What Happened This Year 1973

People Who Died in 1973

Frank Costello

Italian-American mob boss notable for racketeering
Born
January 26th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1891, this individual became a prominent figure in organized crime during the mid-20th century. Often referred to as the 'Prime Minister of the Underworld,' he played a significant role in the Genovese crime family. Involved in various illicit activities, including racketeering, gambling, and bootlegging, he exerted considerable influence over political figures and law enforcement. His operations extended across New York City, where he established connections with various political figures. This individual survived multiple assassination attempts but was ultimately convicted of tax evasion, leading to his eventual decline in power. He passed away in 1973, leaving a complex legacy intertwined with American organized crime.

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Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Gospel singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
March 20th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 58 years old

A pioneering figure in gospel music, this artist combined traditional hymns with popular music elements, influencing the development of rock and roll. Recorded the hit song 'This Train' and became a prominent figure in the gospel genre. Performed extensively in the 1930s and 1940s, gaining a loyal audience through live performances and recordings. Collaborated with various musicians, helping bridge the gap between gospel and secular music.

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Lauritz Melchior

Tenor and actor in opera performances
Born
March 20th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Denmark and later becoming an American citizen, this tenor achieved prominence in the world of opera during the 20th century. Renowned for powerful performances, he specialized in Wagnerian roles, earning accolades for portrayals of characters like Tristan in 'Tristan und Isolde' and Siegfried in 'Der Ring des Nibelungen'. Melchior's contribution to the Metropolitan Opera established a legacy that has influenced generations of singers. His vocal abilities were complemented by a robust stage presence, making him a celebrated figure in the operatic community.

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Gerard Kuiper

Astronomer and lunar crater namesake
Born
December 7th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 68 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, particularly in lunar and planetary studies. Formulated the Kuiper Belt theory, which describes a region of the solar system beyond Neptune populated with small icy bodies. Played a key role in the discovery and analysis of several celestial bodies, including the planet Uranus and its moons. Served as a professor and director of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona.

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Stanton Macdonald-Wright

American painter with notable works
Born
July 8th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 83 years old

An American painter created significant contributions to the avant-garde art movement in the early 20th century. Macdonald-Wright co-founded the group called the Dynamic Movement and focused on color theory and abstraction. He studied at the Art Students League in New York and later traveled to Paris, where he was influenced by the European avant-garde. Throughout his career, he held numerous exhibitions showcasing his modernist style. His work emphasized the response to color and form, which set the stage for future abstract artists. He also served as an educator, teaching art at various institutions, influencing a generation of young artists.

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Frederick Coulton Waugh

British cartoonist and painter
Born
March 10th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 77 years old

A cartoonist, painter, teacher, and author contributed significantly to the arts throughout the 20th century. His work in caricatures and illustrations appeared in various publications. Teaching at art schools, shared expertise with aspiring artists and influenced multiple generations. Authored books on painting techniques, enhancing the understanding of the craft for both amateur and professional artists. His distinct style combined humor with keen observations of society.

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Myrna Fahey

Actress known for 'The Ghost of Sierra de Cobre'
Born
March 12th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 40 years old

Born in 1933, an American actress gained recognition for roles in film and television. Began career in the 1950s, appearing in various television series. Gained significant attention for performances in 'The Ghost of Sierra de Cobre' and 'The Twilight Zone'. Also had roles in shows like 'The Rebel' and 'The Wild Wild West'. Actively worked in the entertainment industry until the 1970s, leaving a legacy of memorable characters.

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Germán Valdés

Mexican actor and comedian
Born
September 19th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1915, a prominent figure in the Mexican entertainment industry, contributed significantly as an actor, singer, and producer. Gained fame through a variety of comedic performances and musical works. Featured in several classic films, establishing a strong presence in the golden age of Mexican cinema. Often collaborated with other notable artists and created a distinct persona that resonated with audiences. His performances contributed to the popularity of popular culture in Mexico during the mid-20th century.

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Sam Katzman

Film director and producer for Hollywood
Born
July 7th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in the American film industry, this individual directed and produced numerous films throughout the mid-20th century. Significant contributions to the horror genre included directing the film "The Werewolf" in 1956 and producing the popular series of low-budget horror movies. Operational within the B-movie circuit, produced works for Columbia Pictures and Monogram Pictures. Became known for efficiency in filmmaking, often completing productions quickly and under budget. Worked on more than 100 films, showcasing versatility across various genres.

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