What Happened This Year 1976

People Who Died in 1976

Edgar Moon

Australian tennis player and champion
Born
December 3rd, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 72 years old

Achieved success in tennis during the early 20th century. Played proficiently in both singles and doubles formats. Won the Australian Championships in 1926, showcasing dominant performance on home soil. Competed in various international tournaments, representing Australia. His contributions to the sport during a formative period helped shape future generations of players.

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Connee Boswell

Jazz singer with the Boswell Sisters
Born
December 3rd, 1907 117 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent American jazz singer, contributed to the genre primarily as a member of the Boswell Sisters trio in the 1920s and 1930s. The group established a distinctive style characterized by tight harmonies and innovative vocal arrangements, influencing numerous artists in subsequent generations. After the trio disbanded, pursued a successful solo career, performing in nightclubs and on radio shows. Notable collaborations included work with major orchestras and backing renowned musicians. Continued to perform throughout the 1940s and 1950s, gaining a reputation as a talented vocalist in the jazz community.

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James Phillip McAuley

Australian Poet and literary figure
Born
October 12th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 59 years old

An Australian poet and literary figure contributed significantly to the country's literary landscape. Early education took place in Tasmania before moving to the mainland for university studies. McAuley became associated with Modernist poetry and often engaged with themes of mythology and religion. Notably co-founded the literary journal Quadrant, which showcased various contemporary Australian writers. Received several awards for poetry, including the prestigious Grace Leven Prize for Poetry in 1956. McAuley's works reflect a deep engagement with the cultural values and identity of Australia.

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Dorothy Maud Wrinch

Mathematician and biochemist
Born
September 12th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of biochemistry and mathematics. Developed the concept of the 'Wrinch model' to explain protein structure. Engaged in philosophical inquiries regarding scientific theories and their implications. Held a professorship at the University of California, Los Angeles, advancing research in mathematical biology. Published several papers exploring the relationships between mathematics and molecular biology.

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Freddie King

Blues guitarist and singer-songwriter
Born
September 3rd, 1934 90 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 42 years old

A major figure in the blues genre, contributed significantly to the development of electric blues. Gained popularity during the 1960s with a powerful guitar style that influenced many musicians. Released several albums, with notable works like 'Live at the Electric Crucible' and 'Getting Ready'. Played a pivotal role in the Chicago blues scene and was recognized for a fiery performance style. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

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Sándor Bortnyik

Hungarian painter and graphic designer
Born
July 3rd, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Hungary in 1893, this individual became a significant figure in the Hungarian painting and graphic design scene. The artist studied in Paris and was influenced by modernist movements. Later, he returned to Hungary where he contributed extensively to the graphic arts. This individual also played a crucial role in the development of the Bauhaus school in Hungary, promoting the integration of art and industry. His works often combined elements of abstraction and geometric forms, reflecting contemporary design trends of the early 20th century.

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Willi Hennig

Biologist and entomologist, founder of phylogenetic systematics
Born
April 20th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 63 years old

A German biologist and entomologist contributed significantly to the field of systematics. Established the principles of phylogenetic systematics, a method that classifies organisms based on evolutionary relationships. Developed the concept of cladistics, which emphasizes the use of shared derived characteristics for classification. Authored the influential book 'Phylogenetic Systematics' in 1966, which spurred a new direction in biological classification. His work laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology.

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L.S. Lowry

English painter of industrial scenes
Born
November 1st, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 89 years old

An English painter and illustrator emerged in the 20th century primarily recognized for depictions of industrial landscapes in northern England. Characteristic works portray matchstick figures against the backdrop of smoky factories and urban scenes. Lowry developed a unique style, emphasizing simplicity and emotional resonance within his paintings. His most notable piece, 'Going to Work,' encapsulates the daily routine of factory workers in a vibrant yet stark manner. Throughout a career marked by a dedication to capturing everyday life, he produced numerous works that remained influential in the art world. Lowry's distinctive vision offers a glimpse into the socioeconomic realities of the time, reflecting both the bleakness and vitality of industrial England.

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Karl Schmidt-Rottluff

Painter and etcher, co-founder of Die Brücke
Born
December 1st, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 92 years old

A German painter and etcher, this artist emerged as a key figure in the Expressionist movement. Active in the early 20th century, he co-founded the artist group Die Brücke in 1905, which significantly influenced modern art. The artist's work is characterized by vivid colors and emotive forms, capturing the essence of the Expressionist style. Throughout his career, major exhibitions showcased the artist's contributions to the avant-garde, with a significant focus on landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. In his later years, the artist continued to create, reflecting on the changes in society and art during and after World War II.

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