What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Ronnie Grieveson

South African cricketer and soldier
Born
August 24th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1909, this individual played first-class cricket for South Africa during the 1930s. Primarily a right-handed batsman, significant contributions were made while representing teams such as Eastern Province. During World War II, service was rendered in the military as a soldier, demonstrating dedication to the country. Post-war, continued involvement in cricket at various levels was observed.

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Klaus Tennstedt

Conductor and orchestral leader
Born
June 6th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Germany in 1926, a prominent conductor gained recognition for interpretations of classical repertoire. Worked extensively with major orchestras, including the London Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Held the position of principal conductor of the NDR Symphony Orchestra in Hamburg, enhancing its global reputation. Conducted notable performances at prestigious venues, showcasing a deep understanding of the scores and an ability to communicate with the musicians effectively. Successes included conducting the complete symphonies of Mahler and Bruckner, which received acclaim from critics and audiences alike.

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Gottfried Dienst

Swiss football referee and player
Born
September 9th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 79 years old

An accomplished football referee and player, officiated in major international tournaments. Played for FC Basel and served as a referee in FIFA World Cup matches. Recognized for contributions to the sport in both playing and officiating capacities. Refereed at the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

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Charles Lang

Cinematographer of 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
Born
March 27th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 96 years old

A prominent cinematographer with a career spanning several decades, focused on lighting, composition, and visual storytelling. Collaborated with major directors including Elia Kazan and George Stevens. Worked on notable films such as 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 'Shane', and 'The Music Man', showcasing skills that enhanced the visual language of American cinema. Received multiple nominations for Academy Awards, highlighting contributions to the film industry. Also served as a director of photography on numerous feature films, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

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David Bairstow

English cricketer and sportscaster
Born
September 1st, 1951 73 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 47 years old

Played first-class cricket for Yorkshire from 1970 to 1984, serving as wicketkeeper and batsman. Made his Test debut for England in 1975 and accumulated 39 Test caps until 1984. Transitioned to sports broadcasting and contributed to various media outlets, sharing insights on cricket. Authored works reflecting on the sport and his experiences.

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Dorothy Squires

Welsh singer and actress
Born
March 25th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Wales, a significant figure in British music during the mid-20th century. Rose to prominence with a successful singing career, celebrated for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Gained recognition for a series of popular songs and recordings, especially in the pop and traditional genres. Collaborated with numerous artists and contributed to various musical productions. In addition to music, ventured into acting and appeared in theatrical performances. Continued performing until advanced age, showcasing resilience and dedication to art.

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Robbie James

Welsh footballer and manager
Born
March 23rd, 1957 68 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 41 years old

Started a career in professional football, playing as a midfielder. Played for clubs including Swansea City and Cardiff City, contributing to recognized achievements in Welsh football. Transitioned into management after retirement, leading teams in various capacities and focusing on developing local talent. Recognized within the football community for dedication to the sport and involvement at multiple levels.

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Jerry Clower

Comedian and author of Southern humor
Born
September 28th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1926, this individual served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later gained prominence as a comedian and author. His storytelling style, deeply rooted in Southern culture, resonated widely across America. Popular live performances showcased comedic tales that often referenced his rural upbringing. The individual's humor focused on characters and anecdotes from his life and family in Mississippi. In 1973, a live album reached gold record status, establishing a lasting legacy in the comedy genre. As a radio personality, the individual also hosted programs that further popularized his unique brand of humor.

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Nguyễn Văn Linh

Vietnamese politician and reform leader
Born
July 1st, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

A significant figure in Vietnam's political landscape, this individual played a crucial role in the country's transition towards a market economy, often referred to as 'Doi Moi' or Renovation. This policy reform initiated in the late 1980s shifted economic focus from strict central planning to a more market-oriented approach. The individual served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 1986 to 1991, overseeing major economic and political changes during a transformative period in Vietnamese history. Through these reforms, Vietnam gradually integrated into the global economy while maintaining its socialist principles.

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