What Happened This Year 1931

Born in 1931

Eric Von Schmidt

American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2007 18 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent figure in the American folk music scene, played a significant role in the Greenwich Village music revival during the 1960s. Released several influential albums, with notable works including "Eric Von Schmidt" and "The Best of Eric Von Schmidt." Collaborated with other musicians and contributed to the spread of folk music traditions. Also recognized as a visual artist, creating album covers and illustrations.

Continue Reading

Jack Boucher

Photographer and director of architecture
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2012 12 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent photographer and director specializing in architectural photography. Contributions to the documentation of American architecture occurred through a long-standing collaboration with the National Park Service. Focused on capturing the essence of historical sites and landmarks, the work provided essential visual resources for preservation efforts. The extensive portfolio includes multiple publications highlighting America's architectural heritage.

Continue Reading

Padma Desai

Development economist and author
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2023 2 years ago — 92 years old

An Indian-American development economist, contributed to the fields of economic policy and development strategy. Served as a professor at Columbia University. Research focused on India's economy and transitioned to closely studying Russian economic reforms during the post-Soviet period. Authored several books and articles on economic issues, emphasizing the interplay between market economies and social structures.

Continue Reading

Larry Keith

American actor known for soap operas
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2010 14 years ago — 79 years old

This actor had a significant career in television, particularly recognized for roles in soap operas. One of the most notable performances occurred in the soap opera 'All My Children', where a memorable role was portrayed. Another prominent series was 'The Edge of Night', further solidifying a reputation in the genre. The actor also made guest appearances in various prime-time television shows and plays, showcasing a versatility in performance across different platforms.

Continue Reading

Dritëro Agolli

Albanian poet and politician
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 2017 8 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent Albanian poet and writer, played a significant role in the cultural and political landscape of Albania. Agolli's literary work includes poetry, novels, and essays that reflect the socio-political context of the country. Served as a member of the Albanian Parliament and held leadership positions within the Albanian Writers' Union. Notable literary contributions include the poetry collection 'Këngët e Fajës' and the novel 'Shkolla e Shtatë', which explored themes of love and solitude within a changing society. Received various awards for literary achievements, influencing generations of writers.

Continue Reading

Osama El-Baz

Egyptian soldier and diplomat
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
September 14th, 2013 11 years ago — 82 years old

A soldier and diplomat contributed to Egypt's foreign policy during his career. Held significant roles, including serving as the chief foreign policy advisor to the President of Egypt. Played a crucial part in the peace negotiations between Egypt and Israel, particularly during the 1990s. Engaged actively in the Arab-Israeli peace process, advocating for diplomatic solutions.

Continue Reading

Lala Mara

Fijian politician and leader
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2004 20 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent Fijian politician, served as a member of the Senate. Played a significant role in the Fijian government during the late 20th century. Contributed to the development and formulation of policies addressing social and economic issues in Fiji. Advocated for the rights of indigenous Fijians and participated actively in political dialogue.

Continue Reading

Dean Smith

American basketball coach and player
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 7th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old

This individual served as a college basketball coach with a significant tenure at the University of North Carolina. Achievements include leading the team to two NCAA championships in 1982 and 1993. As a player, contributed to the team at the University of Kansas, later becoming a celebrated coach known for developing players and his innovative strategies. His coaching record reflects numerous accomplishments in collegiate basketball.

Continue Reading

Jazeh Tabatabai

Iranian painter and sculptor
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2008 17 years ago — 77 years old

An Iranian artist contributed to modern art through painting, sculpture, and poetry. He studied painting at the fine arts faculty of the University of Tehran. His works reflected Iranian culture and heritage, often incorporating traditional motifs and techniques. In the 1960s, he became prominent in the contemporary art scene and was involved in several exhibitions. The artist moved to Paris in the 1970s, where he engaged with a wider artistic community. He returned to Iran after the Revolution and continued to work until his death in 2008. His artistic legacy remains influential in Iranian art.

Continue Reading