What Happened This Year 1973

People Who Died in 1973

David Akeman

American banjo player and singer
Born
June 17th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1915, a prominent figure in American bluegrass music and country. Gained popularity through performances on the Grand Ole Opry. Acclaimed for contributions to the genre, combining traditional Appalachian music with contemporary styles. Played the banjo and sang, showcasing his talent at various venues and recordings. His energetic performances and distinctive style influenced many artists in the bluegrass and country music scenes.

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Henry Darger

Outsider artist and writer of 'In the Realms of the Unreal'
Born
April 12th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 81 years old

A reclusive individual, produced an extensive body of work during a lifetime spent in a Chicago home. Created an elaborate fantasy world chronicled in a 15,000-page novel titled 'In the Realms of the Unreal', featuring vivid illustrations. Darger's art often depicted children in fantastical settings and themes of innocence and conflict. Distributed his creations posthumously and garnered attention in the outsider art movement.

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Laurens Hammond

Engineer and Founder of Hammond Organ
Born
January 11th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1895, an engineer and businessman established the Hammond Clock Company, which later developed the Hammond organ. The Hammond organ became a staple in various music genres, including jazz, rock, and gospel. The company produced innovative instruments that significantly changed the landscape of music performance and recording. His work in electromechanical design and music technology contributed to the evolution of organ music during the 20th century.

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Harry Edward

Guyanese-English sprinter Olympian
Born
April 15th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 75 years old

Born in Guyana and later residing in England, a prominent sprinter specialized in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. Competed in the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, representing Great Britain. Achieved significant milestones in the British amateur athletics circuit during the early 20th century, earning various local and national titles. His career was marked by remarkable performances that highlighted his speed and agility on the track.

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Konstantinos Dovas

Greek general and Prime Minister
Born
December 20th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 156th Prime Minister of Greece during a challenging period in the country's history. Held significant military positions and contributed to the military strategies of Greece in various conflicts. Actively engaged in political affairs and was involved in initiatives related to governance and military reforms. His leadership occurred during a time of political instability and conflict.

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George Beranger

Actor and director of silent films
Born
March 27th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1893, an Australian-American actor and director gained prominence during the silent film era. Directed several films and starred in notable productions. Contributed to the transition from silent to sound cinema, influencing early filmmaking techniques. Also worked as a writer and producer, showcasing versatility within the film industry. Had a lasting presence in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s, leaving behind a legacy through contributions to both acting and directing.

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Arna Bontemps

American librarian and poet
Born
October 13th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 71 years old

Contributed significantly to the Harlem Renaissance as an author, poet, and librarian. Bontemps wrote several acclaimed works, including the poetry collection "Black Thunder" and the historical novel "Filled with Thunder." Bontemps served as a librarian in various capacities, promoting literature and culture within the African American community. Researched and wrote about African American history and literature. Bontemps also held teaching positions at institutions including Fisk University.

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Ben Webster

American jazz saxophonist and bandleader
Born
March 27th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 64 years old

An influential jazz saxophonist, contributed significantly to the genre through a powerful tenor saxophone sound. Played with notable orchestras and bands, including Duke Ellington's orchestra. His style blended elements of blues and swing, shaping the development of jazz music. Recorded a range of albums as a leader that showcased technical prowess and emotional depth, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of jazz.

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Bea Miles

Australian author known for literary work
Born
September 17th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 71 years old

An Australian author gained recognition through a body of work that included novels, essays, and performances. In the early 20th century, she became a prominent figure in the literary community. Miles's writing often reflected personal experiences and social issues, contributing to literary discussions of her time. She engaged in public readings and performances, showcasing her unique style. Her contributions to Australian literature were marked by a distinct voice that resonated with both contemporary and future generations.

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