What Happened This Year 1970

People Who Died in 1970

Benedetto Aloisi Masella

Italian cardinal and papal diplomat
Born
June 29th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 91 years old

Born in Italy, a cardinal served in various diplomatic roles for the Catholic Church. Masella held significant positions, including being the Apostolic Nuncio to Poland and Spain. He participated in the Second Vatican Council, contributing to discussions on modernizing the Church's approach. His work focused on international diplomacy and fostering relations between the Vatican and other nations. Masella's influence was notable during a period of significant change within the Catholic Church.

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Robert Laurent

American sculptor and academic
Born
June 29th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 80 years old

An American sculptor and academic contributed significantly to the field of sculpture during the 20th century. Educated at the Massachusetts College of Art, his work often reflected influences from both modernism and American regionalism. Laurent produced several notable pieces celebrated for their unique forms and textures. He held teaching positions at various institutions, including the New School for Social Research in New York. His contributions to public art include notable sculptures in civic spaces. Laurent's career spanned several decades, during which he exhibited extensively across the United States.

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Joseph Wood Krutch

Author and critic of nature writing
Born
November 25th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1893, this individual authored various works that explored nature and philosophy. The writings often emphasized the connection between humanity and the natural world. An advocate for environmental awareness, this person also contributed significantly to literary criticism. The individual served as the drama critic for a prominent publication, providing insights on theater and literature. Throughout a prolific career, the individual influenced discussions on art, nature, and man's role in the world, shaping contemporary thought on these subjects.

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August Zamoyski

Polish-French sculptor, prominent artist
Born
June 28th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Poland, became a notable sculptor in France, contributing to the art scene of the 20th century. Studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and later moved to Paris, where creations included figurative sculptures. Participated in various exhibitions across Europe, showcasing work primarily in bronze and stone. Gained recognition for blending traditional techniques with modern themes, reflecting both Polish heritage and French influences.

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Johnny Hodges

American jazz saxophonist, Duke Ellington
Born
July 25th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 64 years old

An influential jazz saxophonist and clarinet player, recognized for a distinctive style and smooth tone, contributed significantly to the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Joined Ellington's band in 1928, becoming a central figure in its sound. Explored various musical genres and collaborated with notable musicians throughout his career. Recorded numerous albums as a leader and participated in iconic Ellington compositions.

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Syd Buller

English cricketer and cricket umpire
Born
August 23rd, 1909 116 years ago
Died
1970 56 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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Paul Celan

Poet and translator of 'Death Fugue'
Born
November 23rd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
1970 56 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 114 years ago
Died
1970 56 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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Abraham Zapruder

Businessman and filmmaker of historic footage
Born
May 15th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
1970 56 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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