What Happened This Year 1931

Born in 1931

Alvin Lucier

Composer known for 'I Am Sitting in a Room'
Born
May 14th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent composer and academic, contributed significantly to the field of experimental music. Received an A.B. from the University of New Hampshire and studied at Brandeis University. Developed a unique style that often incorporated speech and sound, aiming to explore the relationship between music and the physical environment. Created works that investigated sound and its perceptual implications. Taught at multiple institutions, sharing knowledge with emerging musicians and composers.

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Ken Venturi

Golf champion and sportscaster
Born
May 15th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 11 years ago — 82 years old

Accomplished golfer and sportscaster achieved significant recognition in the golfing world. Won the 1964 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club after overcoming a severe personal challenge. Transitioned to a long career in broadcasting with CBS Sports, where provided insightful commentary and analysis of golf tournaments. Contributed to the sport's popularity through a unique ability to connect with audiences.

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James Fitz-Allen Mitchell

Vincentian politician and agronomist
Born
May 15th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from 1984 to 1995. Played a significant role in developing the agricultural sector and promoting economic growth through agriculture. Also contributed to education policies and initiatives aimed at improving health services in the country. Involved in various political and economic organizations representing the interests of the nation.

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Vujadin Boškov

Football manager and player
Born
May 16th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
April 27th, 2014 10 years ago — 82 years old

Played as a midfielder for several clubs during a career that spanned from the 1940s to the 1960s. Managed the Yugoslav national team, leading them to the semi-finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Coached prominent clubs, including Sampdoria, with whom achieved considerable success in Serie A. Recognized for contributions to football as a player and manager in several international tournaments.

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Lowell P. Weicker Jr.

American politician, 85th Governor of Connecticut
Born
May 16th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 92 years old

An American politician served as the 85th governor of Connecticut from 1991 to 1995. Entered politics after serving in the U.S. Army, holding positions in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Championed various reforms during tenure as governor, including the implementation of a state income tax to address budget deficits.

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Hana Brady

Jewish-Czech Holocaust victim, child deportee
Born
May 16th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
1944 81 years ago — 13 years old

Born in Czechoslovakia, integrated into a close-knit Jewish family. Life was disrupted with the Nazi occupation during World War II. Deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp alongside other Jewish families. Ultimately transported to Auschwitz, where perished at a young age. The story and belongings, particularly a suitcase, became symbolic of the Holocaust experience and were used in educational contexts to raise awareness about the atrocities faced.

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Dewey Redman

Saxophonist known for jazz improvisation
Born
May 17th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2006 18 years ago — 75 years old

An influential American saxophonist, associated with the free jazz movement, contributed to the evolution of jazz through improvisational techniques and collaborations. Worked extensively with notable musicians, including his tenure with the great Ornette Coleman. Participated in various ensembles, showcasing multifaceted musicianship across bebop, free jazz, and various innovative styles throughout the decades. Released several albums, and his work remains significant in the exploration of jazz aesthetics.

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Marshall Applewhite

Cult leader and founder of Heaven's Gate
Born
May 17th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 66 years old

A cult leader founded the religious group Heaven's Gate in the 1970s. The group combined elements of Christian theology with beliefs in extraterrestrial life. Applewhite led followers in embracing a belief system that proposed spiritual ascension and the possibility of physical transformation into non-human beings. In 1997, the group gained notoriety when 39 members died in a mass suicide in California, believing they would transition to an extraterrestrial spacecraft following the Hale-Bopp comet.

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Robert Morse

American actor and Broadway star
Born
May 18th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 91 years old

An influential American actor with a career spanning several decades in theater and television. Achieved prominence for his role as Bertram Cooper in the series 'Mad Men.' Gained acclaim in the Broadway production of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,' winning a Tony Award for his performance. Morse's work in theater included various roles in notable productions, establishing him as a prominent figure in the American stage scene. His career also encompassed television movies and stage adaptations, showcasing his versatility across formats.

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