July 16 birthdays and deaths:

John F. Kennedy Jr.

John F. Kennedy Jr. (1960-1999) was an American lawyer and publisher, known as the son of President John F. Kennedy. He was a prominent figure in politics and media, serving as editor-in-chief of George magazine and engaging in various philanthropic efforts.

Deathyear: 1999

Anne of Cleves

Anne of Cleves was a German princess who became Queen consort of England when she married King Henry VIII in 1540. She was chosen as his sixth wife due to her reputation for being intelligent and pious, but the marriage lasted only a few months.

Deathyear: 1557

Kevin Mitnick

Kevin Mitnick is a notorious American hacker born in 1963. He is known for infiltrating major corporations and stealing sensitive information. He was arrested in 1995 and sentenced to five years in prison.

Deathyear: 2023

Mary Todd Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln, was the 16th First Lady of the United States. Born in 1818 in Kentucky, she was known for her strong personality, lavish entertaining, and struggles with depression and grief during her husband's presidency and tragic assassination.

Deathyear: 1882

George A. Romero

George Romero was a renowned American filmmaker, best known for his influential zombie films, including "Night of the Living Dead" (1968) and "Dawn of the Dead" (1978). His pioneering work in the horror genre revolutionized the film industry and cemented his status as a master of the macabre.

Deathyear: 2017

Harry Chapin

Harry Chapin, a renowned American singer-songwriter and guitarist, was born in 1942. He rose to fame in the 1970s with his poignant and storytelling-driven songs, such as "Taxi" and "Cat's in the Cradle," exploring themes of social justice, love, and personal struggle.

Deathyear: 1981

Biz Markie

Biz Markie, the influential American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, was born James Marcellino in 1964. Known for his unique, cartoon-inspired flow and hits like "Just a Friend," Markie's innovative style has had a lasting impact on hip-hop.

Deathyear: 2021

Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz was a vibrant Cuban-American singer and actress known as the "Queen of Salsa." With her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, she merged traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, son, and other styles, becoming a legendary icon of Latin American music.

Deathyear: 2003

Johnny Winter

Johnny Winter was a renowned American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, known for his striking blues-rock style and electric performances. With a distinctive voice and masterful picking, he blended traditional blues with rock and folk to create a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide.

Deathyear: 2014

Ellen G. White

Ellen G. White (1827-1915) was a pioneering American theologian, author, and spiritual advisor. As a leading figure in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she wrote over 100 books and articles, emphasizing the importance of spiritual revival, biblical prophecy, and health reform.

Deathyear: 1915

Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey, a renowned American businessman and author, was born in 1932. He is best known for his self-help books, including "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," which has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.

Deathyear: 2012

Albert Kesselring

Albert Kesselring was a German field marshal who played a significant role in World War II. Born on November 24, 1881, he was known for his defensive tactics and survived to be tried and convicted of war crimes after the war.

Deathyear: 1960

John Paul Stevens

John Paul Stevens, an accomplished jurist, served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1975 to 2010. He was known for his independent thinking, liberal perspectives, and dissenting opinions on key issues such as affirmative action, campaign finance, and same-sex marriage.

Deathyear: 2019

William Asher

William Asher is a renowned American director, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1921. He is best known for directing the popular "Bewitched" TV series (1964-1972) and films like "I'll Take Sweden" (1965) and "Gilligan's Island" (1964).

Deathyear: 2012

Herbert von Karajan

Herbert von Karajan was a renowned Austrian conductor and music manager, known for his precise and expressive interpretations of classical music. Born in 1908, he led the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic, and recorded over 600 discs, earning him a reputation as one of the 20th century's greatest conductors.

Deathyear: 1989

Pope Innocent III

Pope Innocent III (1160-1216) was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. He was a German-born pope who held the papacy from 1198 to 1216. Innocent III played a significant role in the Fourth Crusade and implemented the Fourth Lateran Council.

Deathyear: 1216

Anne Askew

Anne Askew was a notable English author and poet, born around 1520. She wrote vivid poetry and prose, often exploring themes of love, faith, and mortality. Despite facing difficulties during her lifetime, her works offer a unique glimpse into 16th-century English literature.

Deathyear: 1546

Hilaire Belloc

Hilaire Belloc, a French-born British writer and historian, was born in 1870. He was known for his humorous and satirical writings, as well as his historical and biographical works.

Deathyear: 1953

Jo Stafford

Jo Stafford, a legendary American singer, was born in 1917. Known for her smooth, velvety voice, Stafford's career spanned over five decades, with hits like "Crying in the Chapel" and "Shrimp Boats." She was also a popular radio personality and composer, earning multiple Grammy Awards.

Deathyear: 2008

Frank Rizzo

Frank Rizzo was a controversial figure in American politics. Serving as Philadelphia's 93rd Mayor from 1972 to 1980, Rizzo rose to prominence as a tough, no-nonsense police commissioner before being elected to the mayoralty. His stern demeanor and hardline policies often sparked controversy and outcry.

Deathyear: 1991

Karl Albrecht

Karl Albrecht, German businessman, co-founded Aldi (Albrecht Diskont) in 1948 with his brother Theo. Born in 1920 in Moers, Germany, he revolutionized discount retail, transforming the supermarket industry with Aldi's innovative business model, offering affordable prices and efficient operations.

Deathyear: 2014

Charles Sweeney

Charles Sweeney (1919-present) is a decorated American general and pilot who flew missions during World War II, including piloting the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki.

Deathyear: 2004

Stephen Spender

Stephen Spender, a prominent English author and poet, was born in 1909. He is renowned for his contributions to modern poetry, publishing numerous collections and essays. His work largely explores themes of love, politics, and social justice, earning him the Man Booker International Prize in 1997.

Deathyear: 1995

Kitty Wells

Kitty Wells, known as the "Queen of Country Music," had a lengthy career spanning over five decades. With her powerful voice and classic sense of country twang, she recorded numerous hits, including the iconic "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels."

Deathyear: 2012

Julian Schwinger

Julian Schwinger was a renowned American physicist and academic, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 for his groundbreaking work on quantum electrodynamics. Born in 1918, Schwinger made significant contributions to our understanding of particle physics, radiation theory, and the interaction between matter and electromagnetic fields.

Deathyear: 1994

Charles I of Hungary

Here is a 40-word summary of Charles I of Hungary: Charles I, also known as Charles Robert of Anjou, was King of Hungary from 1308 to 1342. Born in 1288, he founded the Angevin dynasty in Hungary and Slovakia, promoting trade, architecture, and the arts while combating Ottoman Empire invasions.

Deathyear: 1342

Heinrich Böll

Heinrich Böll was a prominent German novelist and short story writer, celebrated for his critiques of modernity and bourgeois society. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972, recognized for his sharp prose and nuanced portrayals of post-war German life.

Deathyear: 1985

John Henrik Clarke

John Henrik Clarke was a renowned American historian and scholar of African diasporic studies. Born in 1915, he made significant contributions to the field of African American studies, promoting Pan-Africanism and social justice through his writings and teachings.

Deathyear: 1998

Winthrop Paul Rockefeller

Winthrop Paul Rockefeller was an American businessman and politician who served as the 13th Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas from 1995 to 2007. Born in 1948, he was a descendant of John D. Rockefeller and grandson of John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Deathyear: 2006

Robert Motherwell

Robert Motherwell, a prominent American painter and educator, was born in 1915. He was a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, known for his bold, expressive works that often incorporated everyday objects and quotes.

Deathyear: 1991

Miguel Muñoz

Miguel Muñoz, a legendary Spanish footballer and manager, was born in 1922. Known for his inspirational leadership, he won the Spanish Championship with Real Madrid and the European Cup with the national team.

Deathyear: 1990

Herms Niel

Herms Niel was a German soldier, trombonist, and composer born in 1888. He served in WWI and was wounded in action. After the war, he became a renowned trombonist and composer, creating numerous pieces for brass band and orchestra, showcasing his talent and perseverance.

Deathyear: 1954

Alex Colville

Alex Colville, a renowned Canadian painter and professor, was born in 1920. Known for his detailed, realistic depictions of everyday life, Colville's works often explored the ordinary as extraordinary. His paintings, characterized by their calm, dark-toned hues and still-life compositions, hold subtle emotional depth and psychological insight.

Deathyear: 2013

George Busbee

George Busbee, a lawyer and politician, served as the 77th Governor of Georgia from 1975 to 1983. Born in 1927, he promoted economic development, education, and healthcare reform during his tenure.

Deathyear: 2004

Isabella de' Medici

Isabella de' Medici, born in 1542, was an Italian noblewoman and the daughter of Cosimo I de' Medici. She married Francesco I de' Medici's son, Ferdinand I, and was known for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness.

Deathyear: 1576

May Sarton

May Sarton, a celebrated American playwright and novelist, born in 1912, is renowned for her poignant literary works. Her novels and poems explore themes of love, loss, and spirituality, offering a personal and introspective perspective, resonating with readers worldwide.

Deathyear: 1995

Buck Buchanan

Buck Buchanan was a legendary American football player and coach. Born in 1940, he played as a defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, leading the Chiefs to several championships.

Deathyear: 1992

François-Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois

François-Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois, was a French politician and Secretary of State for War (1641-1691). A trusted advisor to King Louis XIV, he played a crucial role in shaping French military policy and contributed to the country's military dominance in Europe during the late 17th century.

Deathyear: 1691

Alcides Ghiggia

Alcides Ghiggia is a Uruguayan former professional footballer and manager, born in 1926. He is best known for scoring the winning goal for Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final against Brazil, considered one of the greatest upsets in football history.

Deathyear: 2015