What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ Sep 21 ]

2024 - The Life and Legacy of Benny Golson

Benny Golson, renowned American jazz tenor saxophonist and composer, passed away in 2024 at 95. His timeless compositions like 'I Remember Clifford' continue to influence the jazz genre and inspire musicians worldwide.

2024 - Remembering Mercury Morris: A Legendary Running Back

Mercury Morris, a legendary American football running back known for his role in the Miami Dolphins' Super Bowl victories, passed away at age 77 in 2024. His remarkable career and influence on football continue to inspire players and fans alike.

2021 - Remembering Al Harrington: A Legacy in Entertainment

Al Harrington, the beloved Samoan-American actor known for his roles in 'Hawaii Five-O', passed away in 2021 at age 85 after a stroke. His contribution to television and representation for the Samoan community remain significant. He is fondly remembered for his talents and authenticity.

2020 - Remembering Bob Nevin: A Life in Ice Hockey

Bob Nevin, an iconic ice hockey player who won two Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs, passed away in 2020 at the age of 82. A celebrated athlete, his career spanned over 1,128 NHL games, marking him as a prominent figure in hockey history.

2020 - Remembering Robert Freeman Smith: A Life of Service

Robert Freeman Smith, a revered politician and Republican member from Oregon, passed away in 2020 at the age of 89. His legacy in political service and community engagement left a lasting impact on the state, inspiring future generations of public servants.

2018 - The Life and Legacy of José Luis de Delás

José Luis de Delás, the celebrated Spanish composer and conductor, passed away in 2018 at the age of 90. His innovative compositions and commitment to music brought joy to many, solidifying his legacy in Spanish cultural history.

2016 - The Legacy of John D. Loudermilk

John D. Loudermilk, the renowned American country singer and songwriter, passed away at the age of 82 from cancer. Known for hits like 'Tobacco Road' and 'Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye', his contributions to music have left an enduring legacy.

2013 - Remembering Roman Vlad: A Legacy of Musical Talent

Roman Vlad, the Romanian-born Italian composer known for his rich contributions to classical music, passed away at 93. His legacy includes a diverse range of compositions that blend cultural influences, showcasing his artistic brilliance throughout a remarkable career.

2011 - The Legacy of Pamela Ann Rymer: A Judicial Icon

Pamela Ann Rymer, a prominent federal appellate judge who shaped the legal landscape in the U.S., passed away in 2011. Known for her fair judgments and dedication, her legacy continues to inspire future generations in the law.

2007 - The Life and Legacy of Hallgeir Brenden

Hallgeir Brenden, the legendary Norwegian cross-country skier and two-time Olympic gold medalist, passed away in 2007 at age 78. Born in Romerike, he remains an inspirational figure in the world of skiing, known for his remarkable achievements and contribution to the sport.

2007 - The Life and Legacy of Ruth Jessen

Ruth Jessen was a talented American golfer who won 11 LPGA Tour titles. Known for her resilience, she was a three-time major runner-up. Sadly, she passed away from lung cancer in 2007, leaving an enduring legacy in women's golf.

1998 - The Life and Legacy of Dragutin Gostuški: A Tribute

Dragutin Gostuški, a Serbian composer and musicologist, passed away in 1998 at the age of 75. Notable for his work 'Concerto Accelerato', he significantly influenced the music scene in Serbia and beyond as an educator and a passionate advocate of musical traditions.

1997 - The Life and Legacy of Jennifer Holt

Jennifer Holt was an American actress born in 1920, renowned for her roles in B-movies and westerns during the 1940s. She passed away in 1997, leaving a lasting impact on cinema and inspiring future generations of actresses.

1997 - The Life and Legacy of Tommy Cecil, Irish Ferryman

In 1997, the community of Ireland lost a cherished figure, Tommy Cecil, an Irish ferryman known for his dedication to service and friendly demeanor. He played a crucial role in connecting people through his ferry service and left a lasting legacy in his community.

1996 - The Life and Legacy of John Stachniewski

John Stachniewski, a cherished scholar and teacher at Manchester University, died in 1996 at the age of 42. His passion for education and mentorship profoundly impacted his students and colleagues, leaving a lasting legacy in academia.

1996 - The Legacy of Julius Silverman: A Life of Service

Julius Silverman, a prominent British Labour Party politician, died at the age of 90 in 1996. His life embodied dedication to social justice and political reform, with significant contributions to the political landscape in the UK.

1995 - The Legacy of Air Marshal John Lapsley

John Lapsley, a British Air Marshal, passed away at 78 in 1995. His military career spanned critical moments in aviation history, influencing air strategies during World War II and beyond. Lapsley's legacy is reflected in modern air command principles and military leadership.

1994 - The Legacy of Arthur Krim: A Film Industry Icon

Arthur Krim, an influential American director and producer, passed away in 1994. He significantly shaped the film industry through his leadership at United Artists and Orion Pictures, producing iconic films that transformed American cinema.

1992 - Remembering Bill Williams: A Pioneering American Actor

Bill Williams, born Herman Wilhelm Katt, was an American actor known for his roles in 'The Adventures of Kit Carson' and 'Date With the Angels'. He passed away from a brain tumor in 1992 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy in television and film.

1991 - The Life and Legacy of Angelo Rossitto

Angelo Rossitto, beloved American dwarf actor known for his role as 'Little Moe' in Carousel, passed away at age 83 in 1991. He left a lasting legacy as a performer and advocate for representation in the arts.

1988 - The Life and Legacy of Christine Norden

Christine Norden, a British actress known for her roles in Little Shop of Horrors and Night Beat, passed away from pneumonia in 1988 at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of talent and inspiration.

1988 - Remembering Glenn Robert Davis: A Life in Politics

Glenn Robert Davis, an esteemed American politician, passed away at the age of 73 on April 10, 1988. His legacy includes significant reforms in education and infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on his community and inspiring future political leaders.

1988 - The Life and Legacy of Robert Gwathmey

Robert Gwathmey, an American social realist artist, known for his impactful commentary on social issues through art, passed away in 1988 at the age of 85. His legacy endures in his vibrant depictions of working-class struggles and resilience.

1987 - The Tragic Death of Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius, the renowned jazz-fusion bassist, tragically died in 1987 due to injuries from a bar fight. His revolutionary contributions to music shaped the electric bass and left a lasting legacy despite his untimely death.

1979 - The Life and Legacy of John McQuade

John McQuade, the American actor known for his role in 'Charlie Wild Private Detective', passed away at 73 in 1979. His influential performances left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

1973 - The Life and Legacy of Diana Sands

Diana Sands, beloved American actress known for 'A Raisin in the Sun', tragically passed away from leiomyosarcoma at just 39 years old in 1973. Her impactful performances and legacy continue to inspire future generations.

1972 - The Death of Henry de Montherlant: A Literary Legacy

Henry de Montherlant, renowned French novelist and playwright, known for his work 'La Reine Morte,' passed away on September 21, 1972. His literary legacy continues to impact modern literature and theater, reflected in his exploration of existential themes.

1970 - The Life and Legacy of Gijsbert Friedhoff

Gijsbert Friedhoff, a prominent Dutch architect, died on February 11, 1970, at the age of 78. Known for his work on the Wibautstraat tax office in Amsterdam, he left a lasting legacy in modern architecture and urban planning.

1966 - The Death of Paul Reynaud: A Reflection on His Legacy

Paul Reynaud, the French Premier from May to June 1940, passed away at 87 years old on September 21, 1966. Although his premiership was short, Reynaud's legacy as a staunch anti-fascist and advocate for democracy remains significant in French political history.

1957 - The Passing of King Haakon VII of Norway

King Haakon VII of Norway passed away on January 21, 1957, at age 85. His reign marked a pivotal era in Norway's history, known for resilience during WWII and dedication to democracy. His legacy continues to influence Norway today.

1950 - The Life and Legacy of Edward Arthur Milne

Edward Arthur Milne, a pioneering English astrophysicist known for his work in kinematic relativity, passed away from a heart attack in 1950 at the age of 54. His impactful theories continued to inspire generations in the field of astrophysics.

1937 - The Legacy of Henri Capitant: A Legal Pioneer

Henri Capitant, a pioneering French lawyer, significantly influenced inheritance laws through the Loi Falcidie. His contributions remain vital in French legal history. He died in 1937 at the age of 72, leaving a lasting legacy in civil law education.

1926 - The Legacy of Reginald Heber Roe

Reginald Heber Roe, a key figure in Australian education, died at 76 in 1926. As the 1st Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland and the 2nd Headmaster of Brisbane Grammar School, his legacy in academic leadership and reform continues to inspire educational practices today.

1915 - The Legacy of Anthony Comstock: Crusader Against Vice

Anthony Comstock, an influential anti-vice crusader and special agent, died in 1915 at 71. His legacy includes the Comstock Law, which banned obscene materials and sparked debates on morality and personal freedoms, affecting reproductive rights and censorship throughout American history.

1904 - The Heartbreaking Fate of Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph, a Nez Perce leader, became a symbol of resilience during the Nez Perce War. Tragically, he died at 64, away from his home in Wallowa Valley, believed to have succumbed to a broken heart. His legacy continues to inspire the indigenous rights movement.

Chief Joseph

1883 - The Life and Death of Johannes van Vloten

Johannes van Vloten, a notable Dutch theologian and literary figure, passed away at 65 in 1883. His contributions to literature and theology greatly impacted 19th-century Dutch thought, reflecting an era of intellectual evolution.

1860 - The Death of Arthur Schopenhauer: A Philosophical Legacy

Arthur Schopenhauer, the German philosopher known for his work 'The World as Will and Representation,' passed away on September 21, 1860, at the age of 72 due to pulmonary-respiratory failure. His philosophical influence continues to resonate today, particularly through his ideas on pessimism and human suffering.

1839 - The Death of Gottfried Weber: A Musical Icon

Gottfried Weber, a German composer and author of 'Theory of Musical Composition', passed away in 1839 at age 60. His contributions to music theory and education had a lasting impact on the field, influencing generations of musicians.

1820 - The Untimely Death of Joseph Rodman Drake

Joseph Rodman Drake, an American poet known for his patriotic poem 'The American Flag,' died at the young age of 25 from consumption in 1820. His contributions to American literature continue to resonate, reflecting the spirit of a nascent nation.

1809 - The Life and Legacy of Alexander Reinagle

Alexander Reinagle, the English-American composer, passed away in 1809 at the age of 53. His contributions to music in both England and America enriched the classical music scene and left a lasting legacy that continues to influence musicians today.

1748 - The Legacy of John Balguy: His Life and Death

John Balguy, a prominent English clergyman and moral philosopher, died in 1748 at the age of 62. His contributions to ethics and the relationship between morality and religion marked a significant influence in the realm of philosophical thought during the Enlightenment.

1590 - The Death of Ascanio Trombeti: A Musical Legacy

In 1590, the talented Italian composer Ascanio Trombeti passed away at the age of 45. Renowned for his sacred compositions, Trombeti's death marked a significant loss for the music community. His innovative works continue to inspire musicians and composers today.

1586 - The Death of Cardinal Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle

On May 19, 1586, Cardinal Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle, a pivotal figure in the Spanish clergy and politics, died at the age of 69. His contributions during the Counter-Reformation and as viceroy of Naples shaped the course of European history.

1327 - The Mysterious Death of Edward II

Edward II, King of England from 1307 to 1327, is believed to have been assassinated at the young age of 43. His tumultuous reign and mysterious death remain central themes in the history of medieval England.

Edward II

687 - The Death of Pope Conon in 687

Pope Conon, the Sicilian Pope who served in 686-687, passed away in 687. His brief papacy faced numerous challenges, influencing future church governance and leadership.

454 - The Tragic Death of Flavius Aetius

Flavius Aetius, a prominent Roman general known for his victory at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, was tragically assassinated by Emperor Valentinian III in 454 AD, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the late Roman Empire.

Flavius Aetius