What Happened This Year 1977

People Who Died in 1977

Paul Desmond

Saxophonist and composer of 'Take Five'
Born
November 25th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 53 years old

An influential American saxophonist and composer, a key figure in the cool jazz movement. Played alto saxophone and gained fame as a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Composed the iconic jazz piece 'Take Five', which became a massive hit and remains a jazz standard. Contributed to the quartet's innovative approach to rhythm and harmony, shaping the sound of jazz in the 1950s and 1960s. Collaborated with various artists, showcasing a unique blend of lyrical style and improvisation throughout a successful music career.

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Sid Atkinson

South African hurdler and long jumper
Born
March 14th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 76 years old

Competed in the 110 meters hurdles and long jump events. Represented South Africa in the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp. Won multiple national championships in athletics and set records in hurdles and long jump during his career.

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Billy Gonsalves

Soccer player, 1930 World Cup participant
Born
August 10th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 69 years old

Played soccer primarily as a forward. Competed in the 1930 FIFA World Cup as a member of the United States national team. Gonsalves contributed to the early development of soccer in the U.S. and is remembered for his skill on the field during the formative years of the sport in the country.

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Nellie Tayloe Ross

Governor of Wyoming, first female governor
Born
November 29th, 1876 148 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 101 years old

Served as the 14th Governor of Wyoming from 1925 to 1927. Became the first woman to hold a governorship in the United States. Prior to this, worked as the director of the Wyoming State Liquor Commission. Held various positions within the Democratic Party and was active in state and national politics, promoting women's suffrage and other reforms.

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Larry Itliong

Union organizer and farm labor leader
Born
October 25th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 64 years old

An influential Filipino-American labor organizer who played a significant role in the Delano grape strike. Worked alongside Cesar Chavez to advocate for better working conditions for farmworkers in California. Established the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee and later merged it into the United Farm Workers Union, seeking justice and rights for laborers. Emphasized the importance of labor solidarity and social justice through grassroots activism. His leadership contributed to the recognition of farmworkers' rights and improved labor standards in the agricultural sector.

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A. P. Hamann

American politician and lawyer
Born
September 26th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1909, a notable figure practiced law and served as a lieutenant in the military before entering politics. Held various positions within the political landscape, contributing to legislative processes and community development. Engaged actively in local and state-level governance, focusing on legal reforms and public service initiatives. His legal expertise informed policy decisions and community programs.

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Katherine Stinson

Aviator and Aeronautical Pioneer
Born
February 14th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 86 years old

An American aviator, Stinson became a prominent figure in early aviation, achieving several significant milestones. In 1912, she was the first woman to fly a loop. Her contributions included performing aerial stunts and participating in air shows across the United States. Stinson also established a flight school in 1915, contributing to the training of aviators. Throughout her career, she set records and gained recognition as one of the pioneering women in aviation during a time when it was predominantly a male-dominated field.

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Dennis Wheatley

Soldier and author of thriller novels
Born
January 8th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 80 years old

Served in the British Army during World War I and later became a prolific author. Gained recognition for writing a series of thriller novels, particularly in the horror and occult genres. His work often featured themes of adventure, mysticism, and the supernatural. Authored several bestsellers, contributing significantly to the genre. Wrote 'The Devil Rides Out', which became particularly popular and was later adapted into a film.

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Gustave Gilbert

American psychologist and researcher
Born
September 30th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 66 years old

A psychologist conducted research on conformity and obedience. Prominent work involved experiments on social psychology, notably during the 1950s. Contributed to the understanding of authority and group dynamics through studies that underscored the influence of social pressure on individual decision-making. Teamed with notable researchers to investigate the behavior of individuals in group settings, offering insights that shaped the field of social psychology.

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