What Happened This Year 1941

Born in 1941

Nolan Richardson

Basketball coach and national champion
Born
December 27th, 1941 83 years ago

A significant figure in college basketball, contributed to the Arkansas Razorbacks' success as a head coach. Achieved a major milestone by leading the team to the 1994 NCAA Championship title. Implemented the innovative '40 Minutes of Hell' defensive style, which transformed team play and strategy. Served as a head coach at several colleges, including the University of Texas at El Paso, where the team won the 1987 NCAA Championship.

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Ray Thomas

Singer-songwriter and flute player
Born
December 29th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 77 years old

An English musician started performing in the early 1960s. Co-founded the rock band The Moody Blues, contributing significantly as a singer, songwriter, and flute player. Released the acclaimed album 'Days of Future Passed' in 1967, which blended rock with classical music elements. Continued to perform with The Moody Blues for several decades, highlighting the band’s signature sound characterized by lush harmonies and orchestral arrangements.

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Mel Renfro

Football player; Pro Football Hall of Famer
Born
December 30th, 1941 83 years ago

Renfro played as a cornerback and safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys from 1964 to 1977. During this time, he contributed to the team winning two Super Bowl championships, Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII. Renfro was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and earned All-Pro honors during his career. Following retirement, he served as a coach and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

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Sir Alex Ferguson

Football manager, won numerous titles
Born
December 31st, 1941 83 years ago

A prominent football manager, achieved remarkable success throughout a lengthy career. Managed Aberdeen from 1978 to 1986, winning three Scottish league titles and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1983. Later, took charge of Manchester United from 1986 to 2013, leading the team to 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles, among numerous other domestic and international honors. Renowned for his leadership skills and ability to develop young talent, left a lasting legacy in the sport.

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Heinz Oberhummer

Austrian physicist and astronomer
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
November 24th, 2015 9 years ago — 74 years old

Contributions to physics and astronomy included significant research in nuclear physics and astrophysics. Served as a professor at several universities in Austria. Focused on educational initiatives and popular science communication, fostering interest in science among students and the public. Developed programs and initiatives aimed at expanding knowledge and understanding of complex scientific concepts. Published scholarly articles and books that contributed to the field.

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Jonathan Kwitny

Journalist and author of 'The SpLC'
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1998 26 years ago — 57 years old

American journalist and author specialized in investigative reporting and analysis. Worked at the Wall Street Journal, where substantial investigations into corporate influence and government operations were conducted. Authored several books, including 'The SpLC: The Secret History of the Southern Poverty Law Center', which provided critical insights into the organization. His writings focused on issues related to politics, economic power, and social justice, often highlighting under-reported issues in American society.

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Bernard Van de Kerckhove

Belgian cyclist and Tour de France participant
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2015 10 years ago — 74 years old

Competed as a professional cyclist in road racing events. Participated in multiple editions of the Tour de France. Achieved notable performances in various cycling competitions throughout the career. Contributed to the development of cycling as a competitive sport in Belgium.

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ʻAkilisi Pōhiva

Tongan Prime Minister and activist
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2019 6 years ago — 78 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of Tonga from 2014 until his death in 2019. Elected to the Tongan Parliament in 1999, played a fundamental role in advocating for democratic reforms and transparency in government. Worked extensively for the rights of the Tongan people and promoted educational initiatives throughout the nation. His leadership was marked by efforts to enhance the political landscape of Tonga and push for greater accountability among public officials.

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Pamela Ann Rymer

U.S. Federal Judge and legal scholar
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
September 21st, 2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Graduated from University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law. Appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in 1991. Served as a judge on the panel for several significant cases, influencing legal precedents in various areas of law. Maintained a focus on issues related to civil rights, employment law, and intellectual property throughout a judicial career that spanned over two decades. Contributed scholarly articles to legal periodicals and served as a lecturer on the law.

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