What Happened This Year 1917

Born in 1917

Evelyn Knight

American singer with hit 'A Little Bird Told Me'
Born
December 31st, 1917 107 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 90 years old

Started a career in music in the late 1930s, gaining prominence through radio and recording. Achieved considerable success with the hit single 'A Little Bird Told Me' in 1948, which topped the charts and became a defining song of the era. Her style blended traditional pop and easy listening, appealing to a wide audience. Continued to perform and record throughout the subsequent decades, contributing to a rich legacy in the American music scene.

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Wilfrid Noyce

Mountaineer and author of climbing literature
Born
December 31st, 1917 107 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1962 62 years ago — 44 years old

A prominent English mountaineer and author, contributed significantly to mountaineering literature and exploration. Played a key role in the first ascent of Makalu in 1955 as part of a British expedition. Authored several works on mountain climbing, including 'The Hard Road' which detailed personal experiences and the philosophy of climbing. Actively participated in numerous expeditions to the Himalayas and other regions, promoting the sport and sharing knowledge on climbing techniques and ethics.

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Malcolm Forbes

American publisher and entrepreneur
Born
August 19th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1990 35 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent publisher, focused on business and finance, established Forbes Magazine in 1917, which gained recognition for reporting on global economic trends and entrepreneurship. Led the magazine through significant growth, transforming it into a leading source of information on wealth and business strategies. Active in various business ventures including the Forbes Group, the publication's renowned ranking lists, such as the Forbes 400, became standard references for gauging American wealth. Notable for advocating for economic freedom and entrepreneurship, supported numerous philanthropic causes related to education and healthcare.

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Adam Malik

Indonesian politician and diplomat
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1984 40 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 3rd Vice President of Indonesia from 1971 to 1973. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement, contributing to Indonesia's foreign policy and international relations during his tenure. Held various diplomatic positions, including as Indonesia's ambassador to the United States and as the Minister of Information. Actively engaged in promoting international peace and cooperation.

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Johnny Sain

Baseball player and coach with Braves
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
November 7th, 2006 18 years ago — 89 years old

Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Boston Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Yankees. Transitioned to coaching, contributing to the development of pitching staffs for various teams. Achieved success as a player, including All-Star selections and a significant role in the Braves' 1948 pennant win. Later, coaching positions further solidified a legacy in professional baseball.

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Zhou Xiaoyan

Soprano and music educator
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2016 9 years ago — 99 years old

A prominent Chinese soprano and music educator, contributed significantly to the field of vocal performance and education. Served as a professor at various prestigious institutions and mentored numerous students in classical music. Performed in leading roles in major operas and concert halls across China and internationally. Worked to promote Chinese music and culture through performances and educational initiatives.

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Kika Szaszkiewiczowa

Polish author and blogger
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
August 11th, 2014 10 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent author and blogger, focused on literature and writing. Contributed significantly to literary discourse through engaging online platforms and published works. Developed a unique voice that resonated with a wide audience, combining personal experiences with broader cultural commentary. Fostered a community of readers and writers, promoting discourse around contemporary themes in Poland. Achieved recognition for insightful observations on society and culture.

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Alice Pearce

Actress best known for television roles
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1966 59 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent American actress, achieved recognition for roles in theater and television. Gained notable acclaim for playing the character Gladys Kravitz on the television series 'Bewitched'. Her career spanned various performances on Broadway and television, showcasing talent in both comedic and dramatic roles. Pearce's work in film included appearances in productions such as 'It's a Great Feeling' and 'The Time of Their Lives'. She was awarded an Emmy Award for her performance on 'Bewitched', solidifying her legacy in American entertainment.

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Henry Ries

Photographer with iconic Berlin images
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
May 24th, 2004 20 years ago — 87 years old

A German-American photographer, Ries documented the Berlin Wall and its impact on divided Germany. His photographic work captured the essence of East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Moving to the United States after World War II, he became a significant figure in photojournalism, contributing to various publications. His work received recognition in exhibitions and contributed to the historical narrative of post-war Berlin.

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