What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ Dec 19 ]

2023 - Remembering Ed Budde: A Football Legend's Legacy

Ed Budde, the celebrated American football guard known for his exceptional skills on the field, passed away at the age of 83. A Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl IV champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, Budde left an indelible mark on the world of football.

2022 - The Life and Legacy of Aonghas MacNeacail

Aonghas MacNeacail, a renowned Scottish poet and Gaelic activist, passed away at the age of 80 in 2022. His work significantly contributed to the revival of Gaelic literature, inspiring future generations with his profound exploration of themes such as identity and belonging.

2022 - In Memory of Tom Browning: A Baseball Legend

Tom Browning, renowned baseball pitcher, passed away in 2022 at the age of 62. Famous for his perfect game in 1988, he was a key member of the Cincinnati Reds, contributing to their 1990 World Series victory and earning All-Star honors in 1991.

2021 - The Untimely Death of Carlos Marín

Carlos Marín, the beloved Spanish pop-opera baritone and member of Il Divo, tragically passed away at the age of 53 from COVID-19 on December 19, 2021. His extraordinary talent and legacy continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

2019 - Remembering Saoul Mamby: A Boxing Legend

Saoul Mamby, a celebrated American boxer and WBC super lightweight champion from 1980 to 1982, passed away at the age of 72. His legacy of resilience and mentorship continues to inspire future generations within the boxing community.

2017 - The Passing of Leo 'Bud' Welch: A Musical Legacy

Leo 'Bud' Welch, a beloved American gospel and Delta blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, passed away at the age of 85 on December 19, 2017. Known for his songs like 'You Can't Hurry God' and 'Cadillac Baby,' he left a lasting impact on the music world.

2015 - The Legacy of Kurt Masur: A Musical Revolutionary

Kurt Masur, a prominent German conductor, led major orchestras like the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and New York Philharmonic. His career spanned decades and left a profound impact on classical music until his passing in 2015 due to Parkinson's complications.

2012 - The Life and Legacy of Amnon Lipkin-Shahak

Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, a notable Israeli military leader, passed away in 2012 at the age of 68 due to cancer. His remarkable military career and contribution to Israel's defense strategy made a lasting impact on the nation.

2010 - Tribute to Trudy Pitts: A Jazz Legend

Trudy Pitts, a celebrated American jazz Hammond B-3 organist, pianist, and vocalist, passed away on August 19, 2010, at the age of 78 after battling pancreatic cancer. Her legacy in jazz music continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.

2009 - The Death of Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri

Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, a prominent Iranian dissident cleric, passed away on December 20, 2009. Known for his opposition to the Iranian regime and advocacy for human rights, his legacy continues to influence Iranian society today.

2009 - The Life and Legacy of Kim Peek

Kim Peek, the American savant and inspiration for the film Rain Man, passed away from a heart attack on December 19, 2009, at the age of 58. Known for his prodigious memory, Kim touched many lives with his incredible abilities and remains a symbol of resilience.

2008 - Remembering Dock Ellis: A Baseball Legend

Dock Ellis, renowned MLB pitcher and 1971 World Series star, passed away in December 2008 at the age of 63 due to liver issues. Remembered for his unique style and significant contributions to baseball, Ellis' story underscores the importance of addiction recovery and mental health in sports.

2005 - Vincent Gigante: The Dying of a Mafia Legend

Vincent Gigante, the notorious Italian-American mafioso and leader of the Genovese crime family, died at the age of 77 in 2005. Known for his unique tactics to evade law enforcement, his life and death epitomize the complexities of organized crime in America.

2003 - Remembering Hope Lange: A Hollywood Legend

Hope Lange, a celebrated American actress known for her roles in 'Peyton Place' and 'The Ghost & Mrs. Muir', passed away on December 19, 2003, at the age of 70. Her career spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on television and film with her powerful performances.

2003 - The Life and Legacy of Lester 'Les' Tremayne

Lester 'Les' Tremayne, a versatile British radio, film, and television actor known for his roles in 'Angry Red Planet' and 'War of the Worlds', passed away in 2003 at the age of 90 due to heart failure, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

2002 - Remembering Arthur Rowley: A Goal-Scoring Legend

Arthur Rowley, an iconic English soccer forward, passed away in 2002 at 76. He is celebrated for scoring a record 434 goals in English league football, predominantly playing for Leicester City and Shrewsbury Town, leaving a lasting legacy in the soccer world.

2001 - The Life and Legacy of Hans Warren

Hans Warren, a celebrated Dutch writer and poet, known for his influential work 'Secret Diary,' passed away in 2001 at the age of 80, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.

2000 - The Life and Legacy of Rob Buck

Rob Buck, an influential American musician known for his work with 10,000 Maniacs, tragically passed away at the age of 42 in 2000. His contributions to music continue to inspire future generations.

1998 - The Legacy of Mel Fisher: American Treasure Hunter

Mel Fisher, the renowned American treasure hunter, famously discovered the sunken Spanish galleon Atocha in 1985, leading to the retrieval of vast treasures. Born in 1922, Fisher's legacy lives on in treasure hunting history following his death in 1998.

1997 - The Legacy of Jimmy Rogers: Blues Musician Extraordinaire

Jimmy Rogers, born in 1924 in Mississippi, was a renowned blues musician and member of Muddy Waters' band. His passing on December 19, 1997, at age 73 marked the loss of a significant figure in the blues genre, while his legacy continues to influence musicians today.

1993 - The Life and Legacy of Anthonius AM "Ton" Kors

Explore the impactful life of Anthonius AM "Ton" Kors, the talented writer behind 'Time of Anton de Lange.' His work resonates with literary significance, marking an important chapter in Dutch literature before his untimely passing at the age of 47.

1993 - The Life and Legacy of Antoon Veerman

Antoon Veerman, a key figure in Dutch education reform and assistant secretary of Education from 1973 to 1975, passed away in 1993. His legacy in promoting inclusive education and progressive policies continues to inspire future generations.

1984 - Tragic Loss of Michel Magne: A Pioneer in Music and Film

Michel Magne, a pioneering French composer known for his work on 'Gigot' and 'Barbarella', tragically took his life in 1984 at the age of 54. His innovative contributions to film music and experimental sounds continue to inspire generations, even as his death raises important questions about mental health in the arts.

1953 - The Passing of Rudolf Leonhard: A Literary Legacy

Rudolf Leonhard, a prominent writer known for his impactful literary contributions, passed away in 1953. His work tackled complex themes reflecting the social changes of his time, leaving a profound legacy that continues to inspire writers and readers today.

1952 - The Life and Legacy of Harry Makepeace

Harry Makepeace, an accomplished English cricketer and soccer player, died in 1952 at the age of 71. Renowned for his 4 Tests and memorable achievements in both sports, he left behind a legacy of talent and versatility.

1951 - The Life and Legacy of Barton Yarborough

Barton Yarborough, celebrated American actor known for his roles in 'One Man's Family' and 'Dragnet,' died of a heart attack at age 51 in 1951, leaving behind a rich legacy in radio and television.

1946 - The Death of Paul Langevin: A Pioneer in Physics

Paul Langevin, the influential French physicist known for his pioneering work in wave propagation and quantum mechanics, passed away on April 19, 1946. His contributions to science continue to resonate across various fields today.

1941 - The Death of General L M Dovator in 1941

General L M Dovator, a notable Soviet military figure, died in battle in 1941 while leading his troops during the critical defense against Nazi forces. His sacrifice and strategic prowess made a lasting impact on the Soviet military legacy.

1939 - Tragic Death of Composer Eric Fogg

Eric Fogg, a promising English composer, tragically died under a train in 1939 at the age of 36. His innovative music blended traditional styles with modern influences, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today.

1939 - The Life and Legacy of Willem Benoy

Willem Benoy, a renowned Flemish actor and director, notably known for his work on 'The White,' passed away at the age of 57 in 1939. His contributions significantly shaped Flemish cinema and theatre, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

1938 - The Life and Legacy of Stephen Warfield Gambrill

Stephen Warfield Gambrill, a notable Maryland politician and member of the U.S. House of Representatives, died in 1938. His dedication to public service and impactful legislation remains a significant part of Maryland's political history.

1933 - Tragic Death of Engineer George Jackson Churchward

George Jackson Churchward, a pioneering engineer for the Great Western Railway, tragically died after being struck by a train in 1933. His innovations in railway engineering left a lasting impact on the industry, marking his legacy in locomotive design.

1930 - Tragic Drowning of Cricketer Johnny Douglas

Johnny Douglas, an English cricket all-rounder and Olympic gold medal-winning boxer, tragically drowned in 1930 at the age of 48. His legacy in both sports continues to inspire, showcasing his remarkable talents and contributions.

1925 - The Legacy of José Ignacio Quintón

José Ignacio Quintón, a notable Puerto Rican composer, died at the age of 44 in 1925. Known for his heartfelt compositions like 'El coquí' and 'Requiem por Angel Mislán', his work remains a significant part of Puerto Rico's musical heritage.

1915 - The Life and Legacy of Alois Alzheimer

Alois Alzheimer, the groundbreaking German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, passed away in 1915 at the age of 51. He is best known for discovering Alzheimer's disease, significantly advancing our understanding of dementia.

The Life and Legacy of Alois Alzheimer

1911 - The Life and Legacy of John Bigelow

John Bigelow, a prominent American statesman and author, passed away at the age of 94 in 1911. He served as the U.S. Minister to France and made significant contributions to literature and politics throughout his lifetime, reflecting the evolution of American society.

1878 - The Life and Legacy of Bayard Taylor

Bayard Taylor, an influential American poet, travel author, and diplomat, died at the age of 53 in Berlin, Germany. Known for his extensive travels and writings, Taylor's legacy continues to inspire literary enthusiasts today.

1867 - The Life and Death of Jean-Georges Kastner

Jean-Georges Kastner, a notable French composer, died in 1867 at the age of 57. Renowned for his operatic works, his death marked a significant loss in the classical music world, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.

1848 - The Untimely Death of Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë, a renowned English novelist known for her work Wuthering Heights, died at the young age of 30 from tuberculosis. Her short life was marked by profound literary achievement and her influence continues to resonate in literature.

The Untimely Death of Emily Brontë

1848 - The Death of Frans Adam van der Duyn van Maasdam

Frans Adam van der Duyn van Maasdam, a pivotal governor of South Holland, passed away in 1848 at the age of 77. His contributions to the region's governance and development left a significant legacy, making him a respected figure in Dutch history.

1823 - The Legacy of Nicolas-Joseph Hüllmandel: A Musical Pioneer

Nicolas-Joseph Hüllmandel, the notable Alsatian composer, passed away in 1823 at the age of 67. His contributions to music during the Romantic era have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of musicians. This article explores his life and influential works.

1810 - The Life and Legacy of Johann Heinrich Egli

Johann Heinrich Egli, a renowned Swiss violinist and composer, passed away in 1810 at the age of 68. Known for his emotive performances and intricate compositions, his legacy continues to influence musicians today.

1798 - The Death of Charles-Joseph Panckoucke

Charles-Joseph Panckoucke, the influential French publisher of the 'Moniteur Universel', passed away in 1798 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic integrity and a commitment to press freedom during the revolutionary era.

1749 - The Legacy of Francesco Antonio Bonporti

Francesco Antonio Bonporti, an Italian priest and composer renowned for his contributions to Baroque music, died in 1749 at 76. His work, primarily for violin, left a profound impact on future composers and the rich tapestry of classical music.

1741 - The Tragic Death of Vitus Bering

Vitus Bering, a Danish navigator and explorer, met his tragic end in 1741 after being shipwrecked during an expedition to explore the Bering Strait and Alaska coast. His legacy endures through the name of these regions and his contributions to navigation.

1370 - The Death of Pope Urban V in 1370

Pope Urban V, born Guillaume de Grimoard, passed away in 1370. His tenure marked significant reforms and the continuation of the Avignon Papacy, influencing the future course of the Catholic Church.