1959 1961

What Happened This Year 1960

All Events 137 Births 587 Deaths 166

People Who Died in 1960

Arthur Benjamin

Australian pianist and composer

Born

September 18th, 1893 132 years ago

Died

1960 66 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Australia, this pianist, composer, and conductor gained recognition for contributions to classical music. Studied at the Royal College of Music in London, eventually teaching at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music. Developed a unique style blending traditional and contemporary elements. Served as a conductor for various orchestras, enhancing the performance of numerous works. Composed a range of pieces, including concertos, chamber music, and choral works.

Yevgeny Ostashev

Russian test pilot and satellite pioneer

Born

March 22nd, 1924 102 years ago

Died

1960 66 years ago — 36 years old

Contributed significantly to the history of space exploration as a test pilot. Participated in the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite, which marked a seminal moment in the Space Race. This project laid the groundwork for further advancements in satellite technology and human spaceflight. Engaged in flight testing for various aircraft, showcasing expertise in aviation.

Antonie Pannekoek

Dutch astronomer and theorist

Born

January 2nd, 1873 153 years ago

Died

1960 66 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy and theoretical physics. Developed theoretical models of stellar structure and evolution. Pioneered the study of the Milky Way galaxy and its structure. Worked on the concept of mass-luminosity relation and stellar classification. Actively participated in scientific communication and education throughout his career.

Ya'akov Cohen

Israeli linguist, poet, and playwright

Born

June 26th, 1881 145 years ago

Died

1960 66 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to Hebrew linguistics, poetry, and theater. Worked extensively on the promotion and development of the Hebrew language, including linguistic studies that advanced its structure and use. Authored numerous poems that explore themes of identity and culture, often reflecting the experiences of the Jewish community. His plays contributed to the Israeli theatrical landscape, blending modern themes with traditional motifs, and often addressed social issues pertinent to the time.