What Happened This Year 1920

Born in 1920

J. J. C. Smart

Philosopher and academic in Australia
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
October 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 92 years old

Contributed significantly to the philosophy of mind and philosophy of language. Held a position as professor at the Australian National University for several decades. Published influential works including 'Philosophy and Scientific Realism' and 'Multiple Realization'. Engaged in debates surrounding issues of materialism and the nature of consciousness.

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George Armitage Miller

Cognitive psychologist, founded psycholinguistics
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2012 12 years ago — 92 years old

An American psychologist contributed significantly to the understanding of cognitive psychology and linguistics. Founded the field of psycholinguistics, studying the interaction between language and cognition. Developed the concept of the 'magical number seven, plus or minus two', which describes the capacity of working memory. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the cognitive revolution in psychology during the 1950s and 1960s. Served as president of the American Psychological Association in 1969 and published extensively, influencing the areas of cognitive science and language processing.

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Amália Rodrigues

Fado singer and actress in Portugal
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
October 6th, 1999 25 years ago — 79 years old

Celebrated as the queen of Fado, significant contributions to Portuguese music established a legacy. Began a career in the 1930s, gaining popularity in cafes and theaters. Each performance showcased a unique voice and deep emotional expression that captivated audiences. Starred in films such as 'A Canção de Lisboa' and 'Fado, Histórias de Uma Cidade', intertwining music and cinema. Preserved traditional Fado music while also exploring new horizons within the genre, leading to international recognition. Received numerous awards throughout the career, including the Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique for contributions to Portuguese culture.

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Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay

Indian singer-songwriter and producer
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1989 35 years ago — 69 years old

Significant contributions to Bengali music occurred through the work of a singer-songwriter and producer. This individual started a career in music during the 1940s and quickly gained popularity through a blend of modern and folk music styles. Contributions included numerous film songs, especially for Bengali cinema, as well as solo albums that celebrated traditional themes. The person also influenced generations of musicians with a unique vocal style. The legacy continued through the preservation and popularization of Bengali music.

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Russell Arms

American actor and singer
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2012 13 years ago — 92 years old

This individual gained recognition as a popular singer and actor during the mid-20th century. He starred in the television series 'The Cattanooga Cats' and recorded music that charted through the 1950s. His work in television and music garnered a significant following, showcasing a blend of acting and vocal talent. The contributions to the entertainment landscape included appearances on various shows and performances that resonated with audiences during that era. Over decades, he participated in numerous projects, solidifying a place in the American entertainment scene.

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Zeno Colò

Olympic alpine skier from Italy
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1993 31 years ago — 73 years old

Competed in alpine skiing at the 1952 Winter Olympics, representing Italy. Achieved significant success in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup during the early 1950s, securing multiple podium finishes. Specialized in the downhill and giant slalom events. His competitive spirit and technical skill established a strong presence in the sport during his athletic career.

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Nils Bohlin

Swedish engineer, inventor of seat belt
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2002 22 years ago — 82 years old

An engineer from Sweden, contributed to automotive safety by inventing the three-point safety belt in 1959. This invention significantly improved passenger protection in vehicles and was adopted by various automobile manufacturers worldwide. Bohlin's design was instrumental in reducing injuries and fatalities associated with road traffic accidents. His innovation laid the groundwork for modern seatbelt systems, which are standard in vehicles today. Bohlin worked for Volvo and was committed to enhancing passenger safety in the automotive industry throughout his career.

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Zdeněk Rotrekl

Czech poet and historian
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2013 11 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent figure in Czech literature, significant contributions were made to poetry and historical studies. Rotrekl's poetry often explored themes of existence and identity. As a historian, extensive research focused on Czech history and cultural heritage. His literary work received critical acclaim, leading to his recognition within the literary community. Active in various literary circles, he participated in numerous literary events and discussions, further shaping Czech literature.

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S. Arthur Spiegel

American captain and federal judge
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 10 years ago — 94 years old

Served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Later pursued a legal career, becoming a notable lawyer in Ohio. Appointed as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, serving from 1973 until retirement in 1997. Made significant contributions to the legal system and presided over various important cases throughout tenure.

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