What Happened This Year 1931

Born in 1931

Gene Fullmer

Professional boxer, middleweight champion
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
April 27th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent middleweight boxer, achieved acclaim through a successful career spanning from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. Claimed the world middleweight title in 1957, defended it multiple times. Notable for the rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson, which included two major bouts. Retired from professional boxing in 1963, achieving a significant record. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing contributions to the sport.

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Sándor Szokolay

Hungarian composer and academic
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2013 11 years ago — 82 years old

This individual contributed significantly to contemporary classical music, with a focus on orchestral and chamber works. Educated at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, established a prominent career as both a composer and a teacher. Many compositions reflect influences from Hungarian folk music and traditional classical forms. Held academic positions in various institutions, mentoring a new generation of musicians.

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Patricia Brown

American baseball player, All-American Girl
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
June 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 81 years old

Played professional baseball as a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1940s. Contributed to the growth of women's baseball through participation in the league, which highlighted female athletic talent during and after World War II. After the league's closure, continued to engage with baseball as a coach and supporter of women's sports. The league's legacy was later depicted in the film 'A League of Their Own'.

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Charles H. Price II

American businessman and diplomat
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
January 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 81 years old

A businessman and diplomat served as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Held various roles in the business sector before entering diplomacy. Contributed to U.S.-U.K. relations during tenure as ambassador. Worked on issues related to trade and investment, fostering economic ties between the two countries.

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Bud Carson

American football coach and strategist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
December 7th, 2005 19 years ago — 74 years old

This individual served as a prominent football coach, most notably as the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers during their Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. The coaching career included leading various college and professional teams, as well as mentoring players and shaping defensive strategies that contributed to team successes. The coaching style emphasized discipline and innovation in the game.

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Howard Coble

American politician and captain
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
November 3rd, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old

Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from North Carolina from 1985 to 2015. Coble was a captain in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and practiced law prior to entering politics. During tenure in Congress, focused on issues related to transportation and farming. Coble was considered a prominent figure in the Republican Party in North Carolina.

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Ignatius Kutu Acheampong

Ghanaian General and Head of State
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1979 46 years ago — 48 years old

Served as the sixth Head of State of Ghana from 1972 to 1978 after leading a military coup. Implemented various policies aimed at promoting economic self-sufficiency and national development. His government faced criticisms and eventual opposition, leading to his overthrow in 1978. Following the coup, faced a court martial and was executed in 1979.

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Vincent Harding

Historian and civil rights scholar
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2014 11 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of history and religion, focusing on the civil rights movement and African American studies. Played a key role in developing educational curricula that highlighted the contributions of black Americans. Served as a professor at several institutions, including the Iliff School of Theology. Founded the Institute of the Black World's first national conference in 1970, which addressed the challenges of black culture and religion in America.

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Maxine Singer

American biologist and researcher
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 9th, 2024 1 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent biologist contributed significantly to molecular biology and genetics. Served as president of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, guiding research in various scientific fields. Played a key role in understanding the structure and function of DNA, and made important advances in the development of recombinant DNA technology. Held several influential positions in scientific organizations and was actively involved in science policy discussions.

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