What Happened This Year 1927

Born in 1927

Norm Prescott

Animator and co-founder of Filmation
Born
January 31st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2005 19 years ago — 78 years old

An American animator, producer, and composer co-founded Filmation Studios, which became a prominent studio in animation during the 1960s and 1970s. The studio was responsible for popularizing animated television series such as 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' and 'Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids'. Prescott contributed to the creation of numerous beloved characters and series that defined the era of Saturday morning cartoons. His work in animation helped shape the landscape of children’s programming, making a lasting impact on the industry.

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Galway Kinnell

American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
February 1st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2014 10 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1927, the individual contributed significantly to American poetry, gaining recognition for a body of work that delved into themes of nature, love, and the human experience. The poetry collection 'Selected Poems' won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1983. An academic, the individual taught at several institutions, including New York University and the University of Vermont. The individual’s work often reflected personal experiences and broader societal issues, earning a place in contemporary literature.

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Doris Sams

Baseball player, All-American Girls League
Born
February 2nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
June 28th, 2012 12 years ago — 85 years old

A baseball player contributed significantly to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1940s and 1950s. Played as an outfielder and pitcher, showcasing versatility on the field. In 1946, earned the league's batting title, demonstrating exceptional skill in hitting. Represented the Fort Wayne Daisies and the Minneapolis Millerettes among other teams, achieving recognition for on-field performances. Inducted into the the Women’s Sports Foundation Hall of Fame, honoring contributions to women's sports.

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Stan Getz

Jazz saxophonist and bossa nova influencer
Born
February 2nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1991 33 years ago — 64 years old

An influential jazz saxophonist, became prominent in the 1940s and 1950s. Notable for a smooth and lyrical playing style, which contributed significantly to the bossa nova craze in the United States during the 1960s. Collaborated with numerous artists, including João Gilberto and Astrud Gilberto, on the album 'Getz/Gilberto', which featured the classic track 'The Girl from Ipanema'. His contributions to jazz music led to multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career.

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Blas Ople

Filipino journalist and Senate President
Born
February 3rd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2003 21 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a prominent journalist and politician in the Philippines. Held the position of Secretary of Labor and Employment as well as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Elected as the President of the Senate, playing a significant role in the legislative process of the country. Contributed to discussions on labor rights, international diplomacy, and economic policies throughout a long career in public service.

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Kenneth Anger

Experimental filmmaker and author
Born
February 3rd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 96 years old

An influential figure in underground cinema, established a unique style that combined elements of mysticism, sexuality, and avant-garde techniques. Directed acclaimed short films such as 'Scorpio Rising' and 'Lucifer Rising', which explored taboo subjects and showcased innovative editing techniques. Authored 'Hollywood Babylon', a controversial book revealing scandalous stories about Hollywood's history. Often associated with the psychedelic and countercultural movements of the 1960s.

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Rolf Landauer

Physicist known for Landauer's principle
Born
February 4th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1999 25 years ago — 72 years old

A German-American physicist and academic, made significant contributions in the field of theoretical physics, particularly information theory and its relation to thermodynamics. In 1961, introduced Landauer's principle, which established a fundamental link between information processing and energy consumption. Worked at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and contributed to the development of quantum computing and noise in electronic devices. Held various academic positions, including professor at universities in the United States.

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Jacob Veldhuyzen van Zanten

Dutch airline captain and pilot
Born
February 5th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1977 47 years ago — 50 years old

Born in the Netherlands in 1927, this individual served as a captain for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. He piloted various aircraft, gaining extensive experience in the aviation field. The most notable event in his career was leading Flight 4805, which tragically ended in a collision at Tenerife Airport in 1977, resulting in the deadliest airline accident in history. This incident greatly influenced aviation safety regulations and cockpit communication practices.

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Gerard K. O'Neill

American physicist and space advocate
Born
February 6th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
April 27th, 1992 32 years ago — 65 years old

Contributions to physics included pioneering work in high-energy particle physics and the development of concepts for space colonization. Established the Space Studies Institute in 1977 to promote research in space technology and utilization. Published influential works including 'The High Frontier: Human Colonies in Space,' which proposed building space habitats and transforming the human experience beyond Earth. Served as a professor at Princeton University and had a significant impact on both theoretical and practical aspects of space exploration.

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