What Happened This Year 1946

Born in 1946

Drafi Deutscher

German singer-songwriter and musician
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2006 19 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 13 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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Christopher Keene

Conductor and educator of opera
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1995 30 years ago — 49 years old

An influential conductor and educator in the realm of opera. Trained at the University of Southern California, worked as the music director for several notable companies. Conducted productions for the New York City Opera and the San Francisco Opera. Renowned for taking on the challenging role of leading the Pittsburgh Opera and developing various educational programs.

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Christopher Malcolm

Scottish-Canadian actor and director
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
February 15th, 2014 11 years ago — 68 years old

Chose a career in acting, directing, and producing. Gained recognition for performances in stage productions and television series. Featured in the original cast of the musical 'The Rocky Horror Show' in 1973. Appeared in the series 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' as Dack Ralter. Worked on various projects across media, contributing significantly to the arts in both Canada and Scotland.

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Arkadii Dragomoshchenko

Russian poet and author
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 66 years old

An influential voice in contemporary Russian literature emerged from Leningrad. This figure contributed significantly to the poetic landscape with a unique style that blended imagery and philosophical depth. Works often explored themes of language and perception, reflecting a profound engagement with the human experience. Participation in the 1970s Leningrad underground poetry movement marked an important period, challenging the artistic constraints of the time. Later, the figure became an important representative of the postmodern Russian poetic tradition. The international community recognized the contributions through translations of the work into multiple languages, increasing accessibility and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

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Johnny Oates

Baseball manager and player
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
December 24th, 2004 21 years ago — 58 years old

Played as a catcher in Major League Baseball, featuring for teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres. Transitioned into coaching and managing, leading the Texas Rangers as a manager. Guided the team to several successful seasons and playoff appearances during the 1990s. Oates also served as a batting coach for the Baltimore Orioles before taking on managerial roles.

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Colin Petersen

Australian drummer and record producer
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
November 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 78 years old

Petersen contributed significantly to the music industry as a drummer, record producer, and actor. He gained recognition for playing drums on several projects, including work with popular artists. His role in the band The Bee Gees during their early years in Australia marked a pivotal point in his career. Apart from his musical contributions, he also ventured into acting, appearing in various television shows and films throughout the years. Petersen's work in the entertainment industry spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility across different mediums.

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Georges J. F. Köhler

Biologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1995 30 years ago — 49 years old

A significant figure in the field of immunology, contributions included the development of monoclonal antibodies. Collaborated with César Milstein and Niels K. Jerne, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in antibody production. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1984 for this work. Served as a professor and researcher at the University of Freiburg.

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