What Happened This Year 1972
People Who Died in 1972
Jeff Pfeffer
Professional baseball player played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1912 to 1917. Played for teams including the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Giants. Achieved notable success on the mound, particularly during the 1913 season. After retiring from baseball, operated a successful business.
Continue ReadingRoss Bagdasarian Sr.
An American singer-songwriter, pianist, producer, and actor, contributed to the music industry through the creation of the animated musical group Alvin and the Chipmunks. The group debuted in 1958 and became a significant cultural phenomenon. The first album, "Sing Alvin Sing," featured the hit song 'The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)', which won a Grammy Award. This innovative approach combined humor and music, appealing to both children and adults. The success of Alvin and the Chipmunks led to numerous sequels, animated television series, and films, making a lasting mark on pop culture.
Continue ReadingKenneth Edgeworth
Contributed to the understanding of the solar system and celestial mechanics. Worked on the theory of the Kuiper Belt, an area of the solar system beyond Neptune populated by many small icy bodies. Engaged in academic pursuits and published various papers, influencing future astronomical research. Involved in the establishment of the field of planetary science, bringing attention to the significance of small bodies in the solar system.
Continue ReadingR. F. Delderfield
An English author and playwright, contributed significantly to literature in the 20th century. Works included historical novels and plays, most notably 'To Serve Them All My Days' which depicted the life of a schoolmaster at a fictional boarding school after World War I. Achieved success with a distinctive narrative style and engaging character development. Expanded the genre of historical fiction through vivid storytelling, evoking the social and cultural atmosphere of the periods portrayed.
Continue ReadingMax Fleischer
An animator and producer primarily recognized for pioneering innovations in animation. Developed a series of popular cartoon characters, including Betty Boop and Popeye. Co-founded Fleischer Studios, which became known for its unique rotoscoping technique that involved tracing over live action footage to create animation. Influenced the animation industry with the production of numerous classic animations during the 1920s and 1930s.
Continue ReadingBrian Donlevy
Active from the 1930s to the 1980s, this actor gained recognition for roles in a variety of films, particularly in the film noir genre. Notable performances include leading roles in 'The Great McGinty' and 'The Black Book'. This actor's career spanned several decades, showcasing versatility across different genres, including drama and comedy. The portrayal of Sergeant Thomas D. Kirk in the wartime film 'All Through the Night' further solidified a reputation in classic cinema. Essential contributions to Hollywood's Golden Age highlighted a prominent presence in film during this period.
Continue ReadingHoward Deering Johnson
Founded the Howard Johnson's restaurant and hotel chain, creating a brand associated with comfort food and family dining in America. Established a distinctive franchise system that became influential in the hospitality industry. The first location opened in 1925 in Quincy, Massachusetts, expanding to over a thousand locations across the United States and Canada at its peak. Contributed to the popularization of roadside dining and lodging with consistent branding and menu offerings.
Continue ReadingGünter Eich
An influential German author and songwriter, contributed significantly to post-war literature. Worked in radio, poetry, and drama, reflecting the complexities of human existence and society in turbulent times. Made notable contributions to the genre of radio plays, with several works addressing contemporary issues. Actively engaged in the literary community and collaborated with various media outlets throughout his career.
Continue ReadingLillian Moller Gilbreth
Contributed significantly to the field of industrial engineering through the study of time and motion. Developed work methods for increased efficiency and effectiveness in workplaces. Co-authored several influential books, including 'The Psychology of Management'. Focused on the importance of human factors in productivity and the relationship between psychological principles and engineering practices.
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