What Happened This Year 1999

People Who Died in 1999

Georgia Louise Harris Brown

American architect and urban planner
Born
June 12th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 81 years old

An architect and urban planner, contributed significantly to the fields of architecture and design. Worked on a variety of projects, focusing on social housing and community development. Played a vital role in advocating for equitable urban spaces. Graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and was a member of the American Institute of Architects. Contributed to the development of sustainable design practices and initiated community projects that emphasized inclusivity.

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Daisy Bates

Civil Rights Activist and Journalist
Born
November 11th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 85 years old

Involved in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Advocated for the integration of schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. Served as a key figure in the Little Rock Nine crisis, providing support and resources for the nine Black students who were the first to integrate Central High School. Later published writings and conducted interviews highlighting the struggles of African Americans.

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Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn

Austrian political theorist and author
Born
July 31st, 1909 116 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 90 years old

Born in Austria, contributed extensively to political theory and cultural critique. Advocated for libertarian ideals and examined the influence of liberalism and socialism on society. Wrote prominent works such as 'Leftism: From de Sade and Marx to Hitler and Marcuse', analyzing the evolution of leftist ideology. Served as an editor for various publications and held teaching positions across Europe and the United States, shaping discussions on freedom and governance.

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Thomas C. Mann

American diplomat, U.S. Ambassador
Born
November 11th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent lawyer and politician, the individual served as the United States Ambassador to El Salvador from 1966 to 1969. Held significant positions within the U.S. State Department, contributing to foreign policy decisions during a tumultuous period in Central America. Played a key role in promoting U.S. interests in the region while navigating complex political dynamics.

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Melba Liston

Trombonist and composer of jazz music
Born
January 13th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent trombonist and composer contributed significantly to the world of jazz. Collaborated with influential artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Billie Holiday. Developed a unique style that blended traditional jazz with innovative arrangements. Composed numerous pieces, gaining recognition in the jazz community for both musicianship and compositions. Participated in various jazz festivals and educational programs dedicated to advancing music and mentoring young musicians.

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Tommy Ridgley

American singer and bandleader
Born
October 30th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent figure in the New Orleans music scene, this singer and bandleader played a pivotal role in the development of rhythm and blues. With a career spanning several decades, gained recognition for contributions to the genre, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s through performances and recordings. Formed and led the band Tommy Ridgley and His Band, which became known for energetic live shows. Recorded significant hits that highlighted the vibrant cultural landscape of New Orleans. His work not only entertained but also influenced the growth and popularity of the R&B genre across the United States.

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N. V. M. Gonzalez

Filipino novelist and poet
Born
September 8th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent Filipino novelist, poet, and essayist, recognized for contributions to Philippine literature. Authored several acclaimed works, including the novel "The Winds of April" and various poetry collections. Held teaching positions at universities and contributed significantly to literary criticism and writings about Filipino identity. Worked extensively within literary circles and received accolades for dedication to preserving Philippine culture through literature.

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David A. Huffman

Computer Scientist; Developed Huffman Coding
Born
August 9th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1925, a prominent computer scientist contributed significantly to the field of computer science through the development of Huffman coding, a widely used algorithm for lossless data compression. This technique optimizes the encoding of data to reduce file sizes and improve transmission efficiency. The work laid the foundation for various applications in computer graphics, image processing, and telecommunications. Huffman's research has played a crucial role in the advancements of modern computing and data transmission technologies.

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Bobby Limb

Comedian and bandleader with TV fame
Born
November 10th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent Australian comedian, actor, and bandleader, this individual enjoyed a successful career in entertainment, particularly during the mid-20th century. As a television personality, he gained popularity through variety shows and musical performances. His charisma and humor resonated with audiences, leading to long-running television segments. In addition to acting and comedy, he played a significant role in promoting Australian music and entertainment.

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