What Happened This Year 1960

People Who Died in 1960

George S. Messersmith

American diplomat and ambassador
Born
1883 142 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1960 65 years ago — 77 years old

Served as an influential American diplomat throughout the mid-20th century. Held the position of United States Ambassador to Poland and Chile, contributing to the development of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and Europe. Participated in significant diplomatic negotiations during pivotal moments of international relations. Played a key role in strengthening intercultural dialogue between the United States and European nations. Worked for the State Department for several decades, where experiences shaped international relations during tumultuous global events.

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Auguste Herbin

French painter and cubist artist
Born
April 29th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1960 65 years ago — 77 years old

Started an artistic career in the early 20th century, contributing to the development of Cubism alongside contemporaries like Braque and Picasso. Became associated with the abstract movement later in life, focusing on geometric shapes and the interplay of colors. Served as a member of various art groups, promoting modern art and teaching future generations of artists. Worked extensively in oil painting, producing numerous influential works during his lifetime. Participated in several exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, solidifying a legacy within the French art scene.

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Fred Buscaglione

Italian singer and actor, La Canzone del Mare
Born
November 23rd, 1921 103 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1960 65 years ago — 38 years old

An Italian singer and actor achieved prominence in the 1950s, primarily in the musical genre known as 'bossa nova' infused with jazz elements. Rose to fame with performances in various clubs and radio shows. Gained significant popularity for songs like 'Che m'importa del mondo' and 'La Canzone del Mare.' Also starred in films such as 'Gli Amori di Pasquale' and 'Il Mondo di Notte.' His unique style and charismatic stage presence left a lasting impression on Italian pop music and cinema. Tragically passed away at a young age, yet left behind a legacy of memorable songs and performances that continue to resonate.

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Igor Kurchatov

Russian physicist and academic, atomic energy pioneer
Born
January 12th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1960 65 years ago — 57 years old

Contributed significantly to the development of nuclear energy in the Soviet Union. Played a key role in the first Soviet atomic bomb project during World War II. Led the design and construction of the first nuclear power plant in the world, which began operations in 1954. Held the position of chief designer at several nuclear research facilities and contributed to the establishment of the Soviet Atomic Energy Program. Worked extensively on various aspects of nuclear physics and reactors, influencing the field significantly.

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J. L. Austin

English philosopher and speech act theorist
Born
March 26th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1960 65 years ago — 48 years old

A prominent figure in philosophy, contributions focused on ordinary language and the nature of meaning. Developed the theory of speech acts, examining how language is used in communication. Delivered influential lectures at Oxford, later compiled into works such as 'How to Do Things with Words'. Engaged in the analysis of performative utterances and their implications in various contexts. Served as a professor and influenced a generation of philosophers through teaching and writing.

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Ernő Dohnányi

Hungarian pianist and composer
Born
July 27th, 1877 147 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1960 65 years ago — 82 years old

A Hungarian pianist, composer, and conductor, Dohnányi made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He studied at the Hungarian Royal Academy of Music and gained recognition for both his performance and compositional skills. Dohnányi served as the director of the Budapest Academy and held several prominent conducting positions. His works spanned various genres, including orchestral, chamber, and piano music, reflecting a blend of Hungarian folk themes and classical traditions. Dohnányi emigrated to the United States in the 1940s, continuing to compose and perform until his death in 1960. His music remains influential in classical concert repertoires.

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Alexandre Benois

Painter and art critic, The Ballets Russes
Born
1870 155 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1960 65 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent Russian painter and art critic, contributed significantly to the Russian art scene. Involved with the Ballets Russes, served as a set designer for several productions. Worked on projects like 'Sheherazade' and 'The Firebird', shaping the visual narrative of the performances. Authored texts on art, engaging with contemporary movements and influenced many artists through his critical writings.

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Aloysius Stepinac

Croatian Cardinal and Archbishop
Born
May 8th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1960 65 years ago — 61 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Zagreb and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church during World War II. Opposed the Axis powers' influence in Croatia and spoke out against the persecution of Jews and other marginalized groups. After the war, faced a show trial by the Yugoslav communist government, resulting in a conviction viewed as politically motivated. Later, canonized by the Catholic Church for his service and martyrdom.

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Oskar Anderson

Mathematician and academic in Germany
Born
August 2nd, 1887 137 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1960 65 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Bulgaria, pursued studies in mathematics and made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and education. Worked primarily in Germany, contributing to mathematical analysis and approximation theory. Published numerous papers that explored various mathematical concepts and theories. Served as a professor, shaping the academic curriculum for future generations of mathematicians. Contributed to mathematical research until death in 1960.

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