What Happened This Year 1970

People Who Died in 1970

Paul Celan

Poet and translator of 'Death Fugue'
Born
November 23rd, 1920 104 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 50 years old

Born in Romania, a poet and translator emerged as a prominent figure in 20th-century literature. Celan's most celebrated work, 'Death Fugue,' reflects on the horrors of the Holocaust and the struggles of memory and language. After World War II, Celan settled in France, where he engaged with surrealism and existentialism in his poetry. His works are characterized by their deep existential themes and linguistic innovation, often exploring identity, loss, and trauma. Celan contributed significantly to the discourse of post-war European literature and was involved in translating works from German to French, enhancing cultural exchange between the two languages.

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Arsenio Rodríguez

Cuban-American tres player and composer
Born
August 31st, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in Cuban music history, this musician significantly shaped the genre of son cubano. Arriving in the United States in the 1940s, he played a pivotal role in the development of salsa music. The artist contributed to the popularization of the tres, a guitar-like instrument. Throughout his career, numerous compositions reflected his innovative approach to blending traditional Cuban music with other influences.

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Allen Lane

Publisher, founded Penguin Books
Born
September 21st, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 68 years old

Founded Penguin Books in 1935, revolutionizing the publishing industry with affordable paperbacks. Promoted quality literature accessible to the general public. Expanded the Penguin brand by introducing various series including Penguin Classics. Played a significant role in establishing the modern publishing business.

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Abraham Zapruder

Businessman and filmmaker of historic footage
Born
May 15th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 65 years old

An American businessman and amateur photographer filmed the Zapruder film, which captured the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. This film became one of the most studied pieces of evidence in American history, providing key visual evidence regarding the events of that day. Zapruder was present at Dealey Plaza with a Bell & Howell 8mm camera when the events unfolded. The film was later used in various investigations and has influenced discussions on the topic of presidential security and the media's role in political events.

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Nell Shipman

Actress and screenwriter of silent films
Born
October 25th, 1892 132 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1892, this individual became a prominent figure in the silent film era, known for work that included acting, screenwriting, and producing. Active primarily in the 1910s and 1920s, contributions to the film industry included pioneering roles for women in front of and behind the camera. Key works include 'Back to God's Country', which showcased personal involvement in both production and performance, highlighting themes of nature and adventure. The individual was also recognized for integrating elements of realism into early cinema, influencing subsequent generations of filmmakers.

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Christopher Kelk Ingold

British chemist and reaction kinetics expert
Born
October 28th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 77 years old

A chemist contributed significantly to the field of organic chemistry. Ingold's work on reaction mechanisms established the principles of nucleophilic substitution and addition reactions. Served as a professor at University College London and later became a Fellow of the Royal Society. Authored influential textbooks that shaped modern organic chemistry education. Received numerous awards for contributions to the field.

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Trevor Kincaid

Zoologist and academic researcher
Born
December 21st, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 98 years old

Born in 1872, contributed significantly to zoology and higher education. Worked predominantly in the United States, focusing on marine biology and the classification of marine organisms. Contributed to various institutions, sharing expertise and advancing research methodologies in the field. Recognized for work on the taxonomy of marine animals and for editorial roles in scientific publications.

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Napoleon Hill

American author and motivational speaker
Born
October 26th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 87 years old

An American author and philosopher, focused on personal success and self-help literature. Published a seminal work that explored the principles of success and personal achievement. Conducted interviews with notable figures, including industrialists and political leaders, to distill their approaches to success into practical advice. His concepts of positive thinking and self-visualization have influenced countless motivational materials and leaders in various fields.

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Friedrich Pollock

Sociologist and philosopher, key contributor
Born
May 22nd, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to the Frankfurt School of critical theory. Focused on the critique of capitalism and the relationship between economic systems and social structures. Engaged in discussions on Marxism and modern society's complexities. Published works addressing issues in sociology and philosophy, exploring topics such as authority and freedom. Participated as a scholar in the movement against fascism and totalitarianism.

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