What Happened This Year 1972

People Who Died in 1972

Don Byas

Jazz saxophonist and educator in bebop
Born
October 21st, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 60 years old

Significant contributions to the development of bebop characterized the career of this saxophonist. Born in 1912 in the United States, early work included playing with jazz bands in the 1930s. Collaborated with notable musicians such as Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. Served as an influential educator, imparting knowledge to upcoming generations of jazz musicians. Resided in Europe for many years, continuing to work and influence the jazz scene.

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Elton Britt

American country singer-songwriter
Born
June 27th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in country music, this artist gained fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Successful as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, significant contributions were made to the genre through original songs and performances. The hit single 'There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder' became a standout track, showcasing the artist's unique blend of traditional country with pop influences. A recording contract with RCA Records led to a number of popular recordings that helped define the sound of the era. This artist also gained recognition on radio and television, enhancing visibility in the music world.

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Fred Keenor

Welsh footballer and FA Cup winner
Born
July 31st, 1894 131 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 78 years old

Played as a defender during a career spanning over a decade. Made significant contributions to club football, primarily with Cardiff City. Captained Cardiff City during the 1927 FA Cup Final, where the team emerged victoriously against Arsenal. This victory marked the first time a team from outside England won the FA Cup. Represented the Welsh national team in several international matches.

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Kenneth Edgeworth

Irish astronomer and theorist
Born
February 26th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 92 years old

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.

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Jimmy Dimmock

English footballer, FA Cup winner
Born
December 5th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 72 years old

Played as a forward for several clubs, most notably for Brighton & Hove Albion and later for Tottenham Hotspur. Achieved recognition for contributions to the team during the 1920s. Won the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1921, highlighting significant professional milestones during his career. Later transitioned into management, influencing the development of players and teams in lower divisions.

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R. F. Delderfield

English author and playwright
Born
February 12th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 60 years old

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.

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Mississippi Fred McDowell

Blues singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
January 12th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 68 years old

Developed a distinctive style of Delta blues, primarily influenced by traditional African American musical forms. Gained recognition in the 1960s during the folk music revival, contributing to the popularity of Mississippi blues. Recorded several albums, with 'You Gotta Move' being particularly significant as it brought attention to the genre and inspired a new generation of musicians. Often performed with a slide guitar technique, enhancing the emotional depth of songs. Additionally, toured extensively, sharing the stage with numerous well-known artists.

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Hugo Steinhaus

Polish mathematician, co-founder of PWN
Born
January 14th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1887, a Polish mathematician contributed significantly to various areas of mathematics, including functional analysis, topology, and probability theory. Steinhaus co-founded the Polish Scientific Publishers (PWN), which played a crucial role in advancing scientific literature in Poland. He was a prominent member of the Lwów School of Mathematics and worked closely with other mathematicians such as Stefan Banach and Juliusz Braun. His work laid foundational aspects for future research in the field. Steinhaus also published several influential papers and books throughout his career, disseminating knowledge and fostering new generations of mathematicians. Steinhaus's legacy includes a continued influence on mathematical thought well beyond his lifetime.

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Brian Donlevy

American actor in classic films
Born
February 9th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 71 years old

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.

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