What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ Aug 20 ]

2024 - In Memory of Al Attles: A Basketball Legend

Al Attles, an influential figure in basketball history, known for coaching the Golden State Warriors to the 1975 NBA Championship, has sadly passed away at the age of 87, leaving a lasting legacy as a player and coach.

2022 - The Legacy of Tom Weiskopf: A Golfing Legend

Tom Weiskopf, the American golfer who won the British Open in 1973 and the US Senior Open in 1995, passed away at 79 in August 2022. His impressive career and influence in the sport will be remembered for generations.

2018 - Remembering Eddie Willis: A Legacy in Music

Eddie Willis, acclaimed American guitarist and sitar player known for his work with The Funk Brothers, passed away in 2018 due to complications from polio. His legacy continues through the timeless Motown hits he helped create.

2017 - Remembering Fredell Lack: A Legacy in Music

Fredell Lack, an accomplished American concert violinist and educator at the University of Houston, passed away in 2017 at 95. Her legacy continues through her profound influence on students and the classical music community.

2017 - Wilhelm Killmayer: A Legacy in Music

Wilhelm Killmayer, the esteemed German composer, passed away on June 18, 2017, at the age of 89. Renowned for his contributions to contemporary classical music, his unique style and innovative compositions left a lasting legacy.

2016 - Remembering Louis Smith: A Jazz Legend

Louis Smith, the renowned jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator, passed away at the age of 85 in 2016. His influence on jazz music and his dedication to teaching shaped the careers of many musicians, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of jazz.

2016 - Tragic Passing of Matt Roberts

Matt Roberts, the talented guitarist of 3 Doors Down, tragically passed away in 2016 due to a prescription drug overdose at the age of 38. His work left a lasting impact on rock music, despite his struggles with addiction.

2015 - Remembering Egon Bahr: A Pioneer of Ostpolitik

Egon Bahr, a key architect of Ostpolitik and a significant figure in German politics, passed away at 93 in 2015. His contributions to improving relations with Eastern Europe during the Cold War remain influential today.

2014 - The Life and Legacy of Buddy MacMaster

Hugh "Buddy" MacMaster, the revered Cape Breton fiddler, passed away on July 16, 2014, at the age of 89. His exceptional talent, dedication to teaching, and influence on traditional music have left an indelible mark on the world of fiddling.

2013 - Remembering Elmore Leonard: A Master of Crime Fiction

Elmore Leonard, the acclaimed author known for his captivating crime fiction novels, passed away on August 20, 2013, at age 87, due to complications from a stroke. His legacy includes iconic works like 'Glitz' and 'Mr. Majestyk,' which continue to influence writers and entertain readers.

2012 - Meles Zenawi: A Legacy Remembered

Meles Zenawi, key Ethiopian politician and Prime Minister from 1995 to 2012, passed away at age 57 due to liver cancer. His legacy includes significant economic reforms, alongside controversies regarding his authoritarian rule. His death marked a pivotal moment in Ethiopian politics.

2008 - The Legacy of Gene Upshaw: A Life Remembered

Gene Upshaw, renowned NFL guard for the Oakland Raiders and influential NFLPA leader, passed away on August 20, 2008, at 63. His legacy in football and player rights continues to inspire. Discover the life and accomplishments of this remarkable athlete.

2008 - The Legacy of Margaret Douglas: A Life in Political Advising

Margaret Douglas, the renowned chief political adviser at the BBC, passed away in 2008 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of strategic communication that shaped political discourse. Her contributions to media ethics and effective advisement continue to inspire political strategists today.

2008 - Tribute to Stephanie Tubbs Jones: A Legacy of Leadership

Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a pioneering American politician from Cleveland, Ohio. As the first African American woman elected to Congress from Ohio, she significantly influenced civil rights and healthcare reform during her tenure from 1999 until her passing in 2008.

2001 - The Legacy of Fred Hoyle: An Astronomer's Final Journey

Fred Hoyle, a pioneering English astronomer and science fiction writer, known for the Steady State Theory and coining the term 'Big Bang', passed away on August 20, 2001, at the age of 86. His contributions to both science and literature continue to influence and inspire.

1999 - The Untimely Death of Bobby Sheehan

Bobby Sheehan, bassist for Blues Traveler, tragically died of a drug overdose at 31 in 1999. His musical contributions, especially to hits like "Run-Around", and struggles with addiction highlight the extreme highs and lows of rock and roll life.

1997 - Remembering Norris Bradbury: A Pioneer in Physics

Norris Bradbury, an influential American physicist and director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, passed away in 1997 at the age of 88. His pioneering work during the Manhattan Project and his leadership contributed significantly to advancements in nuclear physics.

1995 - The Life and Legacy of Orville 'Red' Rhodes

Orville 'Red' Rhodes, an acclaimed American session pedal steel guitarist, died on May 10, 1995, at 64. Known for his innovative techniques, Rhodes significantly influenced rock and country music, collaborating with many legends. His legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

1995 - The Life and Legacy of Vladimír Škutina

Vladimír Škutina, a renowned Czechoslovakian writer and actor, passed away in 1995 at the age of 64 from cancer. His legacy in storytelling and performance continues to inspire generations, with notable works like 'Hvezda jede na jih' showcasing his significant influence on the arts.

1994 - The Legacy of Aleksander Petrovic

Aleksander Petrovic, a prominent Serbian film director known for 'I Even Met Happy Gypsies', passed away in 1994. His legacy in storytelling continues to inspire filmmakers and captivates audiences with his unique approach to cinema.

1994 - The Life and Legacy of Kalman Kahana

Kalman Kahana, a Polish co-founder of Israel, passed away in 1994 at the age of 81. His pivotal role in the establishment of the state and his leadership in the Zionist movement left a lasting impact on Israeli society.

1992 - The Life and Legacy of William Taylor

William Taylor, influential banking regulator and FDIC Chairman, died in 1992 at age 53 due to surgical complications. His leadership shaped banking regulations during a critical era in American finance.

1989 - Tragic Death of George Adamson: The Father of Lions

George Adamson, British conservationist known as the 'Father of Lions,' was tragically murdered in Kenya in 1989 at the age of 82. His legacy of wildlife conservation continues through the stories he shared, particularly through 'Born Free.'

1986 - The Legacy of Donn Bennett: A Remembered TV Host

Donn Bennett, renowned TV host of 'The Big Idea', passed away in 1986 at age 76. His influential career inspired countless viewers and studios, highlighting innovation and creativity in television. His legacy remains a benchmark for aspiring entertainers and broadcasters alike.

1983 - The Tragic Murder of Kerwin Duinmeijer

In 1983, 15-year-old Kerwin Duinmeijer, of Antillean descent, was tragically murdered in a racially motivated attack. His death prompted national outrage and dialogue about racism in the Netherlands, leaving a lasting impact on the fight for racial equality.

1982 - Ulla Jacobsson: A Remembered Legacy

Ulla Jacobsson, a renowned Swedish actress famous for her roles in 'Zulu' and 'One Summer of Happiness', tragically passed away from bone cancer in 1982. Her legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and actors across generations.

1980 - The Life and Legacy of Joe Dassin

Joe Dassin, the iconic French-American singer known for hits like Les Champs-Élysées, died on August 20, 1980, at just 41. His music bridged cultures and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

1974 - The Life and Legacy of Ilona Massey

Ilona Massey, a Hungarian-American actress and singer, passed away from cancer on August 23, 1974, at the age of 64. Her work in films and on her radio show left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

1971 - The Heroic Sacrifice of Rashid Minhas

Rashid Minhas, a Pakistani Air Force pilot born in 1951, sacrificed his life during a hijacking attempt in 1971. His heroic actions prevented critical military technology from falling into enemy hands, earning him recognition as a national hero.

1952 - Remembering Kurt Schumacher: A Champion for Democracy

Kurt Schumacher, an influential German politician and leader of the SPD, died in 1952 at age 56. A political prisoner during WWII, he dedicated his life to democracy and social justice, shaping the modern political landscape in post-war Germany. His legacy persists in social democratic ideals.

1948 - The Life and Legacy of David John de Lloyd

David John de Lloyd, a notable Welsh musician and composer, died in 1948 at 65. Renowned for his blending of folk and classical music, his contributions have left a lasting impact on Welsh cultural heritage.

1947 - The Legacy of Franz VM Cumont: A Historian's Impact

Franz VM Cumont, a Belgian religious historian, passed away at the age of 79 in 1947. His pioneering work on ancient religions, especially Mithraism, left a lasting impact on religious studies, influencing future scholars through his rigorous methodologies and comprehensive narratives.

1946 - The Life and Legacy of 'Rags' Ragland

John "Rags" Ragland, an influential American burlesque comedian and actor, died at 40 in 1946 due to liver and kidney failure. His vibrant performances in film and theater, especially in 'Whistling In The Dark', left a lasting mark on American comedy.

1936 - The Life and Legacy of Edward Weston

Edward Weston, an influential English-born American electrical engineer, passed away in 1936 at the age of 86. Best known for inventing the portable voltmeter, his work revolutionized electrical measurement, leaving a lasting impact on technology.

1917 - The Death of Adolf Ritter von Baeyer: A Legacy in Chemistry

Adolf Ritter von Baeyer, a renowned German chemist and Nobel Prize winner, passed away on August 20, 1917. His groundbreaking work in organic chemistry, especially regarding indigo dye, left an enduring impact on the scientific community. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of chemists.

1914 - The Death of Pope Pius X: A Legacy of Faith

Pope Pius X, the 257th Roman Catholic Pope known for lowering the age of Communion, died on August 20, 1914. His papacy focused on orthodoxy and reform, leaving a significant impact on the Church's direction.

1887 - The Untimely Death of Jules Laforgue: A Literary Loss

Jules Laforgue, a remarkable French poet born in 1860, tragically passed away in 1887 at just 27 due to tuberculosis. His literary contributions, particularly in 'Les Complaintas', left a lasting impact on modern poetry, blending melancholy with modernist themes.

1864 - The Death of Brigadier General Daniel Chaplin

Brigadier General Daniel Chaplin, a respected leader in the Union Army during the Civil War, passed away on December 12, 1864. His dedication and tactical expertise significantly influenced military strategies, and his loss deeply affected the morale of Union troops.

1825 - The Life and Legacy of Richard Wainwright

On this day in 1825, we commemorate the death of composer and church organist Richard Wainwright, whose musical contributions left a significant mark on sacred music. At 68, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy that influences musicians to this day.

1823 - The Death of Friedrich Arnold Brockhaus

Friedrich Arnold Brockhaus, prominent German encyclopedia publisher, passed away on January 20, 1823, at the age of 51. His legacy endures through the well-respected Brockhaus Encyklopädie, which revolutionized how knowledge was shared and accessed.

1811 - The Legacy of Louis-Antoine de Bougainville

The death of Louis-Antoine de Bougainville on August 31, 1811, marks the loss of a pioneering French admiral and explorer who significantly impacted maritime exploration, particularly regarding the Falkland Islands and Bougainville Island.

1679 - The Life and Legacy of Jacob Alting

Jacob Alting, a notable Dutch theologian, left a significant mark in the world of theology before his passing in 1679 at the age of 60. His contributions and thoughts continue to influence religious discourse today.

1672 - The Tragic Death of Cornelis de Witt

Cornelis de Witt, a prominent Dutch politician and naval commander famously involved in the Raid on the Medway, met a tragic end in 1672 when he was lynched by an angry mob, highlighting the tumultuous political climate of his time.

1672 - The Tragic Death of Johan de Witt

Johan de Witt, a key Dutch statesman and Grand Pensionary, tragically met his end in a lynching in 1672 due to political unrest, with his brutal murder marking a pivotal moment in Dutch history.

Johan de Witt

1648 - The Death of Edward Herbert of Cherbury

Edward Herbert of Cherbury, an influential English philosopher and military figure, died in 1648 at the age of 65. His philosophical legacy and insights into religion shaped future thought and marked a significant moment in English history.

1632 - The Death of Valentin de Boulogne

Valentin de Boulogne, a talented French painter, died at the age of 38 on February 18, 1632. His short-lived career left a lasting impact on Baroque art, influenced by Caravaggio's style. Boulogne's work continues to be celebrated, showcasing deep emotions and realism.

1384 - The Impact of Geert Groote's Death in 1384

Geert Groote, a significant figure in religious reform and education, passed away in 1384 at age 43. His legacy continues through the Brethren of the Common Life, emphasizing personal faith and community support.

1153 - The Death of Bernard of Clairvaux: A Legacy Remembered

On August 20, 1153, Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent French monk, theologian, and saint known for founding Clairvaux Abbey and advocating for the Second Crusade, passed away. His contributions to monasticism and religious life continue to resonate today.

984 - The Death of Pope John XIV

Pope John XIV, born Petrus Canepanova, served as Pope from 983 until his mysterious death in 984. His papacy was marked by tumultuous political conflicts in Rome and remains an intriguing subject in the history of the Church.

600 - The Life and Legacy of Mochta of Louth

Mochta of Louth, a disciple of St. Patrick, was a notable early Irish Christian figure whose life was dedicated to spreading Christianity in Ireland. His missionary work led to the establishment of many churches, solidifying his legacy as a key saint in Irish history.