What Happened This Year 1949

Born in 1949

Holly Near

Folk singer and songwriter with activism themes
Born
June 6th, 1949 75 years ago

A prolific folk singer and songwriter, contributed significantly to the music and activism scenes from the 1970s onward. Combines music with social justice, addressing issues such as feminism and anti-war sentiments. Founded the collective feminist music label, Redwood Records. Collaborated with various artists across genres and performed in numerous festivals and concerts advocating for peace and equality. Authored several albums that reflect personal and societal challenges.

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Hildegard Falck

German middle-distance runner, Olympian
Born
June 8th, 1949 75 years ago

Competed in middle-distance running events, representing Germany in international competitions. Participated in the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich, competing in the women's 800 meters. Achieved notable success in European championships throughout the 1970s. Established a reputation for strong performances in major athletics events.

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Emanuel Ax

Pianist and educator with Grammy Awards
Born
June 8th, 1949 75 years ago

Born in Poland and later moving to the United States, a renowned pianist and educator has had a distinguished career in classical music. The individual gained acclaim for performances of works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms. Collaboration with notable orchestras and musicians, including the New York Philharmonic and Itzhak Perlman, has characterized the career. The pianist has received multiple Grammy Awards for recordings, showcasing exceptional talent and artistry in performances. In addition to performing, the individual has dedicated time to educating the next generation of musicians, teaching at esteemed institutions.

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Kiran Bedi

Indian police officer and activist
Born
June 9th, 1949 75 years ago

Bedi served as the first woman officer in the Indian Police Service and held the rank of Director General. Bedi also gained recognition as a social activist, engaging in various initiatives to improve prison conditions and advocate for women's rights. She founded the Navjyoti India Foundation in 1988 to work in the areas of education, health, and community development. Bedi contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry from 2016 to 2021.

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Frank Beard

American drummer for ZZ Top
Born
June 11th, 1949 75 years ago

Born in 1949, a drummer and songwriter gained prominence as a member of the rock band ZZ Top. The band, formed in 1969, became known for their distinctive sound that blends rock, blues, and Tex-Mex influences. Beard contributed to the band's success with his drumming style and songwriting skills. ZZ Top achieved significant commercial success, selling millions of records worldwide and earning multiple awards. The band's music, characterized by the use of guitar riffs and synthesizers, gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

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John Wetton

English singer-songwriter and bassist
Born
June 12th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent English singer-songwriter and bassist, made significant contributions to rock music through various bands. Achieved fame with the progressive rock band Asia, where the album 'Asia' topped the charts in 1982. Collaborated with King Crimson and Uriah Heep, showcasing musical versatility and complex compositions. Wetton's work often integrated elements of rock, jazz, and classical styles. In addition to singing, Wetton played bass and contributed to songwriting, influencing a generation of musicians.

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Jens Böhrnsen

German politician and judge, former mayor
Born
June 12th, 1949 75 years ago

A prominent figure in German politics, served as the 20th President of the Bundesrat from 2011 to 2012. Held the position of First Mayor of Bremen from 2005 to 2015, leading the city government and representing Bremen at the national level. Engaged in the Social Democratic Party, contributing to various legislative initiatives and local governance. Served as a judge prior to entering politics, bringing legal expertise to his governmental roles.

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Ulla Schmidt

German Federal Minister of Health
Born
June 13th, 1949 75 years ago

An educator and politician, served as the Federal Minister of Health in Germany from 2001 to 2009. Focused on health care reforms and policies that aimed to improve the German health system. Worked on initiatives related to health insurance and prevention strategies, advocating for better health care access for citizens. Played a significant role in establishing health care regulations and frameworks during tenure.

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Red Symons

Musician and television personality
Born
June 13th, 1949 75 years ago

Red Symons is an English-Australian musician, television, and radio personality. He gained prominence as a member of the rock band Skyhooks in the 1970s, contributing to the band's distinctive sound and hit albums. In addition to his music career, he became a well-recognized figure on Australian television, particularly as a host on shows like 'Hey Hey It's Saturday'. His work in radio also garnered attention, where he engaged audiences with his commentary and humor for several years. Over the decades, Symons has remained a significant presence in entertainment.

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