What Happened This Year 1956
Born in 1956
Phil Harris
A fishing captain and fisherman from the United States. Gained national recognition through participation in the reality television series 'Deadliest Catch'. Captained the fishing vessel Cornelia Marie. Displayed expertise in Alaskan crab fishing and led crews through challenging conditions. Passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy within the fishing community and in popular culture.
Continue ReadingMerzbow
A prominent figure in the noise music genre, this artist began musical experimentation in the early 1980s, establishing a distinctive and influential style. Works frequently incorporate a variety of sound sources and unconventional techniques, pushing the boundaries of music and sound art. Over the years, numerous albums and live performances garnered significant attention within the avant-garde music community. The 1998 album 'Amlux' became one of the most recognized works, exemplifying the artist's unique approach to sound texture and composition. Collaborations with other artists further expanded the reach of the work, solidifying a legacy in experimental music.
Continue ReadingShane McEntee
Served as a Member of the Irish Parliament and held the position of Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Engaged in legislative work related to agricultural policies and food security. Played a role in enhancing Ireland's agricultural sector through various initiatives and programs, advocating for farmers' interests.
Continue ReadingGuy Babylon
A keyboard player and songwriter contributed to the music industry, particularly in collaboration with Elton John. Worked as a session musician and toured extensively with John from the late 1980s until the early 2000s. Played an integral role in various albums and live performances, showcasing skills on both piano and synthesizers. Eventually became a key figure in shaping the sound of several prominent records, while also co-writing several songs throughout the career.
Continue ReadingAnita Ward
Anita Ward is an American singer recognized for contributions to the disco and R&B genres. Emerged in the late 1970s, achieving commercial success with the single 'Ring My Bell,' which became a defining track of the disco era. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1979 and earned a Gold certification. Following the success of her debut, released a self-titled album and continued to release music through the early 1980s. Despite a decline in mainstream visibility, Ward has remained active in live performances.
Continue ReadingMohamed Ould Abdel Aziz
A general and political figure, served as president from 2009 to 2019 after leading a coup in 2008. Instrumental in implementing economic reforms and military strategies to combat terrorism in the Sahel region. Worked towards improving Mauritania's international relations and security policies during presidency, focusing on issues like poverty and education. Retained significant influence in Mauritanian politics after leaving office, continuing to engage with military and governmental developments.
Continue ReadingBlanche Baker
An actress and screenwriter with significant contributions to film and television. Best recognized for roles in projects such as 'Sixteen Candles' and the television series 'The Big Valley'. Also collaborated as a writer and director on several independent films. Received recognition for versatility in acting and contributions to storytelling in various mediums.
Continue ReadingAndrew Mackenzie
Graduated with a degree in geology from the University of Edinburgh. Held various positions at different mining and resource companies. Served as CEO of BHP, a major global resources company, from 2013 to 2019. Focused on operational excellence and strategic investment during tenure, navigating BHP's growth and transformation in the mining sector.
Continue ReadingDave Laut
A shot putter, achieved significant success in the 1980s. Competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics, finishing seventh in the shot put event. Set a personal best throw of 21.74 meters in 1983, which was one of the top performances of the year. Dominated the shot put in national competitions, becoming a consistent presence on the podium in various championships. His athletic career included representing the United States at international competitions.
Continue Reading