What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

Isadora Bennett

Theatre manager and dance publicist
Born
July 21st, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1900, a notable figure in American theater management and modern dance publicity. Bennett managed various theater productions and played a significant role in promoting modern dance artists and performances. Her efforts contributed to the growth and popularity of modern dance in the United States during the early to mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Tim Hardin

Folk singer-songwriter and musician
Born
December 23rd, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 39 years old

An influential folk singer-songwriter and musician emerged in the 1960s, contributing to the genre with a distinctive voice and poignant lyrics. Hardin's songwriting gained attention and was covered by various artists, showcasing the emotional depth of his work. Hardin recorded several albums, with significant acclaim for his self-titled debut. His most notable songs include 'If I Were a Carpenter' and 'Reason to Believe', which became popular through covers by other artists. Struggling with personal demons, Hardin's career was marked by periods of instability but left a lasting imprint on the folk music scene.

Continue Reading

Max Miedinger

Swiss Typeface Designer, created Helvetica
Born
December 24th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 70 years old

A Swiss typeface designer was instrumental in the development of the Helvetica typeface in 1957. The design of Helvetica was commissioned by the Haas Type Foundry in Switzerland, where it quickly gained popularity for its clean and modern aesthetic. This typeface became widely adopted in various forms of media and design, influencing typography in advertising, signage, and business communications. Miedinger's contribution to type design extended beyond Helvetica, as he created several other typefaces and laid the groundwork for contemporary graphics and typography principles.

Continue Reading

Richard Gurley Drew

Engineer, inventor of masking tape
Born
June 22nd, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

An American engineer, this individual invented masking tape while working for 3M in the 1920s. The invention was designed to allow for better paint lines during painting and eventually led to the development of various adhesive products. The innovative product gained widespread use in homes, industries, and automotive applications. The invention's impact on both the professional painting and DIY markets was significant, as it provided a solution for cleaner paint application and helped streamline the painting process.

Continue Reading

Queenie Watts

Actress and singer in British television
Born
July 21st, 1923 101 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1923, an English actress and singer became widely recognized for performances in the television series 'The Wackers' and 'EastEnders'. Career also included stage performances and contributions to music. Strong presence in British entertainment through various roles across multiple decades. Continued to perform until later in life, showcasing versatility in both acting and singing.

Continue Reading

Billy Butlin

Businessman, founder of Butlins resorts
Born
September 29th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

A businessman established a chain of holiday camps in the United Kingdom, providing affordable vacation options for families. The first camp opened in 1938 in Skegness, which marked the beginning of a successful enterprise that expanded to include several locations. Butlin's vision aimed to create a fun and enjoyable environment for guests, offering various leisure activities and entertainment options. The brand quickly became synonymous with family holidays, catering to millions throughout its operation. The business grew significantly, especially during the post-war years when domestic tourism boomed in Britain.

Continue Reading

Ibn-e-Safi

Author and poet of detective fiction
Born
July 26th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 52 years old

An Indian-Pakistani author and poet, contributed significantly to the Urdu literature scene. Created the popular detective fiction series featuring characters such as Inspector Jamshed and the fictional detective group, the 'Daredevils'. His works combined elements of crime, adventure, and romance, captivating readers across both India and Pakistan. Produced several novels and short story collections, gaining a substantial following for narrative style and engaging plots.

Continue Reading

Sergei Varshavsky

Art Collector and Author
Born
September 27th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1906, a prominent figure in the Russian art scene, contributed significantly as an art collector and author. Focused on the intersection of art and literature, engaged with various artists and cultivated a vast collection. Authored several works exploring art criticism and aesthetics, influencing the appreciation of modern art in Russia.

Continue Reading

Velvalee Dickinson

American spy during World War II
Born
October 12th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 87 years old

Engaged in espionage activities during World War II. Operated as a spy for Japan, using her position as a model and socialite in New York City to gather and relay vital intelligence. Managed to evade capture for a significant period, contributing to the complexities of wartime espionage. Arrested in 1944 and subsequently faced trial, which highlighted the dangers of espionage and its impact on national security.

Continue Reading