What Happened This Year 1996
People Who Died in 1996
Peggy Herbison
Served as a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom representing the Lanark constituency. Held various positions within the Labour Party, including Minister of State for Social Security. Advocated for social welfare programs and worked on policies related to housing and women's rights during the 1960s and 1970s. Served as a prominent voice for social justice and equality in legislative discussions.
Continue ReadingLew Ayres
An actor gained recognition for performance in the film All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). Worked in both film and television, with a career spanning several decades. Appeared in notable films including The Thin Man and the melodrama Johnny Belinda, earning an Academy Award nomination. In television, featured in the series Dr. Kildare. Later in career, became associated with advocacy for mental health awareness.
Continue ReadingWesley Addy
An American actor, prominent during the mid-20th century, worked extensively in television and film. Appeared in leading roles on series such as 'The Edge of Night' and 'The Defenders'. Had a successful career in Broadway, particularly celebrated for performances in productions like 'A Moon for the Misbegotten'. Also featured in movies including 'The Young Lovers' and 'The Way We Were'.
Continue ReadingPatsy Montana
A prominent figure in country music, this artist became the first female to have a million-selling record with the song "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" in 1935. She also appeared in several films during the 1930s and 1940s, where her musical talents highlighted her performances. The early career included stage performances alongside notable country artists and became a foundational influence in the genre. Ongoing contributions to music included signing several record deals, and she gained recognition as a pioneer for women in country music.
Continue ReadingBerthold Goldschmidt
Born in Germany, a pianist and composer created a significant body of work in classical music. He studied at the Berlin University of the Arts and gained recognition in the early 20th century. His compositions include orchestral works, chamber music, and operas. After fleeing Nazi Germany in 1936, he settled in England, where he continued to compose and perform. His opera, 'Beatrice Cenci', premiered in 1946 and received praise for its lyrical beauty and dramatic depth. Throughout his career, he emphasized the importance of music as a means of expression and communication, impacting the 20th-century classical music landscape.
Continue ReadingLarry Gene Bell
Involved in a series of murders in South Carolina during the 1980s. Convicted of kidnapping and killing 15-year-old Shandra White in 1985. Linked to the murder of 9-year-old Kimberly French, which also occurred in the same year. Sentenced to death in 1988 and executed by lethal injection in 1996.
Continue ReadingKarl Rappan
Convened the first football clubs in Austria and played for SC Wiener Neustadt. Rappan transitioned into coaching, where he developed a tactical system known as the 'Verteidigungssystem' or 'defense system' which revolutionized defensive play in football. He coached several teams, including the Austrian national team and FC Lausanne. His contributions to football tactics had a lasting influence in the sport.
Continue ReadingGladwyn Jebb
Jebb served as the first Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1945 to 1946. Initially involved in British diplomacy during World War II, he played a significant role in the establishment and early functioning of the UN. Jebb's work was instrumental in organizing the UN's first General Assembly in 1946. His diplomatic career included several high-profile positions within the British Foreign Office, where he focused on international relations and post-war reconstruction efforts. Jebb continued to work in various capacities within the UN and other international organizations, contributing to global governance and cooperation.
Continue ReadingJonathan Melvoin
A musician contributed significantly to the alternative rock scene in the 1990s. Played keyboards with the band The Smashing Pumpkins during the recording of the album 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.' Also played with various bands and contributed to a variety of music projects. Melvoin had a background that included performances in numerous live shows and collaboration with different artists, which shaped his musical journey.
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