What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ Feb 19 ]

2023 - The Life and Legacy of Dickie Davies

Dickie Davies, the celebrated English TV presenter of ITV's World of Sport, passed away at 93 in 2023. Renowned for his engaging style and impactful interviews, Davies greatly influenced sports broadcasting, leaving a lasting legacy in television history.

2022 - Remembering Charley Taylor: An NFL Legend

Charley Taylor, famed Pro Football Hall of Fame member and versatile NFL player for the Washington Redskins, passed away at age 80 in 2022. Renowned for his achievements, including multiple Pro Bowls, Taylor's legacy as a trailblazer in football endures.

2022 - Remembering Emile Francis: A Legacy in Canadian Hockey

Emile Francis, a revered Canadian hockey coach and executive, passed away at the age of 95 in 2022. Known for his time with the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues, he left a significant legacy in the sport, shaping the future of many players and teams.

2020 - The Tragic Death of Pop Smoke

Bashar Barakah Jackson, known as Pop Smoke, was a rising American rapper whose life was tragically cut short at 20 during a home invasion. His influential music, including 'Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon,' continues to resonate despite his untimely death.

2019 - Remembering Don Newcombe: A Baseball Legend

Don Newcombe, the legendary MLB pitcher known for his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers, passed away at 92 in 2019. A four-time All-Star and pivotal figure in baseball history, he was also an advocate for mental health, leaving a profound legacy both on and off the field.

2019 - The Life and Legacy of Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary German fashion designer known for his work with Fendi and Chanel, passed away on February 19, 2019, at the age of 85. His profound impact on the fashion world continues to inspire generations.

2018 - The Life and Legacy of Yury Tyukalov

Yury Tyukalov, the renowned Soviet rower and Olympic champion, died in 2018 at the age of 87. Celebrated for his impressive Olympic victories in 1952 and 1956, his legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes.

2017 - The Legacy of Larry Coryell: A Jazz Guitar Icon

Larry Coryell, a legendary American jazz guitarist known for his work with the band 11th House, passed away at 73 in 2017. His innovative fusion of jazz and rock left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring future generations of musicians.

2016 - The Life and Legacy of Harper Lee

Harper Lee, renowned author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' passed away at the age of 89 on February 19, 2016. Her literary contributions and poignant exploration of social issues have left an indelible mark on American literature.

Harper Lee

2015 - The Life and Legacy of Ward Swingle

Ward Swingle, an iconic American jazz vocalist and leader of The Swingle Singers, passed away in 2015 at the age of 87. Renowned for his innovative blending of classical and jazz music, particularly in the album Jazz Sebastian Bach, his contributions continue to influence musicians worldwide.

2008 - The Legacy of Yegor Letov: A Rockstar's Departure

Yegor Letov, a pivotal figure in Russian rock, passed away of heart failure in 2008 at just 43. His band, Grazhdanskaya Oborona, and his poignant lyrics continue to inspire and reflect societal struggles, marking his enduring legacy in music and culture.

2007 - Remembering Celia Franca: A Legacy in Ballet

Celia Franca, a prominent British-Canadian ballet dancer, choreographer, and co-founder of the National Ballet of Canada, died in 2007 at 85. She significantly shaped Canada's ballet landscape, serving as artistic director from 1951 to 1975.

2003 - The Legacy of Ramesh "Buck" Divecha: A Tribute

Ramesh "Buck" Divecha was an influential Indian cricketer known for his eleven wickets in international cricket during the early 1950s. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 75, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Indian cricket.

2002 - The Life and Legacy of Sylvia Rivera

Sylvia Rivera, an influential gay liberation and transgender activist, died at the age of 50 from liver cancer in February 2002. Her legacy lives on through her relentless fight for LGBTQ+ rights and her role in the Stonewall Riots.

2001 - The Life and Legacy of Priscilla Davis

Priscilla Davis (1942-2001) was a prominent American socialite known for her impactful presence in elite social circles and philanthropy. Her legacy lives on in the charitable events she championed, showcasing her commitment to community enhancement.

2000 - The Mysterious Death of Anatoly Sobchak

Anatoly Sobchak, the influential Mayor of Saint Petersburg, known for his role in Russian politics, died under mysterious circumstances in 2000. Suspected poisoning has marred his legacy, leaving many questions about the truth behind his untimely death.

1997 - Remembering Stan Pearson: A Legacy in English Soccer

Stan Pearson, a celebrated English soccer inside forward known for his time at Manchester United, Bury, and Chester, passed away in 1997 at the age of 76. His legacy lives on through his contributions to English soccer and the many players he inspired.

1996 - Remembering Grant Sawyer: A Legacy in Politics

Grant Sawyer, a prominent American politician and Governor of Nevada, passed away in 1996 at the age of 76. His impactful legacy includes significant contributions to the state's education and economy during pivotal years.

1994 - Remembering Fausto Bara: A Talented Actor's Legacy

Fausto Bara, a talented Mexican-American actor known for his role in 'The Renegades,' passed away in 1994 at the age of 42 due to AIDS. His artistic contributions continue to inspire and remind us of the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the entertainment community.

1992 - The Life and Legacy of Chet Leaming

Chet Leaming, a renowned American stage and screen actor, died in 1992 at 66. His impactful career and remarkable contributions to performing arts have left a lasting legacy in theater and film.

1991 - The Life and Legacy of Peggy Mondo

Peggy Mondo, the American actress known for her role in the film 'Who's Minding the Store?', tragically passed away at the age of 50 in 1991. Her remarkable talent and memorable performances continue to resonate with audiences today.

1989 - The Life and Legacy of Jaap van de Merwe

Jaap van de Merwe, a notable Dutch journalist and cabaret performer known for his influential show Hadjememaar, passed away on September 20, 1989. He is remembered for blending humor and social commentary in his work, making significant contributions to Dutch culture.

1986 - The Legacy of Adolfo Celi: A Cinematic Icon

Adolfo Celi, the celebrated Italian film actor and director known for roles in 'Next Man' and 'Murders in Rue Morgue', passed away on February 19, 1986, at the age of 63, leaving a lasting legacy in international cinema.

1986 - The Passing of James Eastland: A Political Legacy

James Eastland, a significant figure in American politics, passed away on September 19, 1986, at the age of 81. His lengthy career as a senator from Mississippi was marked by controversial views on civil rights, leaving behind a complex legacy.

1986 - The Life and Legacy of Paul Stewart

Paul Stewart, an iconic American actor known for films such as Citizen Kane and Kiss Me Deadly, passed away from a heart attack at 77 on April 27, 1986. His work in film and television left a lasting impression on Hollywood and continues to be celebrated today.

1985 - The Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Julesberg

Elizabeth Julesberg, the author of the iconic 'Dick & Jane' series, passed away in 1985. Her work has left a lasting impact on children's literature and early reading education, engaging young readers for generations.

1984 - The Legacy of Claude Hopkins: A Jazz Pioneer

Claude Hopkins, an influential American jazz stride pianist and musical director, passed away on April 8, 1984, at the age of 80. Known for his work with Josephine Baker, his contributions to jazz as a pianist, arranger, and bandleader have left a lasting legacy in the music community.

1981 - The Life and Legacy of Frank Merrick

Frank Merrick, an esteemed English composer and pianist, passed away at 94 on September 9, 1981. His extensive contributions to classical music and his passion for teaching left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.

1980 - The Life and Legacy of Clarence "Shorty" Cherock

Clarence "Shorty" Cherock, an acclaimed American swing jazz and big band trumpeter, passed away in 1980 at the age of 64. Known for his collaborations with legends like Jimmy Dorsey and Gene Krupa, Cherock's musical legacy endures in the jazz community today.

1972 - The Tragic Death of Jazz Trumpeter Lee Morgan

Lee Morgan, a celebrated American jazz trumpeter known for 'The Sidewinder', tragically died on February 19, 1972, after being shot by his wife during a performance. His untimely death still resonates in the jazz community today.

1970 - Ralph Flanders: A Legacy Remembered

Ralph Flanders, a notable American politician and Vermont Senator, passed away at the age of 89 on October 18, 1970. His legacy includes significant contributions to civil rights and progressive governance during his political career. Commemorated for integrity, he remains an inspiration today.

1969 - Remembering Madge Blake: A Pinnacle of 1960s Television

Madge Blake, born in 1899, was a prominent American actress best known for her role as Aunt Harriet in the 1960s TV series Batman. She influenced the portrayal of women in comedy and left a significant mark on television history before her passing in 1969.

1968 - The Life and Legacy of Georg Hackenschmidt

Georg Hackenschmidt, the legendary Estonian professional wrestler, passed away in 1968 at the age of 89. Known as the father of modern wrestling, his contributions transformed the sport and left a lasting legacy.

1965 - The Life and Legacy of Forrest Taylor

Forrest Taylor, a talented American actor known for his roles in 'This is Life' and 'Man Without a Gun', passed away on April 12, 1965, at the age of 81, leaving behind a timeless legacy in the entertainment industry.

1957 - The Life and Legacy of Maurice Garin

Maurice Garin, the first winner of the 1903 Tour de France, passed away on October 3, 1957, at the age of 85. His legacy as a pioneering cyclist remains influential in the world of cycling today, showcasing grit, determination, and passion for the sport.

1952 - The Life and Legacy of Percy Lawrence Grant

Percy Lawrence Grant, a British silent and sound screen character actor famous for roles in 'Bulldog Drummond' and 'Shanghai Express', passed away in 1952 at age 81. His legacy in the film industry is marked by his ability to transition seamlessly between silent and sound films.

1952 - The Death of Knut Hamsun: A Literary Legacy

Knut Hamsun, the renowned Norwegian writer and Nobel laureate, died on February 19, 1952, at the age of 92. His literary works have significantly influenced modern literature, although his controversial political affiliations stirred debates about his legacy.

1951 - The Life and Legacy of André Gide

André Gide (1869-1951), a renowned French writer and Nobel Prize laureate, known for 'Lafcadio's Adventures,' passed away from pneumonia at 81. His works challenged societal norms and profoundly influenced modern literature.

André Gide

1948 - The Legacy of Bob Groom: A Baseball Pioneer

Bob Groom, an accomplished baseball pitcher, passed away in 1948 at the age of 63. Known for his no-hitter with the St. Louis Browns in 1917, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of baseball players.

1945 - The Bravery of John Basilone: A Marine Hero

John Basilone, a decorated Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his performance during the Battle for Henderson Field, tragically lost his life at Iwo Jima at age 26 in 1945, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice.

1943 - The Life and Legacy of Lynne Overman

Lynne Overman, an American actor known for his role in 'Reap the Wild Wind,' died from a heart attack on January 21, 1943, at the age of 55. His legacy as a charming performer in classic films continues to influence the industry.

1933 - The Life and Legacy of Arnold Mendelssohn

Arnold Mendelssohn, a renowned German composer, passed away in 1933 at the age of 77. His legacy includes a rich body of musical work that influenced classical music and continues to be celebrated today.

1927 - The Death of Robert Fuchs: A Musical Legacy

This article explores the life and death of Robert Fuchs, an influential Austrian composer and teacher, who passed away in 1927 at the age of 80. It highlights his musical contributions and the impact he had on future generations of musicians.

1915 - The Legacy of Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Remembering His Death in 1915

Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a pivotal figure in India's independence movement, passed away on May 19, 1915, at the age of 48. His efforts in social reform and education deeply influenced future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, leaving behind a legacy of nonviolent resistance and advocacy for social justice.

1902 - Death of Brigadier General Thomas F. Toon

Brigadier General Thomas F. Toon, a notable figure in the Confederate Army, passed away on August 22, 1902, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy defined by his military service and leadership during a pivotal time in American history. His contributions are still remembered today.

1894 - The Legacy of Ernesto Camillo Sivori: A Violin Virtuoso

Ernesto Camillo Sivori, the renowned Italian violinist and composer, passed away on February 27, 1894, at the age of 78. His significant contributions to violin music and passionate teaching of future generations left a lasting legacy in the classical music world.

1880 - The Legacy of Constantino Brumidi: A Life Cut Short

Constantino Brumidi, a renowned artist famed for his stunning murals in the U.S. Capitol, passed away in 1880. His work remains a testament to his artistic legacy and contributions to American culture, earning him the nickname 'the Michelangelo of the United States.'

1878 - The Legacy of Charles-François Daubigny

Charles-François Daubigny, the esteemed French painter of the Barbizon school, passed away on July 19, 1878. At 61, he left behind a powerful legacy of landscape paintings that influenced generations of artists.

1875 - The Legacy of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume

Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, the influential French musical instrument inventor and luthier, passed away in 1875. Known for his exquisite violins and invention of the Octobass, his legacy continues to resonate in the world of music.

1790 - The Tragic Death of Jean-Baptiste Krumpholz

In 1790, the talented Czech-French harpist and composer Jean-Baptiste Krumpholz drowned himself in the Seine River at 47 over a lost love, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful music intertwined with tragedy.

1663 - The Death of Adam Adami: A Reflection on His Legacy

Explore the life and legacy of Adam Adami, a German bishop and diplomat who played a significant role during the turbulent times of the 17th century and passed away in 1663, influencing peace efforts between conflicting religious factions.

1653 - The Death of Luigi Rossi: A Baroque Legacy

In 1653, Italian composer Luigi Rossi passed away at around 55 years old, leaving a profound impact on the world of early baroque music. His innovative compositions, especially in opera, continue to influence musicians today.

1620 - The Burial of Roemer Pieterszoon Visscher

Roemer Pieterszoon Visscher, an influential Dutch poet, was buried in Amsterdam in 1620 at 73. His contributions to literature shaped the Golden Age of Dutch arts, leaving a lasting legacy in the poetic landscape.

1605 - The Death of Orazio Tiberio Vecchi: A Musical Legacy

Orazio Tiberio Vecchi, the influential Italian composer, died in 1605, leaving behind a rich legacy of vocal music. His mastery in polyphony and compositions like "L'Amfiparnaso" greatly impacted the transition from Renaissance to Baroque music.

1596 - The Life and Death of Blaise de Vigenère

Blaise de Vigenère, a pioneering French cryptographer born in 1523, passed away in 1596. He is renowned for creating the Vigenère cipher, a significant advancement in secure communication that influenced cryptographic methods for centuries.

1553 - The Legacy of Erasmus Reinhold: A Mathematician's End

Erasmus Reinhold, a pioneering German mathematician known for his planetary tables, passed away at just 41 years old in 1553. His contributions to astronomy significantly advanced the field, laying foundational work that would influence generations to come.

1545 - The Martyrdom of Pierre Brully

In 1545, Pierre Brully, a Calvinist minister, faced execution by burning in Tournai for promoting Protestant doctrines, marking a significant moment in the Reformation and highlighting the risks taken for religious beliefs.

1405 - The Death of Tamerlane: A Turko-Mongol Legacy

Tamerlane, a renowned Turko-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire, died in 1405 at around 68 years old. His death marked the end of an era of expansion and had significant repercussions for the empire he built.

Tamerlane

1133 - The Death of Irene Ducaena in 1133

Irene Ducaena, the wife of Alexius I Comnenus, passed away in 1133. An influential Byzantine Empress, she played a critical role in the politics and governance of the empire, marking her death as a significant historical event.