What Happened This Year 1971

People Who Died in 1971

Hanna Neumann

Mathematician, known for group theory
Born
February 12th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 57 years old

Born in Germany, a mathematician focused on group theory and algebraic structures. Emigrated to Canada during World War II and continued academic work. Contributed significantly to specific areas of group theory and its applications. Held positions at several universities, including the University of Illinois and the University of Toronto, while mentoring numerous students and researchers. Served on editorial boards for mathematical journals, helping to advance the field of mathematics through the dissemination of research.

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Richmond Landon

American high jumper, 1924 Olympic medalist
Born
November 20th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 73 years old

Competed in high jump during the early 20th century. Achieved notable success at the 1924 Paris Olympics, where secured a bronze medal in the high jump event. Set multiple records in high jump throughout his athletic career. Contributed to the popularity of the sport in the United States during this period.

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Coco Chanel

Fashion designer and founder of Chanel
Born
August 19th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 88 years old

A prominent French fashion designer revolutionized women's fashion in the early 20th century. Founded the Chanel Company, which became synonymous with luxury and elegance. Created the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume and the Chanel suit, both of which redefined femininity and style. Her designs emphasized comfort and simplicity, moving away from the restrictive garments of the era. The little black dress emerged as a staple in women's wardrobes through her influence. Chanel's work extended beyond fashion to include jewelry and accessories, solidifying her brand as an enduring symbol of fashion.

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José Gabriel da Costa

Brazilian spiritual leader, União do Vegetal founder
Born
February 10th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 49 years old

Founded the União do Vegetal, a spiritual movement that combines elements of Christianity and indigenous traditions, establishing practices around the use of the tea, ayahuasca, for spiritual purposes. This organization promotes peace, love, and the importance of maintaining a connection with nature. Leadership in this movement fostered growth across Brazil and beyond, contributing to discussions on spirituality and religious freedom.

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King Curtis

American saxophonist and producer
Born
February 7th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 37 years old

An influential saxophonist and producer, collaborated with a variety of artists across genres. Gained prominence in the 1960s, contributing to major recordings in rhythm and blues, soul, and rock music. Worked with artists such as Aretha Franklin and The Coasters. Established a reputation as a session musician, known for signature performances on tracks that shaped the sound of the era.

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Tamanoumi Masahiro

Sumo wrestler, 51st Yokozuna
Born
February 5th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 27 years old

Born in 1944, a prominent sumo wrestler achieved the esteemed rank of Yokozuna, the highest title in the sport. Competed in the top division for over two decades, showcasing skill and perseverance. During the career, won a total of 25 top division championships, demonstrating exceptional performance in tournaments. Transitioned into coaching and mentoring younger wrestlers after retirement, contributing to the development of the sport in Japan.

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Pedro Rodriguez

Mexican race car driver, Formula One competitor
Born
January 18th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 31 years old

Born in 1940, this race car driver became a prominent figure in Formula One racing during the 1960s. Competing for teams such as Ferrari and BRM, he showcased exceptional skill on the track. His career, although tragically cut short in 1971 due to a fatal crash, left a lasting mark on motorsport. Despite limited opportunities in a predominantly European sport, this driver achieved remarkable success and was revered for his talent and bravery in high-speed racing.

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Nora Stanton Blatch Barney

Civil engineer and suffragist leader
Born
September 30th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1883, a civil engineer and architect contributed significantly to the field of engineering while advocating for women's rights. Graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and was the first woman to graduate with a degree in civil engineering. Active in the women's suffrage movement, worked with leading organizations to promote voting rights for women. Held various positions in the American Society of Civil Engineers, paving the way for future generations of women in engineering.

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William F. Albright

Archaeologist and biblical scholar
Born
May 24th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 80 years old

Contributions to archaeology and biblical studies included excavations at significant sites such as Jericho and Gezer. Developed methods in ceramic typology and stratigraphy, which enhanced chronological dating techniques in archaeological research. Authored numerous scholarly works exploring the history and culture of the ancient Near East. Established the biblical archaeology movement, bridging the gap between archaeology and biblical texts through methodical fieldwork and rigorous analysis.

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