle physics. Held academic positions at Stanford University, influencing the next generation of physicists.

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Ruth Stone

American poet and recipient of Pulitzer Prize
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
November 19th, 2011 13 years ago — 96 years old

A significant figure in American poetry, this poet gained prominence for an evocative style and deep emotional resonance. Stone published numerous poetry collections, with her works often reflecting personal experiences and broader human themes. Her career included teaching at various institutions and inspiring students with her passion for language and expression. The poet received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2009 for her collection 'What Love Comes To: New and Selected Poems,' which underscored her lasting influence and artistic contribution to the literary world.

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Tex Hill

General and World War II pilot
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2007 17 years ago — 92 years old

A South Korean-American general and pilot, significant contributions were made during World War II as a member of the Flying Tigers, a volunteer group of pilots fighting against Japanese forces. After the war, served in various capacities, including as a general in the U.S. Air Force, where leadership impacted military aviation strategy.

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Werner von Trapp

Austrian-American singer in The Sound of Music
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2007 17 years ago — 92 years old

Born into a prominent musical family in Austria, a member of the Trapp Family Singers achieved fame through performances in Europe and the United States. The family's story inspired the Broadway musical and film, The Sound of Music. Following World War II, they emigrated to the U.S., where they continued to perform and promote their music. The group became known for their choral arrangements of traditional Austrian and German folk songs. They toured extensively, bringing their music to a wide audience until their eventual retirement in the 1950s.

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Ren Xinmin

Chinese rocket scientist and engineer
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2017 8 years ago — 102 years old

Significant contributions to China's space program occurred throughout a career as a rocket scientist and engineer. Played a crucial role in several major projects involved in the development of satellite launch vehicles. Led efforts in the design and testing of the Long March rocket series, pivotal for China's space missions. Oversaw advancements in propulsion technology that facilitated the successful launch of various satellites.

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