What Happened This Year 1974

People Who Died in 1974

Harold Roe Bartle

American politician, 47th Kansas City Mayor
Born
June 25th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 73 years old

Served as the 47th Mayor of Kansas City from 1956 to 1959. Played a significant role in the development of the city's infrastructure and community programs. Instrumental in promoting the establishment of various parks and recreational areas in the region. Contributed to increasing Kansas City's prominence on the national stage through various civic efforts and initiatives.

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Guy Simonds

English-Canadian general in WWII
Born
April 23rd, 1903 121 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 71 years old

Served as a senior officer in the Canadian Army during World War II. Participated in various operations including the invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign. Commanded the 1st Canadian Corps and later the Canadian contingent during the liberation of the Netherlands. After the war, held several influential positions within the military and contributed to defense policy discussions. Post-military career involved roles in the National Defence Headquarters and various advisory capacities.

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Baldur von Schirach

German politician and Nazi leader
Born
May 9th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1907, held prominent roles in the Nazi Party, serving as the leader of the Hitler Youth from 1931 to 1940. Was a key figure in promoting Nazi ideology among German youth. After World War II, von Schirach was tried and convicted at the Nuremberg Trials for crimes against humanity, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence. His life and actions reflect the complexities of political leadership during a turbulent period in history.

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Isabel Luberza Oppenheimer

Puerto Rican brothel owner and madam
Born
July 23rd, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 73 years old

Operated a prominent brothel in barrio Maragüez in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Managed and ran a significant establishment during the early to mid-20th century. Engaged in the local economy and provided services that catered to various clientele. Maintained a notable presence in the community, shaping the social landscape of the area.

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Paul Gonsalves

American jazz saxophonist, Ellington collaborator
Born
July 12th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent American saxophonist, contributions to jazz are significant, especially during the mid-20th century. Associated with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Gonsalves gained notable recognition for his extended solo during the performance of 'Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue' at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956, a moment that solidified his status in the jazz community. His tenor saxophone style blended blues, improvisation, and intricate melodies, influencing both peers and upcoming musicians in the genre. Beyond this defining performance, Gonsalves recorded numerous albums and collaborated with a variety of artists, showcasing versatility and talent throughout his career.

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Lyudmila Pavlichenko

Deadly sniper from World War II
Born
July 12th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a Soviet sniper during World War II, achieving significant success on the Eastern Front. Joined the Red Army in 1941 after being inspired by the German invasion of the USSR. Accumulated a record of 309 confirmed kills, making her one of the most effective snipers in history. Participated in major battles, including the Siege of Odessa and the Siege of Sevastopol. After the war, became a cultural ambassador and spoke about the experiences of women in combat.

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David Monrad Johansen

Norwegian pianist and composer
Born
November 8th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 86 years old

A pianist and composer was active in the early to mid 20th century. Significant contributions included works for piano and orchestral compositions. The musician received recognition for a blending of traditional Norwegian folk elements with classical music techniques. Focus on both performance and composition showcased talent in various venues across Norway. The work included studio recordings that preserved and promoted Norwegian music heritage.

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Graham Bond

Keyboard player and bandleader in jazz
Born
October 28th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 37 years old

Born in 1937, this English musician was prominent in the jazz and rhythm and blues scenes during the 1960s. A skilled keyboard player, singer, and saxophonist, he founded the Graham Bond Organization, which became a significant influence in British music. The band combined elements of jazz, blues, and rock, paving the way for future acts. Bond's work with prominent musicians and his innovative approach to sound left a lasting mark on the music industry.

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Fritz Zwicky

Physicist and astronomer, dark matter theory
Born
February 14th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 76 years old

Born in Switzerland, Zwicky made significant contributions to astrophysics and cosmology. He developed the concept of dark matter and introduced the term 'supernova' to describe stellar explosions. His work on galaxy clusters led to the discovery of gravitational lensing, a phenomenon where light from distant objects is bent by massive foreground galaxies. Zwicky's research provided crucial insights into the mass distribution of galaxies and the structure of the universe. He also contributed to the development of the TFO method for tracing cosmic rays, which helped further the understanding of particle physics.

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