What Happened This Year 1931

Born in 1931

Edwin Meese

75th United States Attorney General
Born
December 2nd, 1931 93 years ago

Served as the 75th Attorney General of the United States from 1985 to 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. Prior to this role, held various positions within the Reagan administration, including Counselor to the President. Worked as a legal scholar and contributed to conservative legal theories during the 1980s. Played a significant role in shaping the administration's policy on crime and drug enforcement. Continued to be active in legal scholarship and conservative political activism post-administration.

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Wynton Kelly

Jazz pianist and composer, ‘Miles Ahead’
Born
December 2nd, 1931 93 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 40 years old

A prominent jazz pianist and composer emerged from the post-World War II jazz scene. Played with legendary trumpeter Miles Davis on seminal albums including ‘Miles Ahead’ and contributed uniquely to the jazz genre's evolution. Also performed with jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery and recorded extensively as a bandleader. His work is characterized by vibrant rhythms and intricate melodies. The distinctive style featured a blend of influences, contributing to the development of modal jazz and hard bop. Continued to perform and record until the late 1970s.

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Jaye P. Morgan

Singer and actress with TV spotlight
Born
December 3rd, 1931 93 years ago

Born in 1931, Jaye P. Morgan gained prominence as a singer and actress during the 1950s and 1960s. She appeared on several television shows, including 'The Tonight Show' and 'The Ed Sullivan Show', where her musical talents and charisma captivated audiences. Morgan also starred in films, with notable performances in 'The New Breed' and 'The Best Man'. In addition to her work in entertainment, she was a member of the 'Lawrence Welk Show' cast, showcasing her singing abilities. Morgan's career spanned decades, making contributions to both music and television.

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Franz Josef Degenhardt

German author and poet with political themes
Born
December 3rd, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 80 years old

An author and poet, recognized for works that engaged with social and political themes, capturing the complexities of German identity and history. Degenhardt's writings often combined personal narrative with broader societal issues, reflecting on post-war Germany and the political climate of the time. His poetry resonated with many, providing commentary on both contemporary events and historical contexts. The author's commitment to addressing challenging topics made his work significant during an era of great change in Germany.

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Alex Delvecchio

Ice hockey player and coach
Born
December 4th, 1931 93 years ago

Played as a center for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1950 to 1973. Captained the team during his final eight seasons. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979. Served as a coach for the Red Wings and worked in various management roles within the organization. Left a legacy as one of the franchise's all-time greats.

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Wally George

Radio and television host and commentator
Born
December 4th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent radio and television host, played a significant role in political commentary during the late 20th century. Hosted 'Wally George Show' which featured various political discussions and interviews. Engaged audiences through a confrontational style and often invited guests from different political backgrounds, fostering lively debates. The show became a platform for expressing right-wing views and opinions at a time when cable news was just emerging.

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Zeki Müren

Turkish singer-songwriter and actor
Born
December 6th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
September 24th, 1996 28 years ago — 64 years old

Celebrated for contributions to Turkish music and cinema, this artist began a career in the late 1940s. Notably, the individual became a prominent figure in the Turkish classical music genre, gaining a loyal fan base. The debut album was released in 1950, followed by numerous successful albums and singles throughout the decades. Apart from music, significant roles in films added to a multifaceted career. The artist also gained recognition for a distinctive performance style that featured ornate costumes and theatrical elements. Government honors included the title of 'State Artist', marking achievements in music and cultural representation.

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Allan B. Calhamer

Game designer, created Diplomacy game
Born
December 7th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 82 years old

A game designer created the strategic board game Diplomacy in 1954. This game focused on negotiations and alliances among players, simulating European political landscape prior to World War I. Calhamer initially developed the idea during his time in college, inspired by his interest in history and military strategy. Diplomacy became influential in the board game community and has been credited with popularizing the genre of negotiation-based games. The game expanded beyond traditional board game formats into online platforms, further increasing its reach. Various international editions of the game were produced, illustrating its enduring appeal. Calhamer's work continued to inspire game designers long after the initial release.

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Bobby Osborne

American bluegrass musician and singer
Born
December 7th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent figure in bluegrass music, this musician formed the Osborne Brothers alongside his sibling in the late 1950s. The duo gained recognition for their harmonies and innovative arrangements, influencing the genre. They released numerous albums, with hits like 'Ruby Are You Mad at Your Man' and 'Rocky Top' becoming bluegrass standards. This artist also performed with the Grand Ole Opry, bringing bluegrass to a wider audience. In the 1990s, collaborations with other renowned musicians further solidified popularity in the bluegrass community.

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