What Happened This Year 1958

People Who Died in 1958

José Pablo Moncayo

Mexican composer and conductor
Born
June 29th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 46 years old

Born in 1912, contributed significantly to Mexican music through composition, conducting, and performance. Moncayo's most celebrated work is the orchestral piece "Huapango," which blends traditional Mexican folk elements with classical music. He served as the principal conductor of the Mexican Symphony Orchestra and was instrumental in promoting contemporary Mexican composers. Moncayo also played an important role in music education, influencing generations of musicians.

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Frank Swift

Footballer and journalist for Manchester City
Born
December 26th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 45 years old

Played as a goalkeeper, making significant contributions to Manchester City between 1933 and 1949. Helped the team win the FA Cup in 1934, the Football League Championship in 1937, and the FA Charity Shield in 1937. After retiring from football, transitioned to journalism and served as a sports reporter, becoming the football correspondent for the News Chronicle. Gained recognition for insightful commentary on the sport.

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Douglas Jardine

Cricketer and England team captain
Born
October 23rd, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 58 years old

An Indian-English cricketer and lawyer, he captained the England cricket team during the infamous 1932-33 Ashes series in Australia, where he implemented the controversial 'Bodyline' bowling strategy to combat the batting prowess of Don Bradman. This tactic generated significant debate and remains a pivotal moment in cricket history. Following his cricket career, he pursued a legal profession and was involved in various administrative roles within the sport.

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Paul A. Dever

58th Governor of Massachusetts
Born
January 15th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 55 years old

Served as the 58th Governor of Massachusetts from 1949 to 1953. Prior to this role, held various positions in state government, including Attorney General. Focused on education reform and improving infrastructure within the state. Advocated for public health initiatives and contributed to the development of state policies during post-war recovery. Engaged in political campaigns and served in the Massachusetts State Senate.

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James Michael Curley

American politician and governor
Born
November 20th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 84 years old

Served as the 53rd Governor of Massachusetts and was a prominent figure in Boston politics. Curley held the governor's office twice and was known for his populist policies. He worked in various capacities, including as the Mayor of Boston. Curley faced legal challenges later in his career, resulting in a conviction for mail fraud, which led to a prison sentence. Despite this, he remained a significant political figure in Massachusetts throughout his life.

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Colin Fraser Barron

Victoria Cross recipient and sergeant
Born
September 20th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 65 years old

Born in Scotland in 1893, served as a sergeant in the Canadian Army during World War I. Displayed extraordinary bravery in combat, particularly during the Battle of Passchendaele. Awarded the Victoria Cross for exceptional valor. Post-war, returned to Canada and lived a quiet life.

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Charles F. Kettering

Engineer and founder of Delco Electronics
Born
August 29th, 1876 148 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 82 years old

An influential engineer and businessman in the automotive industry established Delco Electronics, a major supplier of automotive electrical systems. Contributed significantly to the development of the electric starter system, which transformed automobile design and functionality. Held numerous patents, reflecting innovations in engine technology and automotive safety. Served as head of research at General Motors, where various projects advanced automotive design and production processes.

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Julia Lee

Blues singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
October 31st, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 56 years old

A prominent figure in the American blues scene, this singer-songwriter and pianist gained recognition in the mid-20th century. With a career that spanned several decades, she became celebrated for her unique vocal style and compelling performances. Her music often blended elements of blues, jazz, and popular music. She gained widespread popularity through her recordings and live performances, and her songs received airplay on radio stations across the country. In the 1940s, she released several hit records, significantly contributing to the genre’s evolution.

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Vernon Ransford

Cricketer, Victoria captain
Born
March 20th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 73 years old

An Australian cricketer played as a right-handed batsman. Active primarily in the early 20th century, he represented Victoria in domestic cricket. Ransford also served as captain of the Victorian team. He participated in the Sheffield Shield, contributing significantly to his team's successes during his career. In addition to his domestic achievements, Ransford was part of the Australian national side, appearing in Test matches during 1907 and 1909. His contributions in cricket were acknowledged during his playing years, making a lasting impression on the sport.

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