What Happened This Year 1997

People Who Died in 1997

Raymond Lambert

Swiss mountaineer and explorer
Born
October 18th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1914, a mountaineer achieved notable feats in the Swiss Alps and the Himalayas. Lambert was part of the first Swiss expedition to Everest in 1952, which attempted to reach the summit. His climbing skills and determination were evident during challenging ascents, including the first ascent of the western face of the Matterhorn in 1931. Throughout a career in mountaineering, contributed to the development of climbing techniques and equipment. His explorations and ascents brought attention to the technical challenges of high-altitude climbing.

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Bertrand Goldberg

Architect, designer of Marina City
Born
July 17th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 84 years old

An American architect specialized in innovative urban designs and high-rise structures. Marina City in Chicago, featuring iconic cylindrical towers, became a hallmark of modern architecture. Goldberg contributed to the development of community-focused living spaces, emphasizing both aesthetics and functionality. His architectural vision embraced the integration of nature and urban environments, and he often experimented with concrete as a building material. The architect's work extended beyond iconic buildings, influencing city planning and residential design during a transformative period in American architecture.

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Friedrich Hund

Physicist known for Hund's rules
Born
February 4th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 101 years old

Contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and atomic structure. Formulated Hund's rules, which describe the electron configurations of atoms in multi-electron systems. Held academic positions in Germany and published numerous research papers throughout a career spanning several decades. Influenced the teaching and understanding of quantum theories.

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Luther Allison

Blues guitarist and singer-songwriter
Born
August 17th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1939, a prominent figure in blues music, recognized for a powerful voice and captivating guitar skills. Began career in Chicago during the 1960s, contributing to the rise of the city's vibrant blues scene. Released notable albums including 'Live in Chicago' and 'Soul Fixin' Man.' Famous for energetic live performances and a unique blend of traditional and contemporary blues. The musician also experienced a significant resurgence in popularity in the 1990s, earning accolades and a devoted following.

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Frank Parker

American tennis player and champion
Born
January 31st, 1916 109 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 81 years old

Achieved significant success in tennis during the mid-20th century. Contributed to American tennis as a player and coach. Won the 1944 U.S. National Championships, securing a place in tennis history. Excelled in both singles and doubles, earning acclaim for contributions to the sport. Later transitioned into coaching, influencing new generations of tennis players.

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Beatrice Aitchison

American mathematician and economist
Born
July 18th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1908, a prominent mathematician and statistician focused on transportation economics. Aitchison contributed significantly to the statistical analysis of transportation systems. Developed methodologies and models for optimizing transportation networks and analyzing traffic patterns. Her work supported various infrastructure projects and policy formations in transportation.

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