What Happened This Year 2007

People Who Died in 2007

Peter Aduja

Filipino-American politician, legislator
Born
October 19th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1920, a politician with significant influence in the Philippines and the United States. Served in the U.S. Congress, representing the interests of the Filipino community. Advocated for policies benefiting Filipino-Americans and worked towards improving the lives of constituents. Engaged in various legislative efforts throughout tenure.

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Atle Selberg

Mathematician and academic with Selberg trace
Born
June 14th, 1917 109 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 90 years old

Significant contributions to number theory and mathematical analysis characterized the career. Developed the Selberg trace formula, a key result in the theory of automorphic forms. Published numerous papers and notably worked on the distribution of prime numbers. Taught at several institutions, including Princeton University, influencing future generations of mathematicians.

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Butch van Breda Kolff

Basketball player and coach
Born
October 28th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 85 years old

Played college basketball at Lafayette College and later earned recognition as a head coach in NCAA basketball. Coached teams at the University of New York at Albany and at the University of New Orleans, leading a successful career in coaching. Served as a coach for several professional teams including the Detroit Pistons and the New Jersey Nets. Contributed to the game by influencing many young players and coaches during decades of involvement in basketball.

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Evelyn Knight

American singer with hit 'A Little Bird Told Me'
Born
December 31st, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 90 years old

Started a career in music in the late 1930s, gaining prominence through radio and recording. Achieved considerable success with the hit single 'A Little Bird Told Me' in 1948, which topped the charts and became a defining song of the era. Her style blended traditional pop and easy listening, appealing to a wide audience. Continued to perform and record throughout the subsequent decades, contributing to a rich legacy in the American music scene.

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Jesús de Polanco

Spanish publisher and businessman
Born
November 7th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 78 years old

Founded Prisa, a major media group in Spain. Played a significant role in the development of Spanish media after Franco's regime. Expanded the company into various sectors including print, television, and radio. Instrumental in launching the newspaper El País, which became one of Spain's leading daily newspapers.

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Tommy Byrne

Baseball player and coach
Born
December 31st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 88 years old

A former professional baseball player and coach, achieved significant success as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Played for the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. Transitioned to coaching after retiring from playing, contributing to the development of future players in the sport. Additionally involved in politics, serving in the New York State Assembly. His multifaceted career included athletic achievement and public service.

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Carey Bell

American blues harmonica player
Born
November 14th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 71 years old

A significant figure in the Chicago blues scene, contributed to the genre's evolution through expressive harmonica playing and powerful vocals. Released several albums, including 'Heartaches and Pain' and 'Blues Harp'. Collaborated with various artists, enhancing the blues genre with unique style and technique.

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Rudolf Arnheim

Psychologist and author of art theory
Born
July 15th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 103 years old

Born in Germany, a psychologist and author focused on the psychology of art, visual perception, and creativity. Emigrated to the United States in 1938 due to the rise of the Nazi regime. Taught at various institutions including Bard College and the University of Illinois. Authored several influential works on the relationship between psychology and art, particularly 'Art and Visual Perception', which presents theories on how visual experiences impact art appreciation. Contributed to both the fields of art and psychology through interdisciplinary approaches.

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William Morris Meredith Jr.

American poet and academic
Born
January 9th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1919, a prominent poet and academic contributed significantly to American literature. Published several poetry collections, with notable works including 'The Open Sea' and 'The Wreck of the Little Fishes'. Served as a professor of English at several universities, shaping future generations of writers. Received prestigious accolades, including the Academy of American Poets' Fellowship and the National Book Award for Poetry. Served in the U.S. Army during World War II, which influenced his literary voice.

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