What Happened This Year 1977

People Who Died in 1977

Princess Charlotte

Duchess of Valentinois
Born
September 30th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 79 years old

Born on September 30, 1898, she served as the Duchess of Valentinois and was a member of the Grimaldi family. The daughter of Prince Louis II of Monaco, she became notable in the context of Monegasque nobility. She held the title of Duchess of Valentinois following her marriage to Prince Pierre of Monaco, contributing to the royal lineage of Monaco.

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Sleepy John Estes

Blues singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
January 25th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 78 years old

Born on January 25, 1899, a significant figure in the country blues genre, contributing to the development of the style with a unique blend of storytelling and musicality. Raised in Tennessee, early recordings in the 1920s showcased a distinctive blend of guitar playing and soulful lyrics. Collaborated with various musicians, including Hammie Nixon. Recorded influential tracks that resonated with audiences both locally and nationally. His music influenced numerous artists in the blues genre and beyond, contributing to the preservation and popularity of traditional blues.

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Kenneth O'Donnell

American soldier and politician
Born
March 4th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 53 years old

Served in the United States Army during World War II. Worked as a political advisor, particularly known for involvement in John F. Kennedy's presidential campaigns. Held positions within the White House, including Special Assistant to the President, where played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After leaving government service, remained active in political commentary and public service initiatives.

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Ernie Lombardi

Baseball player with Cincinnati Reds
Born
April 6th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 69 years old

Played professional baseball primarily as a catcher from 1931 to 1947. Achieved recognition with the Cincinnati Reds, where notable performances contributed to team success. Selected for the All-Star Game multiple times throughout the career. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986, reflecting a significant impact on the sport during the prime years of playing career.

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Chiyonoyama Masanobu

Japanese sumo wrestler, 41st Yokozuna
Born
June 2nd, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 51 years old

A prominent sumo wrestler, held the title of Yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo wrestling. Made significant contributions to the sport through his achievements and skill on the dohyo. Competed during the post-World War II era and was known for his strong technique and ability to adapt to various opponents. His career was marked by a series of championship wins and intense rivalries, contributing to the popularity of sumo wrestling in Japan.

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Albert Weisbord

American activist, Communist League founder
Born
December 9th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 77 years old

An activist involved in the labor movement, played a significant role in the early 20th-century communist movement in the United States. Founded the Communist League of Struggle, which aimed to unite and organize workers under communist principles. Engaged in political education and organizing efforts throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The organization worked to address worker rights and advocated for socialist policies during a time of economic hardship in the U.S.

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Marston Morse

Mathematician and academic in geometry
Born
March 24th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions to mathematics included fundamental work in geometric topology and Morse theory, which provides a method for analyzing the topology of a manifold based on critical points of smooth functions. Served as a professor at various institutions, including Harvard University and the Institute for Advanced Study. The Morse theory developed has applications across various fields, including physics, biology, and data analysis. Published numerous papers detailing findings and advancements in mathematical theories.

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Hans Rookmaaker

Dutch historian and author of Art Needs No Justification
Born
February 27th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 55 years old

Contributions included scholarly work in the field of art history. Focused on the relationship between art and culture, Rookmaaker published multiple texts examining aesthetic philosophy. Acted as a professor at the Free University in Amsterdam, influencing generations of art historians and scholars. Engaged with themes of modernity and the role of art in society, emphasizing the importance of creativity within a cultural context. His book, 'Art Needs No Justification', became a significant work addressing the contemporary understanding of art.

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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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