What Happened This Year 1926

Born in 1926

Ray Price

Country music singer and guitarist
Born
January 12th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2013 11 years ago — 87 years old

A significant figure in country music, Price established a distinctive sound that blended honky-tonk and traditional pop. His career began in the 1940s, gaining prominence as a member of the Big Bopper Band. Price's innovative approach to music brought orchestration and lush arrangements into the country genre. He was instrumental in developing the Nashville sound, which contributed to the genre's popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. Price wrote many original songs, including 'For the Good Times,' which became emblematic of his style, and he released numerous successful albums throughout his career. Price's contributions to music were recognized with multiple awards, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996.

Continue Reading

Michael Bond

Author of Paddington Bear series
Born
January 13th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 91 years old

An English author wrote the beloved children's book series featuring Paddington Bear, a character who arrived from Peru. The first book, published in 1958, introduced readers to Paddington's adventures in London. Bond created the character inspired by a toy bear purchased for his own children. Over the years, numerous Paddington books were published, capturing the charm and innocence of childhood. The series has been adapted into television shows and films, bringing the character to a wider audience. Bond's works have remained popular across generations, enchanting millions of children and parents alike.

Continue Reading

Carolyn Gold Heilbrun

American academic and author
Born
January 13th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
October 9th, 2003 21 years ago — 77 years old

Played a significant role in academia and literature, focusing on women's studies and feminist theory. Served as a professor at Columbia University, where contributions to gender and literary studies were notable. Authored the mystery series featuring the character Amanda Cross, which explored themes of feminist identity and intellectual life. Contributed to various scholarly publications and wrote several critical essays on women's roles in literature.

Continue Reading

Melba Liston

Trombonist and composer of jazz music
Born
January 13th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent trombonist and composer contributed significantly to the world of jazz. Collaborated with influential artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Billie Holiday. Developed a unique style that blended traditional jazz with innovative arrangements. Composed numerous pieces, gaining recognition in the jazz community for both musicianship and compositions. Participated in various jazz festivals and educational programs dedicated to advancing music and mentoring young musicians.

Continue Reading

Tom Tryon

American actor and horror novelist
Born
January 14th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1991 33 years ago — 65 years old

An actor and author, Tryon appeared in several films and television series throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His notable acting credits include roles in "The Cardinal" and "The Encounter." Transitioning to writing, Tryon published several novels, with "Crowned Heads" and "The Other" achieving significant success, particularly in the horror genre. He gained recognition as a horror novelist, with thematic explorations often rooted in psychological elements and supernatural occurrences.

Continue Reading

Warren Mitchell

English actor and writer for television
Born
January 14th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
November 14th, 2015 9 years ago — 89 years old

An English actor and screenwriter, specializations included television and theatre. Gained recognition for portraying the character Alf Garnett in the television series 'Till Death Us Do Part'. This role highlighted social issues and class struggles in British society during the 1960s and 1970s. Worked in various theatre productions and television shows, contributing significantly to the arts.

Continue Reading

Frank Aletter

American actor in 'The Love Boat'
Born
January 14th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2009 16 years ago — 83 years old

An American actor contributed to television and film, primarily recognized for work in the series 'The Love Boat', where played the role of Dr. Adam Bricker. Aletter also had appearances in other television series and films, displaying a range of acting skills across different genres. In addition, he performed in stage productions and was involved in voice acting, showcasing versatility in performance arts throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Maria Schell

Austrian-Swiss actress in film and theater
Born
January 15th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
April 26th, 2005 20 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1926, this actress gained international recognition for performances in both German and American cinema. Key roles included appearances in 'The Brothers Karamazov' and 'Giselle', showcasing talent across various genres. The actress also appeared in notable films such as 'The Last Chance' and 'The Man Between', contributing to her status as a prominent figure in the film industry during the mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Newton N. Minow

American lawyer and politician
Born
January 17th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent lawyer and politician, contributed significantly to public service and communication policy. Served as the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 1961 to 1963, where policies shaped television and broadcasting standards. Advocated for community-oriented programming and made calls for more educational content during tenure. Later played a role in various legal and civic organizations reflecting a commitment to law and public interest.

Continue Reading