What Happened This Year 1931

Born in 1931

Cemal Süreya

Turkish poet and journalist
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1990 35 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent Turkish poet and journalist, contributions included literary works that explored themes of love, philosophy, and social issues. Involved in leftist politics, published critiques of the government, and played a significant role in modern Turkish literature. His poetry collections, such as 'Göçtü Gitti' and 'Yeniden', established a unique voice in contemporary poetry.

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Marisa Del Frate

Italian actress and singer, La Tempesta
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old

An Italian actress and singer, rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Gained recognition for performances in Italian films and television series. Starred in productions including 'La Tempesta' and 'L'Assassino'. Worked extensively in both film and music, contributing to the cultural landscape of Italy during her career. Passed away in 2015.

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Vaali

Indian poet and songwriter
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 18th, 2013 11 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent figure in Tamil literature, recognized for contributions as a poet, lyricist, and actor. Made significant achievements in the Tamil film industry by writing lyrics for over 1,000 songs, collaborating with notable composers. Also acted in films, showcasing versatility beyond songwriting. Received accolades for creativity in crafting lyrics that captured the essence of human emotions and life experiences. His work spanned several decades, influencing the Tamil music scene and leaving a lasting legacy.

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Makoto Ōoka

Japanese poet and literary critic
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2017 7 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in Japanese literature, contributed significantly to poetry and literary criticism. Ōoka published numerous collections of poetry that explored themes of nature, human emotion, and societal change. Worked as a literary critic, offering insightful analysis of contemporary literature and poetry. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing a generation of writers and scholars. His literary works are part of academic discussions on Japanese poetry.

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Massimo Vignelli

Graphic Designer known for Vignelli Associates
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2014 10 years ago — 83 years old

An Italian-American graphic designer worked primarily in the fields of design, interior design, and architecture. Established Vignelli Associates in 1971, focusing on branding, corporate identity, and product design. Advocated for modernist design principles, emphasizing simplicity and usability. Renowned for the New York City Subway map redesign in 1972, which introduced a minimalist approach to transit mapping. Contributed to various projects for high-profile clients, producing distinctive furniture and product designs.

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Sven Tumba

Swedish ice hockey player and golfer
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2011 13 years ago — 80 years old

Accomplished in both ice hockey and golf, the individual played ice hockey for Djurgårdens IF and represented Sweden in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships. Transitioning to golf, achievements included winning the Swedish Golf Championship multiple times and competing at a professional level. The dual-sport career rendered significant contributions to both fields in Sweden.

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Forrest S. McCartney

American General and Air Force Chief
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2012 12 years ago — 81 years old

Served as a United States Air Force general and held the position of Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Played a crucial role in the development of the Air Force structure during the Cold War. His leadership included overseeing significant military operations and modernization efforts within the Air Force. Contributed to the advancement of various air power strategies and technologies. Received numerous awards throughout a distinguished military career, reflecting a commitment to service and leadership.

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Raymond Berthiaume

Canadian singer-songwriter and producer
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 2009 15 years ago — 78 years old

A Canadian singer-songwriter and producer, made contributions to the music scene throughout the 20th century. Berthiaume's works often reflected personal and cultural themes, connecting with audiences across Canada and beyond. His music and lyrics garnered attention and acclaim, showcasing a unique blend of genres. Collaborating with various artists and participating in numerous music festivals, left a lasting influence on the Canadian music landscape. Berthiaume also focused on producing works for emerging talents, fostering a sense of community within the industry.

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Jan Johansson

Swedish pianist and jazz innovator
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
November 9th, 1968 56 years ago — 37 years old

A Swedish pianist contributed significantly to jazz music, especially with a unique approach that integrated traditional Swedish folk melodies with jazz improvisation. The album 'Jazz på Svenska' featured interpretations of Swedish folk tunes and classical pieces, showcasing a blend of genres. Johansson's distinctive playing style and arrangements influenced both jazz musicians and folk artists, securing a lasting legacy in Swedish and jazz music.

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