What Happened This Year 1946

Born in 1946

Ken Wadsworth

New Zealand cricketer and Test player
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1976 50 years ago — 30 years old

Wadsworth was a cricketer who represented New Zealand at the international level. He played as a right-handed batsman and a wicket-keeper. His career spanned from 1955 to 1969. He made significant contributions to the New Zealand national team, particularly during the early years of Test cricket for the nation. Wadsworth was also involved in domestic cricket, playing for teams such as Wellington. His expertise in wicket-keeping was regarded as an essential asset for the team during his tenure.

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Leandro Mendoza

Filipino police officer and politician
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
October 7th, 2013 12 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 36th Executive Secretary of the Philippines. Held various positions in the Philippine National Police, rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Philippine National Police. Contributed to public safety and law enforcement efforts during tenures in both law enforcement and government roles.

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Ted Greene

American guitarist and music journalist
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2005 21 years ago — 59 years old

An influential figure in American guitar music, contributed significantly to guitar instruction through the publication of instructional materials. Authored 'Chord Chemistry', a book that explored chord theory and fingerboard navigation for guitarists. Worked as a session musician and performed with various artists while also being a sought-after teacher in the Los Angeles area. His guitar style blended elements from jazz and classical music, influencing both students and fellow musicians. Recognized for his unique approach to harmony and improvisation, left a lasting legacy on guitar education.

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Boris Dubin

Sociologist and academic in Russia
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2014 12 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent sociologist and academic, contributions focused on post-Soviet society, political culture, and social transformation in Russia. Authored several influential works that examined public opinion, social values, and political attitudes in contemporary Russia. Served as a senior researcher at the Levada Center, a leading independent polling organization in Russia. Engaged in sociological research that provided insights into the public's response to governmental policy and social changes. Provided analysis during times of significant political change, contributing to understanding the social dynamics at play in the region.

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Ahmad Zahir

Afghan singer-songwriter, folk music figure
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1979 47 years ago — 33 years old

A prominent figure in Afghan music, he combined traditional Afghan melodies with modern sounds. His career spanned the late 1960s to the late 1970s, during which he gained widespread popularity. Zahir released numerous songs that resonated with young audiences and addressed social themes. His music often featured instruments such as the rubab and harmonium. Following his untimely death in 1979, his songs continued to influence Afghan music and remain popular among fans of the genre, ensuring his legacy as a cornerstone of Afghan folk music.

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Mahir Çayan

Turkish politician, leader of the THKO
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1972 54 years ago — 26 years old

A prominent figure in Turkish leftist politics during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Played a crucial role in the Turkish People's Liberation Army, which aimed to establish a socialist government in Turkey. Also led the Turkish People's Liberation Front, opposing the military government. His activities involved organizing protests and revolutionary actions that garnered national attention. Captured and killed in a police confrontation in 1972, leaving a legacy in radical politics.

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Drafi Deutscher

German singer-songwriter and musician
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2006 20 years ago — 60 years old

Drafi Deutscher was a German singer-songwriter and musician active primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. His career began in the early 1960s when he formed the band The Rattles, contributing to the German beat and rock scene. In 1965, he gained significant recognition with the hit single 'Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht,' which topped the German charts and became a classic in German pop music. Deutscher's style blended pop, rock, and Schlager, appealing to a wide audience. Throughout his career, he produced numerous successful songs and albums, with his work greatly influencing the German music landscape. He continued to perform and write music until his later years, remaining a notable figure in the entertainment industry.

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William Thurston

Mathematician, awarded Fields Medal
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2012 14 years ago — 66 years old

Contributions focused on topology, geometry, and the study of three-dimensional manifolds. Developed the theory of hyperbolic geometry and its applications in topology. Served as a professor at Princeton University and was instrumental in education, mentoring numerous students and researchers. Received the prestigious Fields Medal in 1982 for significant advancements in cryptography. Authored several influential papers and texts, shaping modern understanding in these mathematical fields.

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Aliu Mahama

Ghanaian politician and engineer
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
November 16th, 2012 13 years ago — 66 years old

Served as the 3rd Vice President of Ghana from 2001 to 2009. During this tenure, played a significant role in various government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting national development and economic growth. Worked as an engineer prior to entering politics, contributing to infrastructure projects in the country. Advocated for youth empowerment and education reform throughout his political career.

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