May 17 birthdays and deaths:

Donna Summer

Donna Summer, queen of disco, revolutionized the music industry with her powerful vocals and pulsating beats in hits like "Love to Love You Baby," "Hot Stuff," and "Bad Girls." Her iconic voice and style continue to inspire generations of music lovers and artists alike.

Deathyear: 2012

Vangelis

Vangelis is a renowned Greek composer and musician, born Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou in 1943. He is best known for his work on the soundtrack for the film "Chariots of Fire" and the "Blade Runner" trilogy, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Deathyear: 2022

Sandro Botticelli

Sandro Botticelli was a renowned Italian painter, active in Florence during the 15th century. Born in 1445, he was a prominent figure in the city's artistic circle, known for his elegant and expressive works, particularly his iconic "The Birth of Venus".

Deathyear: 1510

Tony Randall

Tony Randall was a renowned American actor, born on February 26, 1920. He is best known for his iconic role as Felix Unger in the hit TV sitcom "The Odd Couple" and was a fixture on the Broadway and screen for over 50 years.

Deathyear: 2004

Catherine I of Russia

Catherine I of Russia, born Yelizaveta Morozova, was the wife of Peter the Great and Empress of Russia from 1725 until her death in 1727. She was a Swedish-born woman who rose to prominence through her marriage to Peter, becoming his partner and later the ruler of Russia.

Deathyear: 1727

John Jay

John Jay, a Founding Father, was a diplomat, statesman, and first Chief Justice of the United States (1789-1795). Born in 1745, he played a key role in shaping American history, negotiating treaties, and ensuring the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Deathyear: 1829

Lawrence Welk

Lawrence Welk, a renowned accordion player and bandleader, was born on March 11, 1903. He led his champagne music orchestra, featuring waltzes and swing, and hosted the popular TV show "The Lawrence Welk Show" from 1951 to 1982.

Deathyear: 1992

Jorge Rafael Videla

Jorge Rafael Videla was an Argentine general and politician who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Argentine Armed Forces and dictator from 1976 to 1981. He implemented a strict anti-communist regime, resulting in widespread human rights abuses, forced disappearances, and a significant number of murdered and tortured civilians.

Deathyear: 2013

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838) was a French politician and Prime Minister of France. He played a key role in the French Revolution and Enlightenment, serving as Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the Holy See.

Deathyear: 1838

Frank Gorshin

Frank Gorshin was a prolific American actor, comedian, and impressionist, best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of the Riddler on the 1960s TV series "Batman." He was also a talented singer, dancer, and impressionist, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions throughout his extensive career.

Deathyear: 2005

John C. Breckinridge

John Cabell Breckinridge was a prominent American lawyer and politician. He served as the 14th Vice President of the United States under James Buchanan before becoming a Confederate States general during the American Civil War.

Deathyear: 1875

Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham

Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was a powerful Welsh politician who served as Lord High Constable of England from 1509 until his execution in 1521. He played a significant role in the politics of England during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Deathyear: 1521

George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford

George Boleyn, 2nd Viscount Rochford, was an English courtier and diplomat who served as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Born in 1504, he was the younger brother of Anne Boleyn, queen consort of Henry VIII. Despite his royal connections, Rochford's life was marked by controversy and tragedy.

Deathyear: 1536

Harmon Killebrew

Harmon Killebrew, nicknamed "The Killer," was a legendary American baseball player and sportscaster. He played for the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins, hitting 573 home runs and earning 13 All-Star selections. He also worked as a sportscaster for the Twins and several other teams.

Deathyear: 2011

Bud Anderson

Bud Anderson, born in 1922, was an American World War II flying ace credited with 16.26 victories. He flew P-51 Mustangs with the 363rd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Deathyear: 2024

John Deere (inventor)

John Deere, an American blacksmith and entrepreneur, founded Deere & Company in 1837. Born in 1804, Deere patented the first self-scouring steel plow, revolutionizing agriculture. His innovative design enabled farmers to plow through difficult soil, transforming the agricultural industry and establishing his company as a renowned brand.

Deathyear: 1886

Herman Wouk

Herman Wouk is a renowned American author, best known for his historical novels such as "The Caine Mutiny" (1951) and "The Winds of War" (1971). Born in 1915, Wouk's works often blend history and fiction, capturing the human experience in times of conflict and change.

Deathyear: 2019

False Dmitry I

False Dimitriy I, a pretender to the Russian throne, was born in 1582 in Uglich. He was a claimed son of Ivan the Terrible and pretended to be the real Dimitriy, the last Romanov king. He attempted to pose as the true king in 1605.

Deathyear: 1606

Chinx

Lionel Pickens, known as Lil' Fame of M.O.P., is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York, born in 1983. He rose to fame in the late 1990s, teaming up with Billy Danze to form M.O.P., a hard-hitting hip-hop duo known for their lyrical dexterity and raw energy.

Deathyear: 2015

Kondō Isami

Kondō Isami was a Japanese samurai commander who played a key role in the Bakumatsu period. Born in 1834, he served as a high-ranking officer of the Shinsengumi, a special police force, and was known for his bravery and military prowess.

Deathyear: 1868

László Kubala

László Kubala was a Hungarian-Spanish footballer, coach, and manager, known for his exceptional skills on the pitch and charismatic leadership. Born in 1927, he played for Barcelona and was part of the team that won four consecutive La Liga titles under legendary coach Helenio Herrera.

Deathyear: 2002

Lloyd Alexander

Lloyd Alexander was an American author and soldier, born in 1924. He served in the US Army Intelligence during World War II. Alexander is best known for his fantasy series, particularly "The Chronicles of Prydain," which won the Newbery Medal in 1968.

Deathyear: 2007

Gunnar Myrdal

Gunnar Myrdal, a Swedish economist, sociologist, and politician, won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1974. Born in 1898, he was a renowned expert on economic development and international cooperation, advocating for social welfare and economic equality.

Deathyear: 1987

Guido von List

Here is 40 words about Guido von List: Guido von List was a prominent Austrian-German journalist, author, and poet born in 1848. He was a dedicated nationalist and occultist, advocating for German unity and writing about alchemy, mysticism, and theosophy.

Deathyear: 1919

Kevin Gilbert (musician)

Kevin Gilbert was an American singer-songwriter and producer born in 1966. He gained fame in the 1990s with his unique blend of pop, rock, and electronic music. Known for his virtuosic guitar playing and soaring vocal range, he released several albums before his untimely death in 1996.

Deathyear: 1996

Bruce Fairbairn

Bruce Fairbairn is a Canadian trumpet player, composer, and record producer born in 1949. He has collaborated with notable artists, producing iconic albums and touring extensively. His work spans multiple genres, including rock, pop, and classical, earning him acclaim in the music industry.

Deathyear: 1999

Nandor Fodor

Nandor Fodor was a pioneering Hungarian-American psychologist and parapsychologist born in 1895. He was a renowned expert in psychical research, exploring topics like extrasensory perception, telepathy, and clairvoyance. Fodor's work sought to integrate psychological theories with paranormal phenomena, paving the way for modern parapsychological inquiry.

Deathyear: 1964

Mario Benedetti

Mario Benedetti was a renowned Uruguayan journalist, author, and poet, celebrated for his poignant and introspective writings. Born in 1920, he penned novels, essays, and poetry, often exploring themes of love, freedom, and Latin American identity.

Deathyear: 2009

Paul Dukas

Paul Dukas (1865-1935) was a French composer, critic, and educator. He is best known for his orchestral work "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," which was famously featured in the movie "Fantasia."

Deathyear: 1935

C. P. Krishnan Nair

C. P. Krishnan Nair was a visionary Indian businessman who founded The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in 1989. Born in 1922, Nair's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hospitality resulted in a luxury hotel chain with iconic properties across India and abroad, showcasing Indian culture and hospitality.

Deathyear: 2014

Henry Norris (courtier)

Henry Norris, a favored courtier of King Henry VIII, served as Lord Treasurer of the King's House and Master of the Rolls. He was a key advisor to the monarch and fought in the Battle of the Spurs.

Deathyear: 1536

Ken Venturi

Ken Venturi, a legendary sportscaster and professional golfer, was born in 1931. He won five PGA Tour events and hosted the NFL Today on CBS. Venturi's broadcasting career spanned over 30 years, covering numerous sports, including golf, tennis, and football.

Deathyear: 2013

Cass Gilbert

Cass Gilbert (1859-1934) was a renowned American architect known for his iconic landmarks, including the U.S. Supreme Court building and the Minnesota State Capitol. His neoclassical style and use of setbacks and terracing influenced American architecture.

Deathyear: 1934

Shin Saimdang

Shin Saimdang was a renowned South Korean poet and calligraphist of noble birth, born in 1504. Her poetry and calligraphy are celebrated for their elegance and simplicity, reflecting her classical education and refined taste.

Deathyear: 1551

Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak

Charles Brooke was a British adventurer and explorer who was appointed the Rajah of Sarawak in 1841. He ruled the region from 1841 to 1868 and expanded the country's borders, establishing a successful administration and economy.

Deathyear: 1917