What Happened This Year 1995

People Who Died in 1995

Paul Callaway

American organist and conductor
Born
August 16th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 86 years old

An accomplished organist and conductor contributed to the American classical music scene. Played a significant role as the organist for the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Taught at various institutions and influenced many music students. Also served as a conductor for multiple choral ensembles, including the Washington Cathedral Choir. His performances featured prominently in festivals and concerts, showcasing the intricacies of organ music and choral works.

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Erika Morini

Austrian violinist and concert performer
Born
January 5th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 91 years old

Born in Vienna, a prominent violinist achieved acclaim for her exceptional skill and artistry. Studied at the Vienna Conservatory and made a debut at a young age. Gained recognition for performances with renowned orchestras across Europe and the United States. Contributed significantly to the interpretation of violin repertoire, particularly works by composers like Vivaldi and Bach. Also participated in various masterclasses and taught aspiring musicians, influencing future generations.

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Văn Cao

Vietnamese composer and poet
Born
November 15th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in Vietnamese music and literature, this individual contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Vietnam. He composed numerous songs, with one of the most notable being the national anthem of Vietnam, 'Tiến Quân Ca'. In addition to music, he wrote poetry that reflected the socio-political environment of his time. As a painter, he explored various themes and styles, which showcased his versatility as an artist. His works often evoke the spirit of Vietnamese national identity and cultural pride.

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Evelyn Wood

Author and educator of speed reading
Born
January 8th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 86 years old

A significant contributor to the field of speed reading, this individual developed a technique for reading that aimed to increase reading efficiency. Founded the Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics program, which trained thousands of individuals in speed reading methods. Authored several books addressing reading and comprehension, including 'Evelyn Wood's Reading Dynamics'. Delivered workshops and seminars across the United States, promoting reading as a skill and offering courses in both educational and corporate settings.

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Derek Meddings

Special effects designer for Bond films
Born
January 15th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 64 years old

An influential British special effects designer contributed to the visual effects in several iconic films. Worked extensively in the film industry, especially noted for contributions to the James Bond series. Pioneered techniques in miniatures and practical effects during the 1960s and 1970s. Collaborated on projects that showcased advancements in special effects technology, setting high standards for future productions.

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J. Presper Eckert

Computer engineer, inventor of ENIAC
Born
April 9th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 76 years old

An American engineer contributed significantly to the development of early computers. Collaborated with John Mauchly to create the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), which was completed in 1945 and is often regarded as the first general-purpose electronic digital computer. This invention laid the groundwork for modern computing technology and greatly influenced subsequent computer designs.

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Bill Rowling

New Zealand Prime Minister
Born
November 15th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 68 years old

Elected as the 30th Prime Minister of New Zealand, held office from 1974 to 1975. Led the Labour Party following the resignation of predecessor. Focused on social reform and economic issues during tenure, including efforts to improve education and health care policies. Returned to Parliament after losing the premiership and remained active in politics. Contributed to the development of the party's policies and ideology post-premiership.

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Alexander Knox

Actor and screenwriter in film classics
Born
January 16th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 88 years old

Born in Canada and later moving to England, a career spanned several decades in film and television. Achievements included playing Franklin D. Roosevelt in 'The Last Hurrah' and had significant roles in 'The Prisoner of Zenda' and 'The Tillman Story'. Contributed as a screenwriter as well, showcasing versatility in storytelling across different mediums.

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Art Kane

Photographer of 'A Great Day in Harlem'
Born
April 9th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 70 years old

An American photographer, Kane gained recognition for his work in the field of photography, particularly for the iconic image 'A Great Day in Harlem,' capturing a historic gathering of jazz musicians in 1958. This photograph featured 57 notable artists, becoming one of the most famous images in jazz history. Kane's work extended beyond just jazz and included portrait photography for various magazines. His style often blended elements of candid photography and staged compositions. Throughout his career, Kane contributed to the visual documentation of cultural movements, telling stories through his lens that resonated with audiences and music enthusiasts alike.

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