What Happened This Year 1970

People Who Died in 1970

José Sobral de Almada Negreiros

Portuguese artist and modernist painter
Born
April 7th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1893, this individual emerged as a significant figure in Portuguese modernist art. A multifaceted artist, work spanned painting, writing, and stage design. Contributed to the 'Orpheu' magazine, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese avant-garde movement. The artistic style incorporated elements of Cubism and Futurism, influencing many contemporaries. Created murals, including the notable one for the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, showcasing a unique blend of cultural identity and modernism. Engaged with both the artistic and literary communities, leaving a lasting legacy in Portugal's cultural landscape. Passed away in 1970.

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Syd Buller

English cricketer and cricket umpire
Born
August 23rd, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 61 years old

Start of a sports career occurred in the 1930s, playing first-class cricket for teams such as Nottinghamshire. Transitioned to umpiring after retirement from playing, officiating in numerous Test matches. Served as an International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel umpire, contributing to the game's integrity through rigorous officiating. Continued to serve in the cricket community until later stages of life.

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Joe Kirkwood Sr.

Professional golfer, 1930 PGA Champion
Born
April 3rd, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 73 years old

A professional golfer, gained recognition for achievements in the early 20th century. Competed extensively in golf tournaments, showcasing skills that led to significant success. Won the 1930 PGA Championship, marking a high point in a career that lasted several decades. Contributed to the sport by mentoring younger players and participating in exhibitions. Known for consistency and performance across many tournaments during the golden age of golf.

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Vilhelm Carlberg

Swedish Army officer and marksman
Born
April 5th, 1880 144 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1880, a Swedish Army officer and accomplished shooter participated in various shooting competitions. Competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics held in Stockholm, representing Sweden. Achieved success in military and civilian shooting events, demonstrating proficiency and skill in marksmanship throughout the early 20th century. Contributed to the development of shooting techniques and training within the Swedish military.

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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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Donald Matheson Sutherland

Canadian politician and physician
Born
December 3rd, 1879 145 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 91 years old

Served as the 5th Minister of National Defence in Canada. Practiced medicine prior to entering politics. Contributed to military policy during a time of global conflict. Managed various defense matters and oversaw military organization and strategy during tenure.

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Sophie Treadwell

American playwright and journalist
Born
October 3rd, 1885 139 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1885, this individual became a significant figure in American theater and journalism. The work often addressed social issues and women's rights. Best recognized for the play 'Machinal', which explores themes of individuality and societal constraints, the work was inspired by the real-life case of Ruth Snyder, a woman who was executed for murder. Besides playwriting, engagement in journalism allowed for exploration and commentary on contemporary societal problems. This individual's contributions to the literary culture of the early 20th century remain noteworthy.

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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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