What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ Sep 20 ]

2023 - Tribute to Camille Dimmer: A Life Dedicated to Soccer

Camille Dimmer, a celebrated Luxembourgish soccer forward, recently passed away at 84. A prominent figure in clubs like FC Claravallis and Anderlecht, Dimmer's legacy encompasses his 19 caps with the national team and his substantial impact on the game in Luxembourg.

2021 - Remembering Billy Maxwell: A Golfing Legend

Billy Maxwell, a celebrated American golfer known for winning the US Amateur Championship and representing the U.S. in the Ryder Cup, passed away at the age of 92 in 2021. His legacy includes seven PGA Tour wins and a commitment to mentoring young golfers, cementing his status as a golf legend.

2021 - Remembering Sherwood Boehlert: A Legacy of Service

Sherwood Boehlert, a prominent American politician who served in Congress from 1983 to 2007, passed away in 2021 at the age of 84. Known for his bipartisan efforts and commitment to the environment, Boehlert made significant contributions during his political career.

2019 - The Death of Su Beng: A Taiwanese Revolutionary Icon

Su Beng, the 'Father of Taiwanese Independence,' passed away at the age of 100 in 2019. His legacy as a revolutionary leader and author significantly impacted Taiwan's quest for sovereignty, marking his life as a pivotal chapter in Taiwanese history.

2011 - The Death of Burhanuddin Rabbani: A Look Back

Burhanuddin Rabbani, a pivotal figure in Afghan politics and president from 1992 to 1996, was assassinated on September 20, 2011. His leadership and efforts towards peace continue to impact Afghanistan's political landscape.

2007 - The Life and Legacy of Johnny Gavin

Johnny Gavin, the esteemed Irish soccer winger who played for the Republic of Ireland and Norwich City, passed away in 2007 at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of talent and passion for the game that continues to inspire future generations.

2006 - The Legacy of Armin Jordan: A Maestro Remembered

Armin Jordan, the esteemed Swiss conductor, passed away on March 8, 2006, at 74, leaving a profound legacy in classical music. His extraordinary talent and dedication to orchestral and operatic performances inspired many and continue to resonate in the music world today.

2005 - The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal

Simon Wiesenthal, born in 1908 in Poland, was an influential Nazi hunter who fought for justice for Holocaust victims. His relentless efforts led to the capture of many war criminals until his death in 2005, leaving a lasting legacy in human rights advocacy.

2005 - The Legacy of Tobias Schneebaum

Tobias Schneebaum was an American writer, anthropologist, and explorer who passed away in 2005. Known for his journeys into the Amazon, he left a legacy of cultural understanding through his works, inspiring future generations to appreciate diversity.

2004 - The Legacy of Brian Clough: A Football Icon's Death

Brian Clough, the legendary football manager known for his charisma and innovative tactics, passed away on September 20, 2004, at the age of 69 due to cancer. His contributions to clubs like Nottingham Forest and Derby County left a lasting legacy in football.

1996 - The Death of Paul Erdős: A Legacy in Mathematics

Paul Erdős, the renowned Hungarian mathematician, died of a heart attack at age 83 in 1996. His extraordinary influence in mathematics through collaboration and his profound contributions, including the 'Erdős number,' continue to inspire future generations.

1996 - The Legacy of Paul Weston: A Musical Journey

1996 Paul Weston [Wetstein], American pianist, arranger, orchestra leader (Tommy Dorsey Orchestra; The Jim Nabors Show), pop and classical composer ("Day By Day"; "Crescent City Suite"), dies from natural causes at 84

1994 - The Legacy of Jule Styne: A Musical Icon

Jule Styne, a celebrated British-American songwriter and composer, passed away in 1994 at the age of 88. Known for his timeless Broadway hits like 'Funny Girl' and 'Time After Time', his legacy still influences the musical theater world today.

1993 - The Death of Erich Hartmann: A Legendary WWII Pilot

Erich Hartmann, renowned WWII pilot known as the 'Ace of Aces' for downing 352 enemy aircraft, passed away on September 20, 1993, at age 71. His remarkable contributions to aerial combat remain unmatched and his legacy endures in military history.

1988 - The Life and Legacy of Roy Kinnear

Roy Kinnear was a celebrated English actor known for memorable roles in films and television. He tragically passed away at 54, leaving a rich legacy in the entertainment industry.

1984 - The Life and Legacy of Steve Goodman

Steve Goodman, an influential American folk singer known for songs like "City of New Orleans," tragically died of leukemia at the age of 36 in 1984. His legacy continues through his beloved music, which remains impactful in the folk genre.

1975 - The Death of Saint-John Perse: A Legacy Remembered

Saint-John Perse, the renowned French diplomat and poet, passed away on September 20, 1975. A Nobel laureate, Perse is celebrated for his poetic prowess and contributions to literature, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire future generations.

1975 - The Legacy of Vincent Lopez: A Big Band Pioneer

Vincent Lopez, the renowned American pianist and big band bandleader known for the hit "Nola," passed away at the age of 79 in 1975. His contributions to the music scene continue to resonate, showcasing his rich legacy in the jazz world.

1974 - The Legacy of Carlyle Blackwell Jr.

Carlyle Blackwell Jr., a prominent American actor known for his work in silent films like 'The Pilgrim Lady', passed away in 1974 at the age of 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in film history.

1973 - The Tragic Death of Jim Croce

Jim Croce, the iconic American singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Time in a Bottle,' tragically died in a plane crash at the young age of 30 in 1973, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.

Jim Croce

1971 - The Death of Giorgos Seferis: A Literary Loss

Giorgos Seferis, a celebrated Greek poet and diplomat, passed away on September 20, 1971, at the age of 71. A Nobel laureate in Literature, Seferis's works deeply explored human experiences, leaving a lasting impact on modern poetry and inspiring future generations.

1967 - The Legacy of Henri Mulet: A Composing Genius

Henri Mulet, a prominent French organist and composer, passed away in 1967 at the age of 88. Renowned for works like 'Carillon-Sortie' and 'Esquisses Byzantines', Mulet's legacy continues to influence musicians today.

1957 - The Death of Jean Sibelius: A Musical Legacy

Jean Sibelius, the renowned Finnish composer known for his works like 'Valse Triste' and 'Finlandia,' passed away in 1957 at the age of 91, leaving an indelible mark on classical music and Finnish national identity.

Jean Sibelius

1956 - The Life and Legacy of Theo Frenkel

Theo Frenkel, a prominent Dutch actor known for his roles in 'Footlights' and 'Hague's Comedy,' passed away at the age of 85 in 1956. His legacy in the theater remains influential, inspiring future generations of actors.

1949 - The Untimely Death of Nikolaos Skalkottas

Nikolaos Skalkottas, a Greek composer, died in 1949 at the age of 45 from an untreated hernia. Known for his blend of Greek folk music and modern techniques, his passing marked a significant moment in contemporary classical music history, leading to a rise in the posthumous appreciation of his work.

1949 - The Life and Legacy of Richard Dix

Richard Dix, a beloved American actor known for roles in 'The Ten Commandments' and 'Cimarron', sadly passed away from a heart attack at the age of 56 in 1949, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.

1945 - The Life and Death of Augusto Tasso Fragoso

Augusto Tasso Fragoso, a Brazilian military officer and brief president, died at the age of 76 in 1945. His military career and influential presidency marked significant moments in Brazilian history. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.

1945 - The Tragic End of William Seabrook

William Seabrook, an American journalist and occultist known for his bizarre explorations, tragically committed suicide in 1945. His life was a blend of adventure and inner turmoil, leaving a lasting legacy in writing and the occult.

1939 - The Death of Paul Bruchési: Reflection on a Legacy

Paul Bruchési, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and Archbishop of Montreal, passed away on April 16, 1939, at the age of 83. His legacy of community involvement and advocacy for social justice continues to influence the church today.

1933 - The Life and Death of Annie Besant

Annie Besant, a prominent English social reformer and advocate for Indian independence, passed away in 1933 at 85. Her legacy lives on through her efforts in education and women's empowerment, influencing future generations.

1927 - Remembering George Nichols: A Pioneer in Film

George Nichols was an influential American director and actor who contributed significantly to early cinema. He passed away in 1927 at the age of 62 or 63, leaving behind a legacy of memorable films and a pioneering spirit in the film industry.

1896 - The Life and Legacy of Gottfried Conradi

Gottfried Conradi, a significant Norwegian composer, passed away in 1896 at the age of 76. His music combined traditional Norwegian themes with contemporary styles, impacting the national identity and shaping Norway's cultural landscape.

1839 - The Death of Jose Gaspar de Francia

Jose Gaspar de Francia, the influential dictator of Paraguay, died in 1839, leaving behind a complex legacy that shaped the country's future. His authoritarian rule and reforms were instrumental in establishing Paraguayan identity, making his death a significant event in history.

1823 - The Life and Legacy of Daniel Steibelt

Daniel Steibelt, a prominent German pianist and composer, passed away in 1823 at the age of 57. Known for his inventive piano works and influential performances, Steibelt's legacy continues to shape classical music today.

1810 - The Untimely Death of Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk

Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk, a talented Dutch painter, passed away at the young age of 28 in 1810. His contributions to landscape art remain influential, showcasing the beauty of the Dutch countryside through remarkable painting techniques.

1721 - The Life and Legacy of Thomas Doggett

Thomas Doggett was a celebrated British comedy actor at Drury Lane Theatre, known for his influential performances and humor. He passed away in 1721 at the age of 51, leaving a lasting legacy on theatre.

1703 - Death of Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll

Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll, died in 1703 at the age of 52. A significant figure in Scottish politics and a privy councillor, his death marked the end of an era, leaving a lasting impact on Scotland's governance and noble legacy.

1679 - The Death of Cornelis Evertsen the Younger

Cornelis Evertsen the Younger, a key figure in Dutch naval history, died in 1679 at 51. His impact on naval strategies and diplomacy during crucial conflicts shaped the Dutch Navy's legacy as a dominant sea power.

1647 - The Death of Giovanni Del Turco: A Musical Legacy

Giovanni Del Turco, an influential Italian composer, died in 1647 at the age of 70. His innovative blend of vocal and instrumental styles left a significant mark on the musical landscape, influencing generations and shaping the transition from Renaissance to Baroque music.

1643 - The Death of Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland

Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland, an influential English politician and writer, died on July 20, 1643. Known for his steadfast royalist support during the English Civil War, his death marked a significant turn in the conflict.

1639 - The Legacy of John Meursius: A Dutch Scholar's Impact

John Meursius (1579-1639) was a notable Dutch classical scholar whose work significantly influenced the field of philology. His legacy includes critical analyses and translations of ancient texts, which enriched scholarly discourse during the Dutch Golden Age.

1630 - The Life and Death of Claudio Saracini

Claudio Saracini, an influential Italian composer, passed away at the age of 44 in 1630. His significant contributions to the Baroque era continue to inspire musicians and composers today, marking the impact of his early departure from the music scene.

1627 - The Death of Jan Gruter: A Flemish Literary Critic

Jan Gruter, a prominent Flemish-born Dutch critic known for his insightful literary critiques, passed away in 1627 at the age of 66. His contributions profoundly impacted the literary landscape of his time and established a legacy that continues to influence literary criticism today.

1586 - The Death of Anthony Babington: A Conspirator's Fate

In 1586, Anthony Babington, an English conspirator plotting against Queen Elizabeth I to restore Mary, Queen of Scots, was convicted and underwent a harrowing execution by hanging, drawing, and quartering, illuminating the dark tensions of that era.

1384 - The Death of Louis I, Duke of Anjou

In 1384, Louis I, Duke of Anjou and King of Naples, died during a march at the age of 45. His unexpected death impacted the political landscape of Europe, especially concerning his role in the significant Battle of Poitiers.

1246 - The Martyrdom of Michael of Chernigov

1246 Michael of Chernigov, Ruler and grand prince of Kiev (1234-43), trampled, slaughtered and martyred at around 61 on orders of the Khan of the Golden Horde, Batu Khan, for refusing to bow to the fires and idols of the Mongols

1168 - The Death of Antipope Paschal III

On December 20, 1168, Antipope Paschal III, born Guido di Crema, succumbed to cancer at around 58 years of age. His life was marked by conflict with the legitimate papacy, impacting the Church's authority during a tumultuous era.