What Happened This Year 1941

Born in 1941

Nona Gaprindashvili

Georgian Women's Chess Champion 1962-1978
Born
May 3rd, 1941 83 years ago

A prominent chess player with a career spanning several decades, she became Women’s World Chess Champion in 1962 and held the title until 1978. Achievements include competing successfully against male grandmasters during a time when female participation in the sport was limited. She contributed to the development of chess in Georgia and has been influential in promoting the game internationally.

Continue Reading

George Will

American journalist and author
Born
May 4th, 1941 83 years ago

A prominent journalist and author with a focus on political commentary. Writings have appeared in major publications, including The Washington Post. An author of multiple books analyzing American politics and culture, including 'Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball.' Has contributed to discussions surrounding conservative philosophy and the workings of democracy.

Continue Reading

Bill Lockyer

American politician and attorney general
Born
May 8th, 1941 83 years ago

Served as the 30th Attorney General of California from 1999 to 2007. Held the position of State Treasurer of California from 2007 to 2015. Elected to the California State Assembly and the California State Senate, representing the 20th District. Played a significant role in shaping legislation related to public safety, consumer protection, and environmental issues. Worked as a prominent figure in California's Democratic Party throughout his political career.

Continue Reading

James Traficant

American politician and former Congressman
Born
May 8th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2014 10 years ago — 73 years old

Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Ohio's 17th congressional district from 1981 to 2002. Prior to entering politics, practiced law. Gained notoriety for his unconventional style and outspoken positions. Was expelled from Congress in 2002 after being convicted of bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion. Transitioned into a career in media, hosting a radio show post-congressional career until death.

Continue Reading

Dorothy Hyman

English sprinter and Olympic athlete
Born
May 9th, 1941 83 years ago

Born in 1941, a prominent English sprinter distinguished in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. Achieved success at the 1960 Rome Olympics, finishing in the top spots. Competed actively in international championships during the 1960s, gaining recognition and accolades for sprinting prowess. Dominated the domestic tracks with multiple championship titles and consistently performed well across various prestigious meets, placing a strong focus on speed and technique. Her athletic career spanned several years, marking significant achievements in women's sprinting.

Continue Reading

Eric Burdon

English musician and singer-songwriter
Born
May 11th, 1941 83 years ago

An English musician and singer-songwriter rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the Animals, a rock band known for its blues-influenced sound. Achievements include hits like 'House of the Rising Sun', which topped charts internationally, particularly in the UK and US. Later, formed the band War, producing the influential song 'Spill the Wine'. Burdon's style blended rock with various genres, contributing to a successful solo career. Through the decades, Burdon continued to perform globally, noted for his distinctive voice and energetic stage presence.

Continue Reading

Ritchie Valens

Pioneering rock and roll musician
Born
May 13th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 18 years old

An influential figure in the early years of rock and roll, this musician achieved significant success with a string of hits in the late 1950s. The song "La Bamba" became a staple in the genre, blending traditional Mexican music with rock. The artist's career, though brief, left a lasting legacy and contributed to the popularization of Latin rock music. Tragically, a plane crash in 1959 claimed his life at the age of 17, marking the end of a promising career that had only just begun. Despite the short duration of the career, the impact on the genre continues to resonate through subsequent generations of musicians.

Continue Reading

Jody Conradt

Basketball coach and player; Texas Longhorns
Born
May 13th, 1941 83 years ago

A prominent figure in women's basketball, coached the University of Texas women's basketball team for over 30 years. Captured the NCAA Championship in 1986, becoming one of the first female coaches to achieve such recognition. A talented player in her youth, she also represented the United States in international competitions. Considered a pioneer in women's collegiate basketball, contributed to the growth and visibility of the sport at the collegiate level.

Continue Reading

Senta Berger

Austrian actress in film and television
Born
May 13th, 1941 83 years ago

Born in Austria, an acclaimed actress rose to prominence in the film industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Achieved recognition for performances in European cinema and German television, starring in significant works. Appeared in films such as 'The Counterfeit Traitor' and 'The Great Wonder', showcasing versatility across genres. Engaged in television productions, particularly within the German-speaking market, where garnered attention for roles in popular series. Continued to be active in the entertainment industry, contributing to various projects throughout the decades.

Continue Reading