What Happened This Year 1938

Born in 1938

Juanita Millender-McDonald

American politician and educator
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 2007 18 years ago — 69 years old

Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 37th congressional district from 2002 until death in 2007. Focused on education, infrastructure, and health care during congressional tenure. Prior to congressional service, worked as an educator and served on the Compton City Council. Advocated for various community initiatives and supported legislation aimed at improving public facilities and services.

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Hank Medress

American singer and record producer
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2007 17 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent singer and record producer, contributed significantly to the music industry with extensive work in doo-wop and pop music. Co-founded the successful group The Tokens, which achieved fame with the hit song 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight.' The group also produced and wrote music for several other artists throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to performing, worked as a producer for various recording sessions, highlighting talent across the industry. Remained active in music until the later years of life.

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Nico M. M. Nibbering

Dutch chemist and educator
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
August 25th, 2014 10 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the area of chemical research and education. Held a prominent academic position and influenced many students throughout a lengthy career. Focused on the development of analytical methods and promoted collaborative research efforts. Engaged in various scientific endeavors that advanced the understanding of chemical processes.

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Murtala Mohammed

Nigerian General and President
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1976 49 years ago — 38 years old

Served as a Nigerian general and the fourth president of Nigeria from 1975 until assassination in 1976. Oversaw a period of military rule known for political action, economic reform, and efforts to combat corruption. Established a policy of immediate return to civilian rule, which laid the groundwork for Nigeria's eventual transition to democracy. Focused on infrastructural development and aimed to control the economy more effectively, taking steps that included a nationalization policy affecting several sectors.

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Steve Symms

American politician and lobbyist
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
August 8th, 2024 0 years ago — 86 years old

Served as a U.S. Congressman representing Idaho from 1981 to 1993. Held the position of chair of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, focusing on aviation policies and deregulation. After leaving Congress, became a prominent lobbyist, engaging in advocacy for various industries in the Washington D.C. area.

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Nida Fazli

Indian poet and lyricist of Hindi Urdu songs
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
February 8th, 2016 9 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent poet and lyricist, contributed to Hindi and Urdu literature through poetry and lyrics for films. Born in 1938, started writing poetry at a young age and published notable collections. Gained recognition for poignant verses that often explored themes of love, loss, and humanity. Worked in Bollywood, penning lyrics for numerous hit songs, enriching the Indian film music industry. Awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1987 for excellence in Urdu poetry.

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Clay Ford

American lawyer and politician
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
March 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 75 years old

Served as a member of the Michigan Senate from 1979 to 1990. Played a significant role in the state legislature, contributing to various legislative efforts during tenure. Held positions including chair of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee, influencing budgetary decisions and state funding allocations. After leaving the Senate, remained active in state politics and law.

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Toma Zdravković

Serbian singer-songwriter with iconic songs
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1991 33 years ago — 53 years old

Born in Serbia, this singer-songwriter became a prominent figure in the folk music scene during the late 20th century. The career spanned several decades, with music characterized by emotive lyrics and melodious tunes. Achievements included numerous hit songs that resonated with audiences, particularly in the Balkan region. The body of work reflects themes of love, heartache, and life experiences. This artist left a lasting legacy in Serbian music before passing away in 1991.

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Andrzej Szczeklik

Polish physician and medical academic
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 2012 13 years ago — 74 years old

Worked in the field of internal medicine and contributed significantly to understanding respiratory diseases. Held a professorship at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow and published extensively on asthma and allergic diseases. Served as the president of the Polish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Authored several books, including notable works on the history of medicine and human diseases.

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