What Happened This Year 1916

Born in 1916

Martha Settle Putney

American historian and educator
Born
November 9th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 92 years old

A lieutenant in the United States Army, contributed significantly to the documentation of African American military history. Focused on the achievements of African Americans during World War II, authored several notable works on the subject, including 'The African American Experience in World War II'. Worked as an educator and actively participated in civil rights initiatives, promoting awareness and education on race relations. Played a vital role in historical preservation within the African American community through research and teaching.

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Louis le Brocquy

Irish painter and illustrator
Born
November 10th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
April 25th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old

An influential painter and illustrator, this artist explored themes of human existence and identity through a distinct style. Works often incorporated the use of light and color to create depth and emotion. Significant contributions to art included participation in various international exhibitions and receiving several prestigious awards. This individual created notable series of portraits and illustrations, showcasing a deep understanding of form and texture.

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Billy May

Trumpet player and composer
Born
November 10th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2004 21 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent American trumpet player and composer, contributed significantly to the big band era of music. Worked with various orchestras and artists, bringing innovation to arrangements and compositions. Also known for the unique style of integrating jazz and popular music.

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Robert Carr

English engineer and Shadow Chancellor
Born
November 11th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old

Engaged in engineering and political service, served as the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. Advocated for various fiscal policies within the Labour Party, shaping the economic discourse during tenure. Played a pivotal role in party strategies and governance, influencing economic discussions in the UK.

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Jean Papineau-Couture

Canadian composer and academic
Born
November 12th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
August 11th, 2000 24 years ago — 83 years old

Contributions to Canadian music included composition, teaching, and academic roles. Involved in the development of contemporary music in Canada through various organizations. Notably served as a faculty member at several institutions, influencing generations of musicians. Established a significant body of work that features orchestral, choral, and chamber music. Acknowledged for contributions to music education and composition.

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Sherwood Schwartz

Television producer behind sitcoms
Born
November 14th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2011 13 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent television producer and writer, this individual created several beloved sitcoms during the mid-20th century. The most notable works include 'The Brady Bunch' and 'Gilligan's Island', which became iconic representations of American family life and adventure, respectively. Schwartz also contributed to the development of variety shows, enhancing the landscape of television comedy. His ability to create engaging characters and memorable storylines established a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

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Nita Barrow

Barbadian nurse and politician, Governor-General
Born
November 15th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 79 years old

Significant contributions were made to healthcare and governance in Barbados. Served as the 7th Governor-General of Barbados, overseeing various ceremonial duties from 1990 until 1995. Prior to that, held positions that combined both nursing and public service. Advocated for healthcare improvements and actively participated in organizations focused on health and women's issues in the Caribbean.

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Bill Melendez

Voice actor and animator for Peanuts
Born
November 15th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2008 16 years ago — 91 years old

A Mexican-American voice actor, animator, director, and producer, contributed greatly to the Peanuts franchise. Worked as a director for numerous animated specials and features based on Charles M. Schulz's comic strip. Voiced the character of Snoopy in many productions and played key roles in bringing the beloved characters to life through animation. Established an animation studio that focused on producing high-quality animated projects. Collaborated with various networks and produced seasonal specials, achieving significant acclaim within the animation community.

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Daws Butler

Voice Actor for Animation Classics
Born
November 16th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 72 years old

This individual contributed extensively to voice acting, particularly in animation. Most recognized for voicing iconic characters, achieved prominence through work with major studios including Hanna-Barbera. Created memorable voices for characters such as Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and Quick Draw McGraw. Also performed as a singer in various projects. Influenced generations of animators and voice actors through techniques and character development.

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