What Happened This Year 1970

People Who Died in 1970

Romaine Brooks

American-French painter, notable for portraits
Born
May 1st, 1874 150 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1874, created artworks characterized by bold use of color and a distinctive style. Studied at the Académie Julian in Paris and became part of the American expatriate community. Primarily focused on portraiture, with notable works depicting strong female figures. Contributed to the visual arts in the early 20th century, celebrated for capturing the essence of her subjects. Active in showcasing works at several prominent exhibitions, including the Salon d'Automne.

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Matt Henderson

New Zealand cricketer and Test player
Born
August 2nd, 1895 129 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1895, this New Zealand cricketer played as a right-handed batsman and was a key player in the national team during the early years of Test cricket. Debuting in 1930, participation spanned through multiple matches in the 1930s. The cricketer was recognized for consistent performances and contributed to the development of cricket in New Zealand. The playing career concluded with notable statistics and an influence on future generations of players.

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Dame Laura Knight

English artist and war painter
Born
August 4th, 1877 147 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1877, an English artist gained recognition for her paintings depicting the lives of performers, including those in the circus and ballet. Knight created notable war art during World War II, reflecting the experiences of soldiers and the home front. A member of the Royal Academy, she became the first woman to be elected as a full member in 1936. Her works often captured themes of women at work, particularly in the arts. Knight exhibited widely, and her contributions to British art have been significant.

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Wharton Esherick

American sculptor and furniture designer
Born
July 15th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 83 years old

An American sculptor and furniture designer contributed significantly to the American modernist movement in the 20th century. Originally trained as a painter, transitioned to sculpture and became influential in the development of studio furniture. Established a unique style that merged functional design with artistic expression. The Esherick House, designed by Louis Kahn, reflects the integration of his works and environment.

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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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Ruth Sawyer

American author and educator
Born
August 5th, 1880 144 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 90 years old

An author and educator contributed extensively to children's literature. Published several books, including 'The Cape Ann', which is celebrated for its portrayal of childhood. Worked to promote reading and literacy among children through various educational programs and initiatives. Also involved in teaching and curriculum development during a prominent educational career.

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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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Ernst May

Architect and urban planner in Germany
Born
July 27th, 1886 138 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Germany, an architect and urban planner specialized in modernist architecture. Played a key role in urban planning during the Weimar Republic. Instrumental in the development of the Frankfurt Kitchen, which revolutionized kitchen design. Overseen numerous housing projects aimed at addressing the post-World War I housing crisis in Germany. Advocated for the principles of functionalism in architecture. His work during the 1920s significantly influenced residential building design in Germany.

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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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