What Happened This Year 2020
People Who Died in 2020
Phil May
Phil May gained recognition as a singer-songwriter and frontman of the rock band The Pretty Things. The band was influential in the 1960s and 1970s British rock scene, notable for their innovative blend of rock, rhythm and blues, and psychedelic music. May's distinctive voice and songwriting contributed to the band's critical acclaim and cult following. The Pretty Things released several albums, with 'S.F. Sorrow' often cited as one of the first rock operas, showcasing the band's creative ambitions and musical range. May remained active in the music industry through various projects and collaborations, further solidifying his place in rock history.
Continue ReadingEleanor Sokoloff
A distinguished pianist and educator, contributions spanned performance and teaching, shaping many musicians. Served as a faculty member at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance, where numerous successful students emerged. Continued to perform throughout her career, sharing her love of music. Recognized in the music community for dedication to intercultural musical education.
Continue ReadingBenny Mardones
An American singer-songwriter gained recognition in the 1980s with the hit song 'Into the Night.' The track received significant airplay and became a memorable ballad of the decade, later re-charting in the 1990s. Mardones released several albums throughout his career, demonstrating a passion for music and songwriting. He performed at various venues and garnered a devoted following during live concerts. His work blended rock and pop elements, showcasing his vocal abilities and lyrical storytelling.
Continue ReadingDavid Dinkins
Served as the 106th Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993. Dinkins was the first African American to hold this office. Prior to his mayoralty, Dinkins served as the president of the New York City Board of Elections and as a member of the New York State Assembly. His administration focused on reducing crime, promoting community policing, and building affordable housing.
Continue ReadingValéry Giscard d'Estaing
Born in 1926, served as President of France from 1974 to 1981. Advocated for modernization in France, focusing on economic and social reforms. Played a key role in European integration, supporting the development of the European Union. Also served as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs prior to presidency. After leaving office, engaged in various academic and political endeavors.
Continue ReadingJack Steinberger
Contributed significantly to particle physics as an academic and researcher. Played a key role in the discovery of the muon neutrino in experiments conducted at CERN. His work on weak interactions in particle physics has been highly influential in the field. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1988, sharing the honor with two other physicists for contributions to the understanding of the structure of matter.
Continue ReadingPhilip Warren Anderson
A prominent physicist, contributed to condensed matter physics and played a crucial role in the development of the theory of localization. His research addressed disordered systems and introduced methods for understanding various phenomena in solid-state physics. Published extensively in scientific journals, influencing future research in the field. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977 for contributions to the understanding of the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems. Affiliated with institutions such as Princeton University throughout an extensive academic career.
Continue ReadingBhakti Charu Swami
A prominent leader within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), served as a senior disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Played a significant role in promoting Krishna consciousness worldwide, especially in India and the West. Wrote several books on spiritual philosophy, including commentaries on the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Engaged in numerous community services and outreach programs to spread the teachings of Krishna.
Continue ReadingJosé Vicente Rangel
Served as the 21st Vice President of Venezuela from 2001 to 2007. His political career included various roles such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense. Rangel was a prominent figure in the Venezuelan political landscape, participating actively in the democratic process and the advancement of political discourse in the country. He was also involved in journalism and wrote extensively on political issues.
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