What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Heather Couper

Astronomer and physicist; science communicator
Born
June 2nd, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 71 years old

An English astronomer and physicist specialized in astronomy outreach and education. Played a significant role in popularizing science through numerous television programs and public lectures. Worked with the British National Space Centre and contributed to various publications related to space science. Served as a director of campaigns promoting space exploration and astronomy.

Continue Reading

Phil Niekro

Baseball player and manager with knuckleball
Born
April 1st, 1939 85 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1939, a prominent baseball player and manager, primarily recognized for an exceptional career as a knuckleball pitcher. Played major league baseball for teams like the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees, spanning over 20 seasons. Accumulated more than 300 career wins, making him one of the few pitchers to achieve this milestone. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, marking the recognition of a significant contribution to the sport. Later transitioned to coaching, offering insights on pitching mechanics and strategies.

Continue Reading

Jimmy Heath

American saxophonist and composer.
Born
October 25th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent figure in jazz music, celebrated for contributions to the genre as a saxophonist and composer. Collaborated with influential musicians such as John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. Leadership roles included serving as a member of the Jazz Mobile organization, which promoted jazz in New York City. Heath's career spanned several decades, during which he released numerous albums that showcased his skills and artistry. In addition to performing, he held teaching positions and influenced a generation of musicians through education.

Continue Reading

Claude Bolling

Pianist and composer of jazz music
Born
April 10th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 90 years old

This French pianist and composer specialized in jazz and classical music. In the 1970s, collaborated with renowned jazz artist Jean-Pierre Rampal to produce a series of successful albums that blended classical and jazz styles. Achieved commercial success with the album 'Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano', which showcased a fusion of genres. Contributed to film music, scoring soundtracks for various movies. Also was an accomplished performer, participating in numerous concert tours across Europe and the United States.

Continue Reading

Jean Erdman

Dancer and choreographer of The Dreamers
Born
February 20th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 104 years old

A prominent American dancer and choreographer, contributions to modern dance included founding the company Minuette Dance Theatre. Created works that combined dance with elements of theater and poetry. Collaborated with various artists and maintained a lifelong connection with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Served as a lecturer at several universities, sharing knowledge on choreography and performance. The innovative nature of the works extended to contributions in the realm of dance education and direction.

Continue Reading

Keith Critchlow

Architect and co-founder of Temenos Academy
Born
March 16th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 87 years old

An architect and academic with a significant contribution to architectural education, co-founded Temenos Academy, which emphasizes the integration of traditional and contemporary approaches to architecture and design. His work focused on the spiritual dimensions of architecture and the importance of beauty in built environments. Authored several influential books, including 'Order in Space', discussing the principles of architectural design and geometry. Engaged in teaching and lecturing internationally on the philosophy and practice of architecture.

Continue Reading

Vaughan Jones

Mathematician and academic with knot theory
Born
December 31st, 1952 72 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 68 years old

A mathematician and academic contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in knot theory. Developed the Jones polynomial, which is a polynomial invariant of knots and has applications in various areas, including statistical mechanics and quantum field theory. Served as a professor at multiple institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and was deeply involved in mathematical research and education. Awarded numerous honors throughout his career, reflecting significant contributions to mathematics and its applications.

Continue Reading

Pete Rademacher

American boxer; heavyweight champion
Born
November 20th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 92 years old

Professional boxing career began in 1953. First boxer to fight for the heavyweight title in his professional debut. Competed against Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight championship in 1956. Career record includes notable victories and a significant title challenge.

Continue Reading

Oliver E. Williamson

Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 27th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 88 years old

An economist focused on the theory of the firm and institutional economics. Williamson contributed significantly to the understanding of how economic organizations operate. As an academic, he held positions at several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley. Williamson's research explored the reasons firms exist, the structure of contracts, and the role of transaction costs in economic activity. In 2009, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his analysis of economic governance, particularly the boundaries of firms.

Continue Reading