What Happened This Year 1999

People Who Died in 1999

Al Hirt

Trumpet player and bandleader
Born
November 7th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
April 27th, 1999 25 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent trumpet player and bandleader, famous for contributions to jazz and popular music. Gained significant recognition for performances and recordings, particularly during the 1960s. Achieved notable success with the hit single 'Java', which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Collaborated with various artists and led his own band, performing widely across the United States. Hirt was also featured in television specials and various recordings, solidifying his reputation in the music industry.

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Arthur Leonard Schawlow

Physicist, Nobel Prize Laureate
Born
May 5th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1999 25 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of laser technology and optics. Earned a Ph.D. in physics from Columbia University. Worked at Bell Laboratories, where developed methods to produce laser light and co-invented the laser. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1981 for contributions to laser spectroscopy. Later served as a professor at Stanford University. Recognized for extensive academic contributions and advancements in scientific research.

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Rolf Landauer

Physicist known for Landauer's principle
Born
February 4th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1999 25 years ago — 72 years old

A German-American physicist and academic, made significant contributions in the field of theoretical physics, particularly information theory and its relation to thermodynamics. In 1961, introduced Landauer's principle, which established a fundamental link between information processing and energy consumption. Worked at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and contributed to the development of quantum computing and noise in electronic devices. Held various academic positions, including professor at universities in the United States.

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Rory Calhoun

American actor in western films
Born
August 8th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1999 25 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent figure in American cinema, this actor's career spanned several decades. He starred in numerous western films during the 1950s and 1960s, establishing a reputation as a leading man. Collaborated with noted directors and appeared in several popular television series. His work extended to producing and writing, contributing to the creative landscape of the film industry.

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Alf Ramsey

Football manager, led England to victory
Born
January 22nd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1999 25 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent figure in English football, coached the England national team from 1963 to 1974. Achieved notable success by leading the team to victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, the only time England has won this prestigious tournament. Initiated significant changes in the team's playing style, favoring a tactical approach that emphasized organization and discipline. Prior to coaching, played for clubs such as Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur during the 1940s and 1950s.

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Douglas Harkness

Canadian politician and defense minister
Born
March 29th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1999 25 years ago — 96 years old

Served as a Canadian colonel and held the position of Minister of National Defence. Contributed to defense policy during a pivotal period in Canadian military history. Engaged in politics for several years, focusing on national defense and security.

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Oliver Reed

English actor in 'Gladiator'
Born
February 13th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1999 25 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1938, an English actor gained recognition for a commanding screen presence and intense performances. Career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1950s. Achievement includes a role in the Oscar-winning film 'Gladiator.' Also appeared in notable films such as 'The Curse of the Werewolf' and 'The Three Musketeers.' Worked in theater and television, showcasing versatility across different media. Reed's off-screen personality was as striking as his on-screen roles, contributing to a public image that blended charm with unpredictability.

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Godfrey Evans

English cricketer and wicket-keeper
Born
August 18th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1999 25 years ago — 78 years old

Played for Kent County Cricket Club and England national team. Made contributions as a wicket-keeper and batsman during the 1940s and 1950s. Participated in several Test matches, showcasing skills behind the stumps. His career with Kent spanned over two decades, gathering a substantial record of dismissals.

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Joe Adcock

Baseball player, 1957 All-Star
Born
October 30th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1999 25 years ago — 71 years old

Played in Major League Baseball from 1950 to 1966, primarily as a first baseman. Adcock spent the majority of his career with the Milwaukee Braves and later played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. Achieved notable success during the 1957 season, earning a selection to the All-Star Game and contributing to the Braves' victory in the World Series that year. After retiring as a player, transitioned into coaching and management roles within the sport.

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