What Happened This Year 1996

People Who Died in 1996

Ai Qing

Chinese poet and author
Born
March 27th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1910, this individual became a prominent Chinese poet and author, contributing significantly to modern Chinese literature. The life experiences, including imprisonment and exile due to political reasons, deeply influenced the themes in the poetry and prose. Works often reflected personal emotions and societal issues, blending traditional Chinese literary forms with modernist influences. The individual returned to the literary scene after the Cultural Revolution, continuing to publish collections that resonated with a wide audience.

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Toni Stone

Professional baseball player, first female in MLB.
Born
July 17th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 75 years old

Became the first woman to play in a major men's professional baseball league. Played in the Negro Leagues for the San Francisco Sea Lions and Indianapolis Clowns. Demonstrated exceptional skill and determination as an infielder. Her career in the Negro Leagues spanned from 1950 to 1954, contributing to the integration of women into professional sports.

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W. G. G. Duncan Smith

English captain and pilot
Born
May 28th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 82 years old

Served as a captain in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Piloted several notable missions, including operations in the North African campaign. Post-war, contributed to civil aviation efforts, playing a key role in promoting air safety and advancements in navigation technology. Also engaged in maritime activities, further establishing expertise in aviation and seafaring.

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Nnamdi Azikiwe

Nigerian statesman, 1st President of Nigeria
Born
November 16th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent Nigerian statesman served as the first President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966. Played a vital role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Participated in establishing the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and was a vocal advocate for national unity and self-governance. Contributed to the shaping of Nigeria’s political landscape post-independence.

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Calvin Waller

American general and military leader
Born
December 17th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 59 years old

Calvin Waller served as a United States Army general. He held key positions during his career, including Commanding General of the United States Army in Europe. Waller also played a significant role during pivotal moments in the Cold War era, focusing on NATO operations and international military collaboration. His leadership was instrumental during various exercises and deployments that shaped the organization and readiness of U.S. forces abroad. After retirement, Waller continued to contribute to military education and policy discussions.

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Amos Tversky

Psychologist; co-founder of Prospect Theory
Born
March 16th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 59 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of psychology through research on decision-making under uncertainty. Collaborated with Daniel Kahneman, resulting in the development of Prospect Theory, which describes how individuals assess their loss and gain perceptions. This work received high recognition and laid the foundation for behavioral economics, influencing economic theory and policy. Published numerous articles and influenced a wide array of fields including economics, finance, and cognitive science. Served as a professor at various institutions, fostering academic growth in decision theory and related subjects.

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Lincoln Kirstein

Co-founder of New York City Ballet
Born
May 4th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 89 years old

A soldier and playwright, contributed significantly to American ballet. Co-founded the New York City Ballet in 1948, collaborating with George Balanchine to bring innovative choreography and classical ballet to the forefront of American culture. Authored numerous books and essays on ballet, influencing future generations of dancers and choreographers. Held various roles in arts administration and education, promoting ballet performance and appreciation across the United States.

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Kid Sheik

American trumpet player in jazz
Born
September 15th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1908, the trumpet player significantly contributed to the New Orleans jazz scene. Playing with prominent bands, he became influential in the development of jazz music. His performances showcased a unique blend of traditional New Orleans styles and modern influences, gaining attention across the United States. Recordings from the 1940s and 1950s captured the essence of his trumpet style, which resonated with both audiences and fellow musicians. He participated in various festivals, celebrating jazz heritage and inspiring upcoming artists.

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Ferdinand Leitner

Conductor and composer of classical music
Born
March 4th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Germany in 1912, a conductor and composer specialized in classical music. Led prominent orchestras throughout Europe, including the Munich Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera. Involved in numerous recordings, contributing to the classical music repertoire. His work included acclaimed interpretations of operas and orchestral works, showcasing a commitment to both contemporary and classical pieces.

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