What Happened This Year 1956

People Who Died in 1956

B. A. Rolfe

Bandleader and music producer
Born
October 24th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 77 years old

Involved in music from a young age, led a successful band during the 1920s known for its association with the jazz genre. Produced and arranged numerous recordings, contributing to the popularity of various artists. Also part of the early development of radio programming, influencing broadcasting in the entertainment industry.

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Hans Carossa

German author and poet
Born
December 15th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1878, this German author and poet gained recognition for literary works that often explored themes of nature and human experience. His notable novels include 'Der Arzt' and 'Die Freude', which reflect deep psychological insights. In poetry, he integrated personal reflection with wider existential themes. His writings contributed significantly to early 20th-century German literature, and he received the prestigious Goethe Prize in 1946 for his literary achievements.

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Francis A. Nixon

American businessman with a focus on real estate
Born
December 3rd, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 78 years old

A businessman involved in real estate development, he became prominent in California's early 20th-century business landscape. He worked in various capacities, contributing to the growth of the region's infrastructure. His ventures also included establishing connections within local political circles, leading to significant influence during formative years of the area’s development. Additionally, he had familial ties to notable political figures in American history.

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Gianpiero Combi

Italian footballer and World Cup champion
Born
November 20th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 54 years old

Served as a prominent goalkeeper during the early 20th century. Played primarily for Juventus, where he achieved significant success and recognition. Contributed to Italy's victory in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, which marked the nation's first title in the tournament's history. Combi was celebrated for his remarkable reflexes and command of the penalty area, making him a key figure in Italian football.

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G. W. Pierce

Physicist and academic contributions
Born
January 11th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 84 years old

Contributions to the field of physics and advancements in electrical engineering were prominent. Developed methods to study wave propagation and authored several significant papers. Served as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, influencing generations of students. Contributed to research on acoustics and psychoacoustics, impacting the understanding of sound.

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David Seymour

Polish photographer, war photojournalist
Born
November 20th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 45 years old

A photographer gained recognition for work documenting the aftermath of World War II and the plight of refugees in Europe. Co-founded the Magnum Photos agency in 1947, which played a significant role in the evolution of photojournalism. Photographed notable figures such as Pablo Picasso and Albert Camus, providing insight into the cultural landscape of the time. Major projects focused on the daily lives and conditions of children affected by war, particularly in Poland.

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Noël

Philanthropist, Titanic survivor
Born
December 25th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 78 years old

Born on December 25, 1878, this individual served as Countess of Rothes and engaged in various philanthropic efforts. Gained recognition during the Titanic disaster in 1912, where displayed heroism by aiding in the evacuation of fellow passengers. Contributed to numerous charitable causes in the post-war period, particularly in support of veterans and their families.

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Laxmanrao Kirloskar

Businessman, founder of Kirloskar Group
Born
June 20th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 87 years old

Founded the Kirloskar Group, a pioneering industrial conglomerate in India. The group played a significant role in manufacturing pumps, engines, and machine tools. Established in 1888, the company contributed to India's industrial development and self-reliance. Under leadership, Kirloskar Group expanded operations and introduced a range of products that supported agricultural and industrial growth in the country.

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Preston Tucker

Automobile engineer, designed Tucker Sedan
Born
September 21st, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 53 years old

An engineer and entrepreneur, played a significant role in the automotive industry during the mid-20th century. Founded the Tucker Corporation with the aim of revolutionizing car design and safety. Designed and produced the Tucker 48, an innovative car featuring a rear engine, safety features, and advanced technology. The production faced numerous challenges including legal issues and financial difficulties, leading to the company's shutdown after a limited run. Despite its short lifespan, the Tucker 48 has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a milestone in automotive history.

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