What Happened This Year 1919

Born in 1919

Bill Nicholson

Football manager and player with Tottenham
Born
January 26th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2004 20 years ago — 85 years old

Started a career as a football player, distinguishing as a right winger at the club Tottenham Hotspur, where he served from 1936 to 1942. Transitioned to management in 1958, leading Tottenham to significant victories, including their first FA Cup trophy in 1961 and the UEFA Cup in 1972. His tenure contributed to the establishment of Tottenham as a formidable force in English football.

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Hyun Soong-jong

South Korean Prime Minister and politician
Born
January 26th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 101 years old

Served as the 24th Prime Minister of South Korea from 1960 to 1961. Involved in significant political developments during a period of rapid transformation in South Korea. Played a role in addressing pressing national issues and implementing policies that shaped the direction of the country's governance. Contributed to the political landscape through various governmental functions.

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Ross Bagdasarian Sr.

Singer-songwriter and creator of Chipmunks
Born
January 27th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 53 years old

An American singer-songwriter, pianist, producer, and actor, contributed to the music industry through the creation of the animated musical group Alvin and the Chipmunks. The group debuted in 1958 and became a significant cultural phenomenon. The first album, "Sing Alvin Sing," featured the hit song 'The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)', which won a Grammy Award. This innovative approach combined humor and music, appealing to both children and adults. The success of Alvin and the Chipmunks led to numerous sequels, animated television series, and films, making a lasting mark on pop culture.

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Gabby Gabreski

American colonel and fighter pilot
Born
January 28th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
January 31st, 2002 23 years ago — 83 years old

Served as a pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. Achieved ace status during World War II, credited with 28 enemy aircraft destroyed. After the war, continued service in the Air Force and held various positions, ultimately attaining the rank of colonel. Worked for Grumman Aerospace Corporation following retirement from military service.

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Fred Korematsu

American civil rights activist and plaintiff
Born
January 30th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
March 30th, 2005 20 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1919, an American civil rights activist who challenged the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. In 1942, refused to comply with the evacuation order that forced Japanese Americans into internment camps, leading to his arrest. This act of defiance resulted in a landmark Supreme Court case, Korematsu v. United States, which upheld the internment policy at that time. Later in life, continued to speak out against injustice and discrimination, receiving recognition for contributions to civil rights. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 for efforts in advocating for social justice.

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Jackie Robinson

Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
January 31st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1972 52 years ago — 53 years old

A significant figure in baseball history, this player broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. Playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, he was the first African American to play in the league in the modern era. Over ten seasons, he garnered numerous accolades, showcasing exceptional skills while also being a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights. After retiring from baseball, he became a sportscaster, furthering his influence in athletics and society.

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Lisa Della Casa

Swiss soprano and actress
Born
February 2nd, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1919, this soprano and actress achieved acclaim in the world of opera and theater. Training in her native Switzerland paved the way for a prominent career. Performance highlights included roles in operas such as 'The Marriage of Figaro' and 'Der Rosenkavalier'. Renowned for her interpretations of Mozart and Richard Strauss, she performed at prestigious venues including the Vienna State Opera and La Scala. Her versatility extended to the concert stage, where she garnered attention for her vocal artistry. Della Casa also made notable contributions to recordings, leaving behind a legacy of operatic performances. She passed away in 2012, remembered for her exceptional talent.

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Red Buttons

American actor and comedian
Born
February 5th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2006 18 years ago — 87 years old

Began a career in entertainment as a stand-up comedian before transitioning to television and film. Received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role in 'Sayonara'. Gained popularity through appearances on television shows including 'The Red Buttons Show', which aired from 1952 to 1955. Also appeared in popular movies such as 'The Longest Day' and 'Harlow'.

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Tim Holt

American actor in Western films
Born
February 5th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 54 years old

Tim Holt gained prominence in the film industry during the 1940s and 1950s, particularly recognized for performances in Westerns. Achievements include roles in the classic films 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' and 'The Last of the Mohicans'. He starred in numerous other Westerns, where he often played heroic roles. Holt's career spanned over three decades, with contributions to both film and television. In his later years, he appeared in guest roles on television shows.

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