What Happened This Year 1973

People Who Died in 1973

Martti Haavio

Finnish poet and mythologist
Born
January 22nd, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 74 years old

Contributions included poetry that reflected mythical themes and Finnish folklore. Worked as a literary critic and translator, promoting Finnish literature and culture. Published numerous works that explored Nordic mythology and aesthetics. Had a significant impact on the understanding and appreciation of Finnish poetry through the lens of folklore.

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J.R.R. Tolkien

English writer and philologist of Middle-earth
Born
January 3rd, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 81 years old

An English writer, poet, and philologist. Authored seminal works in fantasy literature, including 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. Developed extensive languages and histories for his fictional universe, contributing to the depth and richness of high fantasy storytelling. Served as a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford and influenced generations of readers and writers in the fantasy genre.

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Ralph Stackpole

American sculptor and painter
Born
May 1st, 1885 139 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1885, this American sculptor and painter contributed significantly to the development of public art in the United States. The artist served as a professor of sculpture at the California School of Fine Arts, influencing a generation of artists. Various works include notable sculptures in public spaces, such as the bronze statue 'The Pioneer' in San Francisco. In addition to sculpture, the artist painted murals and participated in various exhibitions throughout his professional career.

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Alfred Fuller

Businessman, Founder of Fuller Brush
Born
January 13th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 88 years old

Born in Canada, a businessman established the Fuller Brush Company, focusing on manufacturing and direct selling of household cleaning products. The company gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, pioneering the use of door-to-door sales techniques. The business model became a significant aspect of American consumer culture. After emigrating to the United States, efforts led to significant expansion and profitability for the company, making it a household name in cleaning supplies. Fuller's innovations in product offerings and sales strategies contributed to the company's growth and longevity.

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Henry Darger

Outsider artist and writer of 'In the Realms of the Unreal'
Born
April 12th, 1892 132 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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Henri Büsser

French organist and composer
Born
January 16th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 101 years old

An organist, composer, and conductor contributed significantly to French music in the early 20th century. Studied under Gabriel Fauré and later held positions such as the organist at the Eglise de la Madeleine in Paris. Active as a conductor and a teacher, influenced several generations of musicians. Composed numerous works for organ, chamber ensembles, and full orchestras, reflecting a mix of classical and contemporary styles.

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Harry Edward

Guyanese-English sprinter Olympian
Born
April 15th, 1898 126 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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George Beranger

Actor and director of silent films
Born
March 27th, 1893 131 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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Ben Webster

American jazz saxophonist and bandleader
Born
March 27th, 1909 115 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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