What Happened This Year 1968

People Who Died in 1968

Rezso Seress

Hungarian pianist and composer of songs
Born
November 3rd, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Hungary, a pianist and composer gained recognition for creating songs that combined romanticism with the challenges of life. His most notable work, 'Gloomy Sunday', often referred to as the 'Hungarian Suicide Song', became a significant piece in the world of music, inspiring various renditions by prominent artists. Throughout the years, the song has been associated with various cultural and historical contexts, leading to its lasting legacy in music and popular culture.

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Johnny Indrisano

American boxer and lightweight champion
Born
November 1st, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1906, this boxer became prominent in the lightweight division during the 1920s and 1930s. Achieving notoriety in the ring, he fought numerous significant matches, ultimately capturing the World Lightweight Championship. His boxing career included various title defenses, showcasing skill and determination. Retiring from professional boxing, he later contributed to the sport as a trainer, imparting techniques and strategies to emerging talents.

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Cassandre

French painter and graphic designer
Born
January 24th, 1901 125 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent figure in the world of design and art, this painter specialized in poster art during the 1920s and 1930s. Renowned for a style that combined Art Deco and modernist elements, created iconic advertising posters for various brands. Contributed significantly to the development of typographic design, particularly with significant work in the field of commercial graphics. His illustrations often featured vibrant colors and geometric shapes that captured the spirit of the era. Worked not only in painting but also in fabric design and contributed murals for public spaces.

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Dorothy Garrod

British archaeologist and excavator in Palestine
Born
May 5th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 76 years old

A leading figure in archaeology, contributions focused on the Paleolithic period and early human cultures. Conducted significant excavations at Mount Carmel in Israel, uncovering key archaeological findings. Worked extensively to promote the role of women in archaeology, contributing to academic literature and education. Held the position of the first female professor at the University of Cambridge.

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Kees van Dongen

Dutch painter known for Fauvism
Born
January 26th, 1877 149 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent painter, associated with the Fauvist movement, specialized in using vibrant colors and expressive brushwork. Born in 1877, contributed significantly to modern art through bold portraits and depictions of women. Worked in various locations, including Paris, where he became an influential figure among avant-garde artists. His art often featured subjects such as dancers, musicians, and society women, showcasing a unique style that combined abstraction with emotional expression.

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Giovanni Messe

Italian field marshal and politician
Born
December 10th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1883, this individual served as a prominent field marshal in the Italian Army during World War II. His military career included key roles in various campaigns, particularly in North Africa and Russia. After the war, he transitioned into politics, representing the National Republican Party. His influence extended through military strategy and political leadership in post-war Italy.

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Walter Robins

English cricketer and footballer
Born
June 3rd, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 62 years old

Played professional cricket and football during the early 20th century. Achieved recognition as a cricketer with several appearances for Sussex between 1927 and 1938. In football, played as a forward for various clubs including Portsmouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, contributing to their successes in the Football League.

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K. Kanapathypillai

Sri Lankan author and academic
Born
July 2nd, 1902 123 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 66 years old

Contributions to literature and academia defined a career. Writings encompassed Tamil literature and cultural studies, with emphasis on the Tamil diaspora. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students through academic pursuits. Engaged in literary and scholarly activities that enriched understanding of Tamil identity and heritage.

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Shailendra

Songwriter of Hindi cinema classics
Born
August 30th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
1968 58 years ago — 52 years old

A prominent songwriter in Bollywood, contributed lyrics to many famous films during the 1950s and 1960s. Collaborated with notable music directors and wrote for films such as 'Pyaasa', 'Kabhi Kabhie', and 'Madhumati'. His work is characterized by deep poetic expressions and social themes, influencing the landscape of Hindi film music. Also worked as a dialogue and screenplay writer in several films.

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