What Happened This Year 1917

Born in 1917

Jens Evensen

Norwegian lawyer and Minister of Trade
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
February 15th, 2004 22 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent Norwegian lawyer and politician, served as Minister of Trade from 1971 to 1972. Played a significant role in development of the Law of the Sea, contributing to the negotiation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Worked as a judge in the Supreme Court of Norway. Contributed to international maritime law and the protection of Norway's fishing rights.

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Murry Wilson

Songwriter and manager of The Beach Boys
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
June 4th, 1973 53 years ago — 56 years old

A songwriter, producer, and manager, significantly influenced the music of the early 1960s. Managed and supported the successful career of The Beach Boys, a band acclaimed for their harmonies and innovative sound. Contributed to the band's lyrical themes centered around youth and surf culture. Involved in the production of many of their early hits, fostering their rise to fame.

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Danny Gallivan

Canadian sportscaster and play-by-play voice
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1993 33 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent Canadian sportscaster, played a significant role in broadcasting hockey, particularly with the Montreal Canadiens. His distinctive voice and style helped shape the way the sport was presented to audiences across Canada. Gallivan served as the play-by-play announcer for the Canadiens for several decades, becoming a beloved figure among fans. He also contributed to the coverage of other sports through various media platforms throughout his career.

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Kim Won-gyun

North Korean composer and politician
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2002 24 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent composer, engaged in the development of North Korean music, contributed significantly to the country's cultural scene. Played a major role in state-sponsored music events and served as a member of the Supreme People's Assembly, influencing the political and cultural landscape. His compositions often reflected the themes of patriotism and the revolutionary spirit of North Korea, aligning with the state's ideologies. Developed a distinct style that incorporated traditional Korean elements, merging them with contemporary musical forms, to create a unique sound that resonated within North Korean society.

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David McClelland

Psychologist, established need theory
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1998 28 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of psychology with the development of the need for achievement theory. Focused on how individual differences in motivation affect performance. Served as a professor at Harvard University, influencing the study of personality and motivation. Authored several influential books and articles, advancing the understanding of human behavior and motivation in various contexts, including education and the workplace.

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Dik Browne

Cartoonist, creator of Hagar the Horrible
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
June 4th, 1989 37 years ago — 72 years old

A cartoonist contributed significantly to the comic strip medium. Created the comic strip 'Hagar the Horrible,' which debuted in 1973. The strip featured the humorous misadventures of a Viking and his family. Worked on various other projects but achieved lasting recognition primarily through 'Hagar the Horrible.'

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Fay Kanin

Screenwriter and producer of 'The Bad Seed'
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
March 27th, 2013 13 years ago — 96 years old

A screenwriter and producer, contributed significantly to film and television during a career spanning several decades. Developed the screenplay for 'The Bad Seed', which became a classic psychological thriller. Served as the president of the Writers Guild of America, cementing influence in the industry. Wrote and produced numerous teleplays, including adaptations of literary works, showcasing talent in storytelling and character development.

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Billy Butterfield

Trumpet player and bandleader of swing era
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1988 38 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent trumpet and cornet player, contributed to the development of big band music during the swing era. Played with renowned orchestras, including the Bob Crosby Orchestra and the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Led his own band, which gained recognition in dance halls and on radio broadcasts. Butterfield's warm tone and expressive phrasing contributed significantly to the sound of the music of the time.

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Milton Resnick

Painter, Abstract Expressionism
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2004 22 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent figure in Abstract Expressionism, contributed significantly to the New York School of painting. Emigrated from Russia in childhood, later studied at the National Academy of Design and the New School for Social Research. Established a unique style characterized by large canvases, vibrant colors, and textured surfaces. Served as a professor at various institutions, mentoring the next generation of artists. Resnick's work remains influential in modern art circles.

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