What Happened This Year 1991

People Who Died in 1991

John Carter

American jazz clarinetist and composer
Born
September 24th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 62 years old

Accomplished as a clarinet player, saxophonist, and flute player, contributed significantly to jazz music. Participated in various ensembles and collaborations throughout the career, building a prominent presence in the jazz scene. Recorded multiple albums under own name and worked with various artists, elevating the art of improvisation and expression. His work helped bridge traditional and contemporary jazz styles.

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Gordon Bashford

Engineer, co-designed Range Rover
Born
August 27th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 75 years old

An English engineer contributed to automotive design, especially through work with Land Rover. Played a pivotal role in the development of the Range Rover, introduced in 1970, which became a significant model in the luxury SUV market. This vehicle combined performance and off-road capability, influencing future designs in the automotive industry. Over decades, involvement in various engineering projects led to advancements in vehicle design and technology.

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Phil Watson

Ice hockey player and coach
Born
April 24th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1914, was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach. Played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Rangers and became recognized for a coaching career that extended into the minor leagues. Coached various teams in the American Hockey League (AHL) and made contributions to player development in the sport.

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Armand Frappier

Canadian microbiologist with notable research
Born
November 26th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 87 years old

One of the key figures in microbiology, conducted vital research on vaccines and infectious diseases. Established the Research Institute of McGill University in Montreal, focusing on virology and immunology. Contributed significantly to the development of the vaccine against typhoid fever and studied various viruses. Advocated for public health improvement and advanced scientific education in Canada.

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Ronald Lacey

English actor in 'The Life of Brian'
Born
September 28th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1935, this English actor gained prominence for performances in film and television. Notable appearances included roles in 'The Life of Brian', where he portrayed the character of an interrogator, and 'The New Avengers', highlighting versatility in both comedic and serious genres. His career spanned several decades, showcasing a range of characters across various productions, contributing significantly to British television and film during his active years.

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John McIntire

American actor in western films and TV
Born
June 27th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 84 years old

An American actor, notable work included roles in classic westerns. Appeared in the television series 'The Virginian' and the film 'Shenandoah.' Contributed to the genre by portraying strong, memorable characters. Worked extensively in both film and television, gaining recognition for a distinctive voice and commanding presence. Collaborated with many prominent directors and actors throughout a lengthy career, earning respect in the industry.

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Ernie McCormick

Australian cricketer and Test representative
Born
May 16th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1906, contributions to cricket spanned multiple decades, primarily representing Australia in Test matches. Played as a right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler, and gained recognition during the 1930s. Made impactful appearances in the Ashes series against England, showcasing skills that contributed to Australia's competitive performance. Actively participated in domestic cricket leagues, establishing a reputation as a strong player with consistent contributions to the game.

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Marguerite Williams

Geologist and first woman PhD graduate
Born
December 24th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 96 years old

Graduated with a PhD in geology, becoming the first woman in the United States to earn this degree. Contributed to the field through research focused on mineralogy and petrology. Worked as a professor and mentor, influencing the education of future geologists. Conducted research that improved understanding of the geological features in specific regions, influencing both academic and field studies.

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Doc Pomus

American singer-songwriter and musician
Born
June 27th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent singer-songwriter, contributed significantly to popular music in the mid-20th century. Specialized in rhythm and blues and pop music, collaborating with various artists to produce memorable songs. His early work included writing for The Drifters, with major hits emerging throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Other artists also recorded his compositions, further solidifying his influence. Continued to write and perform into the later years of life, showcasing a persistent dedication to music.

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