What Happened This Year 1945

Born in 1945

Dieter Meier

Swiss musician and Yello co-founder
Born
March 4th, 1945 80 years ago

Co-founded the electronic music band Yello in 1979, which gained prominence with the hit songs 'Oh Yeah' and 'The Race'. Established a successful career as a solo artist and director. Also ventured into wine production, owning a vineyard in Argentina. Engaged in visual arts and has exhibited works in galleries.

Continue Reading

Gary Williams

Basketball coach with NCAA championship
Born
March 4th, 1945 80 years ago

Coached the University of Maryland basketball team from 1989 to 2002. Led the Terrapins to victory in the 2002 NCAA Tournament, securing the national championship. Prior to coaching, played college basketball at the University of Maryland and began a coaching career as an assistant before taking on head coaching roles at multiple institutions, including Boston University and American University. Williams was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Continue Reading

Angelo Castro Jr.

Filipino actor and journalist
Born
March 6th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 67 years old

An actor and journalist who contributed significantly to Philippine media. Worked as a news anchor for ABS-CBN and hosted the influential television program 'The World Tonight.' Also recognized for acting roles in various films and television dramas. Contributed to the development of news broadcasting in the country and played a crucial role during the Martial Law period in the Philippines.

Continue Reading

Arthur Lee

Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
March 7th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 2006 18 years ago — 61 years old

Arthur Lee was an American singer-songwriter and musician, noted for contributions to the rock band Love. The band gained prominence with the 1967 album 'Forever Changes', which is often labeled as one of the greatest albums of all time. Lee's work combined elements of folk, rock, and psychedelia. He was a pioneering figure in the music scene of the 1960s. Lee faced legal challenges and spent time in prison during the 1990s but continued to perform and record music until his passing in 2006.

Continue Reading

Elizabeth Moon

Author of military science fiction novels
Born
March 7th, 1945 80 years ago

Born in 1945, this individual served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy before pursuing a career in writing. The works often blend military themes with science fiction and fantasy elements. The earlier writings began to gain recognition in the 1990s, leading to significant influence in the genre.

Continue Reading

Anselm Kiefer

German painter and sculptor, influenced by themes of history
Born
March 8th, 1945 80 years ago

Born in 1945 in Germany, Kiefer studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. The work often explores German history, mythology, and the relationship between nature and art. Kiefer’s distinctive style incorporates materials like straw, ash, and lead, creating textured, layered works. Major exhibitions include the 1980 Venice Biennale and a retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Kiefer’s pieces often confront the weight of historical narratives and are characterized by their monumental scale and somber palettes.

Continue Reading

Micky Dolenz

Singer and actor from The Monkees
Born
March 8th, 1945 80 years ago

Born in 1945, this American musician and actor rose to fame as the drummer and lead vocalist of the pop band The Monkees. The band was formed in the 1960s for a television show, which aired from 1966 to 1968. Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and harmonies, produced several hit songs. The group gained considerable popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon during their time. In addition to music, engagements in acting, both in television and stage, were also prominent. Numerous reunion tours and projects revitalized interest in the band and its legacy over the decades.

Continue Reading

Dennis Rader

Serial killer and BTK murderer
Born
March 9th, 1945 80 years ago

A former compliance officer, committed a series of murders in Kansas between 1974 and 1991. Rader evaded capture for decades, taunting law enforcement and the media with letters detailing his crimes. He was arrested in 2005 after DNA evidence linked him to the murders. Rader was convicted in 2006 and received ten consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Continue Reading

Robin Trower

Guitarist and vocalist of rock music
Born
March 9th, 1945 80 years ago

Guitarist and vocalist contributed to the rock genre with a successful career starting in the 1960s. Rose to prominence as a member of Procol Harum, performing on their iconic hit single 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'. Established a solo career with the release of the critically acclaimed album 'Bridge of Sighs' in 1974, showcasing unique guitar playing style and powerful vocals. Trower's music blends blues and rock influences, which garnered a dedicated following. Continued to release albums and tour over the decades, maintaining relevance in the music industry.

Continue Reading