What Happened This Year 1945

Born in 1945

Steven Norris

English engineer and politician
Born
May 24th, 1945 80 years ago

An engineer and politician from England. Served as a Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon from 1983 to 1992. Played a significant role in the transportation sector, particularly in promoting the privatization of British Rail and serving as a director of various transport companies. Involved in numerous engineering and business ventures throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Richard Ottaway

English politician and lieutenant
Born
May 24th, 1945 80 years ago

A lieutenant and politician, held the position of Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Served as a Member of Parliament representing East Surrey from 1992 to 2015. Played a key role in various parliamentary committees and contributed to debates on environmental and agricultural issues. Participated in policy discussions related to rural affairs and food security.

Continue Reading

Vilasrao Deshmukh

Indian lawyer and politician, Chief Minister
Born
May 26th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
August 14th, 2012 12 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent lawyer and politician, served as the 17th Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2014. Played a significant role in state politics and was a member of the Indian National Congress party. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. Advocated for farmers' welfare and development initiatives within the state.

Continue Reading

Garry Peterson

Drummer for The Guess Who
Born
May 26th, 1945 80 years ago

A drummer born in 1945, participated in the Canadian rock band The Guess Who during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band achieved commercial success with multiple hit singles and albums. Key contributions include performances that shaped the sound of early Canadian rock music. The group is recognized for its pioneering work, particularly with the song 'American Woman,' which topped charts in several countries.

Continue Reading

Bruce Cockburn

Canadian singer-songwriter, 'If I Had a Rocket Launcher'
Born
May 27th, 1945 80 years ago

A Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist, significant contributions include a blend of folk, rock, and jazz influences. In the 1970s and 1980s, produced a series of critically acclaimed albums exploring themes of social justice, spirituality, and personal experience. Gained recognition for his distinct fingerpicking guitar style and poetic lyrics. Several songs, including 'If I Had a Rocket Launcher' and 'Wondering Where the Lions Are,' received considerable radio play. Cockburn's music often reflects his travels and activism.

Continue Reading

John Fogerty

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
May 28th, 1945 80 years ago

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, this artist gained prominence in the late 1960s as the lead vocalist and founding member of the band Creedence Clearwater Revival. The band achieved significant commercial success with hits such as 'Bad Moon Rising' and 'Fortunate Son'. After the band's breakup in 1972, this musician pursued a solo career, releasing acclaimed albums including 'Centerfield', which featured the hit song 'The Old Man Down the Road'. Over the decades, this artist's influence has marked the landscape of rock music. Additionally, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as a member of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Continue Reading

Patch Adams

Physician and Gesundheit! Institute founder
Born
May 28th, 1945 80 years ago

A physician and author focused on healthcare through humor and compassion. Founded the Gesundheit! Institute, which promotes holistic care. Gained recognition through the 1998 film 'Patch Adams', starring Robin Williams. Advocated for the importance of laughter and joy in medical treatment, emphasizing that emotional wellbeing is integral to healing.

Continue Reading

Jean-Pierre Van Rossem

Belgian scholar and author of notable works
Born
May 29th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed to the field of economics and public finance. Developed a reputation for critical analysis of economic systems. Authored several books and articles examining the interplay between economics and society. Engaged in academic debates and presented research at various conferences. Established an academic presence in Belgium and beyond.

Continue Reading

Gary Brooker

English singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
May 29th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 77 years old

A significant figure in British rock music, this artist co-founded the band Procol Harum, which achieved major success in the late 1960s. The single 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' became a defining song of the era, showcasing a blend of rock and classical influences. Besides Procol Harum, this musician had a successful solo career and collaborated with various artists. His contributions to music extended beyond performance, influencing the rock genre with lyrical depth and melodic sophistication.

Continue Reading