May 24 birthdays and deaths:
Famous people who died on May 24:
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is a legendary American-Swiss singer, dancer, and actress, known for her powerful, raspy voice and energetic performances. With a career spanning over 50 years, she has sold over 200 million records and won numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards.
Deathyear: 2023
Harold Wilson
Harold Wilson, a renowned academic and politician, served as the UK's Prime Minister from 1964 to 1970 and again from 1974 to 1976. Known for his intellect and progressive policies, Wilson played a significant role in shaping Britain's post-war history.
Deathyear: 1995
Nicolaus Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus was a Polish mathematician and astronomer who challenged the geocentric model of the universe, proposing that the Sun is the center and the Earth and other planets orbit around it. His theory, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (1543), revolutionized astronomy.
Deathyear: 1543
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was a renowned American pianist and composer. Born in 1899, he was part of the Harlem Renaissance movement. He penned over 1,000 works, including "Take the 'A' Train" and "Mood Indigo," and led his own orchestra for over 50 years.
Deathyear: 1974
Vincent J. McMahon
Vince McMahon Sr., a pioneering wrestling promoter, founded the Capitol Wrestling Corporation in 1952, which later became the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE. He is credited with growing professional wrestling's popularity, paving the way for his son Vince McMahon Jr. to take the reins.
Deathyear: 1984
Paul Gray (American musician)
Paul Gray was an American bassist and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the nu metal band Slipknot. He was born in 1972 and tragically passed away in 2010.
Deathyear: 2010
Gudrun Burwitz
Gudrun Burwitz, born in 1929, is the daughter of Margarete Himmler and Heinrich Himmler, the notorious Nazi leader. Despite her father's dark past, Gudrun has worked to rehabilitate his reputation, and has been a vocal anti-racism advocate.
Deathyear: 2018
John Foster Dulles
John Foster Dulles was a prominent American figure, serving as 52nd United States Secretary of State (1953-1959) under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A lawyer and soldier, Dulles was a key diplomat during the Cold War era, known for his hardline stance against communism.
Deathyear: 1959
Gene Clark
Gene Clark was a pioneering American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as a founding member of the Byrds. With his distinctive voice and poetic songwriting style, Clark's work has had a lasting impact on folk and rock music.
Deathyear: 1991
TotalBiscuit
John Bain, aka TotalBiscuit, was an English gaming commentator and critic, born in 1984. He was known for his honest and often scathing reviews of video games, as well as his commentary work on esports tournaments.
Deathyear: 2018
David I of Scotland
David I, King of Scotland (b. 1083), was a crucial figure in Scottish history, succeeding his brother Alexander I in 1124. He transformed Scottish politics and culture, introducing feudalism, promoting Christianity, and establishing a strong monarchy, laying the foundations for a united Scotland.
Deathyear: 1153
William Lloyd Garrison
William Lloyd Garrison, a prominent abolitionist, founded The Liberator in 1831, attacking slavery and racism through editorials and passionate editorials. His unwavering commitment to ending slavery led to national controversy, yet he remained steadfast in his crusade for human rights and social justice.
Deathyear: 1879
Taejo of Joseon
Taejo of Joseon (1335-1408) was the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, the last dynastic state in Korea. He established a new capital at Hanyang (now Seoul) and implemented Confucian reforms, creating a centralized government and stabilizing the country after a period of civil war.
Deathyear: 1408
Edward Mulhare
Edward Mulhare was an Irish actor born in 1923. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, including "The Love Boat" and "Knight Rider", and was known for his distinctive Irish brogue and charming on-screen presence.
Deathyear: 1997
Rachel Kempson
Rachel Kempson was a British actress born in 1910. She was renowned for her versatility on stage and screen, earning a Tony Award and an Academy Award nomination. She appeared in numerous films and plays throughout her career, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
Deathyear: 2003
Robert Ritter von Greim
Robert Ritter von Greim was a renowned German field marshal and pilot who commanded the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a skilled aviator, flying over 140 sorties and earning several decorations for his bravery.
Deathyear: 1945
Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury
Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, was a prominent English politician and Lord High Treasurer. Born in 1563, he played a crucial role in the English Reformation, served as Secretary of State to Queen Elizabeth I, and worked closely with Lord Burghley to forge Britain's foreign policy.
Deathyear: 1612
Archibald Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell
Archibald Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell, was a renowned English field marshal and politician. He served as the 43rd Governor-General of India from 1943 to 1947. Wavell played a crucial role in World War II and was instrumental in shaping India's independence movement.
Deathyear: 1950
Hugues de Payens
Hugues de Payens, a French noble and knight, founded the Order of the Temple of Solomon in 1118. As the first Grand Master, he united nine knights under his leadership to protect Christian pilgrims and defend the Holy Land.
Deathyear: 1136
Sonny Boy Williamson II
Sonny Boy Williamson II was a legendary American singer-songwriter and harmonica player, born in 1908. He revolutionized blues harmonica, creating a distinctive, expressive sound. His iconic blues tracks, like "Checkin' Up on My Baby", continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
Deathyear: 1965
Stormé DeLarverie
Stormé DeLarverie, a pioneering lesbian activist, coined as the "Rosa Parks of the lesbian community," was a trailblazer in the 1950s and '60s. Known for her bravery and unwavering dedication, she fought tirelessly for LGBTQ+ rights, paving the way for future generations.
Deathyear: 2014
Enrique Álvarez Félix
Enrique Álvarez Félix, a renowned Mexican actor, was born in 1934. With a prolific career spanning over six decades, he has appeared in over 100 films and numerous television shows, earning him the nickname "Flaco" (Skinny) due to his slender physique.
Deathyear: 1996
Elmore James
Elmore James was a renowned American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in 1918. Known as "The King of the Strings," he was renowned for his emotive vocals and slide guitar playing, releasing numerous influential blues albums throughout his career.
Deathyear: 1963
Old Tom Morris
Old Tom Morris (1821-1908) was a Scottish golfer, greenkeeper, and course architect. A pioneer in golf course design, he created St Andrews Old Course's iconic 17th hole and won four Open Championships. His innovations in course design and layout remain influential in modern golf course architecture.
Deathyear: 1908
Majrooh Sultanpuri
Majrooh Sultanpuri was a renowned Indian poet and songwriter, known for his poignant and soulful compositions. Born in 1919, he penned songs for films and theatres, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian arts. His works continue to evoke emotions and inspire generations.
Deathyear: 2000
Huguette Clark
Huguette Clark, heiress to the vast fortune of her father, William A. Clark, a copper magnate, was a reclusive and private individual who devoted her life to painting, philanthropy, and solitude. She died in 2011 at the age of 104, leaving behind a vast estate and a legacy of art.
Deathyear: 2011
Jay Bennett
Jay Bennett was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, best known for his work as a sideman and collaborator with Wilco. He released solo albums, including "Whatever Happened to Whatever's Happening?" and "Kicking at the Pinecones".
Deathyear: 2009
Hakim Ali Zardari
Hakim ALi Zardari was a Pakistani businessman and landlord who also served as a member of National Assembly of Pakistan three times.
Deathyear: 2011
Doug Ingle
Doug Ingle is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Rare Earth. Born in 1945, Ingle's distinctive vocals and songwriting skills helped shape the band's unique sound, which blended elements of rock, pop, and psychedelia.
Deathyear: 2024
Dick Martin
Dick Martin, an American actor, comedian, and director, was born in 1922. He gained fame as the co-host of the popular TV show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," showcasing his quick wit and charming personality.
Deathyear: 2008
Mary of Jesus of Ágreda
Mary of Jesus of Ágreda was a Spanish Franciscan nun and mystic born in 1602. Known as "The Toda" (The All), she was renowned for her ecstatic visions, spiritual guidance, and miraculous healings. She wrote extensively on spirituality and was sought after by Catherine of Racconigi.
Deathyear: 1665
Tanith Lee
Tanith Lee was a renowned English author, born in 1947. She wrote fantasy, horror, and science fiction novels and short stories, showcasing her unique style and imagination. Her works often explored themes of mythology, magic, and psychological complexity.
Deathyear: 2015
Joseph Mitchell (writer)
Here is a 40-word description of Joseph Mitchell: Joseph Mitchell was an American journalist and author, born in 1908. He was known for his in-depth, lyrical profiles of eccentric New Yorkers, published in The New Yorker, establishing him as a master of narrative nonfiction.
Deathyear: 1996