May 9 birthdays and deaths:

Little Richard

Little Richard, the flamboyant and influential American singer-songwriter, burst onto the music scene in the 1950s with his unique blend of rock, rhythm, and gospel.

Deathyear: 2020

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a trailblazing entertainer, known for her smooth vocals, stunning looks, and groundbreaking career. She was the first African American to join the legendary Cotton Club, and advocated for civil rights, breaking barriers on stage and screen.

Deathyear: 2010

Keith Whitley

Keith Whitley (1954-1989) was a country music singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his powerful vocals and traditional country sound. He rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like "Don't Close Your Eyes" and "I'm Over You," earning a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

Deathyear: 1989

Roger Corman

Roger Corman is a legendary filmmaker known for his inexpensive and often campy B-movies. With a career spanning over 60 years, he has directed over 400 films, earning him the nickname "The Pope of Low-Brow Cinema".

Deathyear: 2024

Tenzing Norgay

Tenzing Norgay, a Nepalese mountaineer, achieved global fame as the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, on May 29, 1953. He was born on May 19, 1914, in Nepal, and had over 18 years of climbing experience before his historic ascent.

Deathyear: 1986

Akhmad Kadyrov

Akhmad Kadyrov was a Chechen cleric and politician who served as the 1st President of the Chechen Republic (2003-2004). A devout Muslim, he was a key figure in the region's tumultuous post-Soviet era, advocating for peace and reconciliation.

Deathyear: 2004

Freddie Starr

Freddie Starr was a British comedian, impressionist, singer, and actor, known for his mimicry and his iconic impressions of celebrities like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. He was a popular entertainer in the UK and had a successful music career, releasing several albums.

Deathyear: 2019

Friedrich Schiller

Friedrich Schiller was a renowned German poet, playwright, and historian, born in 1759. He is best known for his plays, such as "The Robbers" and "Mary Stuart," and his poetic works, including "Ode to Joy" which became the German national anthem.

Deathyear: 1805

Aldo Moro

Aldo Moro was an Italian Christian Democrat politician who served as the 38th Prime Minister of Italy from 1963 to 1968 and again from 1974 to 1976.

Deathyear: 1978

Edmond O'Brien

Edmond O'Brien was a renowned American actor and director, born in 1915. He gained fame for his roles in films like "The Barefoot Contessa" (1954) and "Jubal" (1956). He also directed several films, including "Killer's Kiss" (1955).

Deathyear: 1985

C. W. Post

C.W. Post, American businessman, founded Post Foods in 1895, revolutionizing the cereal industry. Born in 1854, Post developed a passion for entrepreneurship, creating a legacy as a pioneer in the breakfast food industry, with iconic brands like Grape-Nuts and Raisin Bran.

Deathyear: 1914

Vidal Sassoon

Vidal Sassoon revolutionized hairstyles with his iconic "wash-and-wear" cuts, making him a pioneer in the industry. His innovative techniques and teachings empowered generations of hairstylists, leaving a lasting impact on the beauty world.

Deathyear: 2012

Robert Miles

Robert Miles was a Swiss-born Italian producer, composer, musician, and DJ, born in 1969. He is best known for his trance and electronic music, particularly his hit single "Children," which topped charts worldwide.

Deathyear: 2017

Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie, a legendary South African singer, was born in 1964. Known as the "Queen of Afro-Pop", she is praised for her powerful voice and energetic performances. Her music has had a profound impact on South African music, promoting unity and social change through her lyrics.

Deathyear: 2004

Julius Nepos

Julius Nepos, Western Roman Emperor from 474-480, was a nephew of the powerful Ricimer. He was appointed emperor by Ricimer, but was soon overthrown and assassinated due to his poor leadership and bribery. His death marked the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Deathyear: 480

Ulrike Meinhof

Ulrike Meinhof, a German militant, co-founded the Red Army Faction (RAF) in the 1970s. Born in 1934, Meinhof was a prominent figure in the West German left-wing terrorism movement, known for her radical ideology and involvement in numerous kidnappings and assassinations.

Deathyear: 1976

Chuck Daly

Chuck Daly was an American basketball coach and former player, known for his success with the Detroit Pistons, guiding them to three NBA championships. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994.

Deathyear: 2009

Marion Lorne

Marion Lorne was an American actress, born in 1883, who gained popularity for her roles in stage and screen. She played iconic characters in films like "His Girl Friday" and "Arsenic and Old Lace", showcasing her versatility as a comedian and dramatic actress.

Deathyear: 1968

Alice Faye

Alice Faye was a beloved American actress and singer, born Gayneen Veillette in 1915. She rose to fame in the 1930s with her sweet, melodious voice and charming on-screen presence, starring in films like 'Professor Beware' and 'The Farmer Takes a Wife'.

Deathyear: 1998

Alan King

Alan King was a talented American actor, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1927. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his comedic timing and charm. King was also a successful businessman, owning comedy clubs and producing comedy specials.

Deathyear: 2004

Obafemi Awolowo

Obafemi Awolowo was a Nigerian lawyer and politician who played a pivotal role in Nigeria's fight for independence. He was the Premier of the Western Region (1954-1959) and served as the Leader of the Opposition (1960-1966).

Deathyear: 1987

William Bradford (governor)

William Bradford, born in 1590, was an English-American politician and Puritan leader. He served as the 2nd Governor of Plymouth Colony from 1621 to 1657, playing a crucial role in establishing and governing the colony, particularly during its early and challenging years.

Deathyear: 1657

Louis II, Prince of Monaco

Louis II, Prince of Monaco, ruled from 1922 until his death in 1949. Known for his eccentricities and reclusive lifestyle, he expanded Monaco's infrastructure and developed its tourist industry.

Deathyear: 1949

Walter Reuther

Walter Reuther was a pioneering American union leader who served as president of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) from 1946 to 1970. He played a key role in improving working conditions and wages for autoworkers, and was a prominent figure in the labor movement.

Deathyear: 1970

John Sedgwick

Major General John Sedgwick (1813-1864) was a prominent American Civil War general and educator. He graduated from West Point and served in the Mexican-American War before becoming a corps commander in the Union Army, defending Washington D.C. and engaging in battles at Chancellorsville and Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Deathyear: 1864

Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson, born December 4, 1921, is a legendary American actress, known for her extensive film and television career spanning over six decades. She has appeared in over 100 productions, including "The Graduate," "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice," and "Play It Again, Sam."

Deathyear: 2015

Rex Murphy

Rex Murphy is a Canadian journalist and broadcaster, known for his sharp wit and conservative views. As a longtime commentator, he has appeared on numerous television programs, including CBC's "Afternoon News" and "The National."

Deathyear: 2024

Mercedes de Acosta

Mercedes de Acosta, a pioneering American author, poet, and playwright, was born in 1893. Her writing often explored themes of love, desire, and nonconformity. De Acosta's work was often autobiographical, reflecting her experiences as a lesbian and her relationships with notable figures like Greta Garbo and Tallulah Bankhead.

Deathyear: 1968

Russell B. Long

Russell B. Long was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Louisiana from 1948 to 1987. A descendant of Huey P. Long, Russell B. Long was known for his conservative views and served as chairman of the Joint Economic Committee.

Deathyear: 2003

Kenan Evren

Kenan Evren was a Turkish general and politician who served as the 7th President of Turkey from 1980 to 1989. Born in 1917, he was a prominent military officer who led the 1980 coup d'état and transitioned to politics, becoming a key figure in Turkey's modernization and modernization efforts.

Deathyear: 2015

Sean Burroughs

Sean Burroughs is a former American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2004 to 2012. Born on December 12, 1980, Burroughs played for the Padres, Rays, and Royals, primarily as a third baseman and left fielder.

Deathyear: 2024

Finlay Currie

Finlay Currie was a renowned British actor, born in 1878. He appeared in numerous stage and screen productions, earning recognition for his versatility and distinct voice. His most notable role was as Nicodemus in the 1959 film "Ben-Hur".

Deathyear: 1968

Albert A. Michelson

Albert Abraham Michelson was a renowned German-American physicist and academic who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907. Born in 1852, Michelson's pioneering work in spectroscopy and interferometry led to significant advancements in the fields of physics and optics.

Deathyear: 1931

Nelson Algren

Nelson Algren (1909-1981) was a renowned American novelist and short story writer. Known for his gritty, realistic portrayals of urban life, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1957 for "A Walk on the Wild Side". His works often explored themes of loneliness, poverty, and social inequality.

Deathyear: 1981

Talat Mahmood

Talat Mahmood was a renowned Indian playback singer and actor, famously known for his soulful voice and versatility in various genres. Born in 1924, he sang over 1,000 songs in multiple languages, and won numerous accolades for his exceptional talent in the Indian film industry.

Deathyear: 1998

Dieterich Buxtehude

Dieterich Buxtehude was a renowned German-Danish organist and composer, born in 1637. He was a master of the organ and composed over 100 cantatas, and his music was influential in shaping the development of Baroque music.

Deathyear: 1707

James Jones (author)

James Jones, a renowned American novelist, was born in 1921. He gained recognition for his novel "The Thin Red Line" (1962), which explored the psychological effects of war on soldiers. His writing often delved into themes of humanity, morality, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1977

Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac

Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac was a renowned French chemist and physicist who discovered the Gay-Lussac's Law of Boiling Points and the Gay-Lussac's Law of Combining Proportions. He was also a skilled experimentalist and was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1807.

Deathyear: 1850

Mary Stewart (novelist)

Mary Stewart was a renowned British author and poet, born in 1916. She is best known for her romantic suspense novels, which often combined elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction. Her works include the classic "Touch Not the Cat" and "Wildfire at Midnight".

Deathyear: 2014

William S. Harney

William S. Harney was a renowned American general during the 19th century. Born in 1800, Harney fought in the Seminole Wars, Indian Wars, and the Mexican-American War. He played a crucial role in several battles, earning the nickname "Sulfur Bill" due to his harsh discipline.

Deathyear: 1889

Bhaurao Patil

Bhaurao Patil was a pioneering Indian activist and educator born in 1887. He fought for Dalit rights and social reform, co-founding the Dalit Panther Movement. His work emphasized education, social justice, and self-respect, empowering marginalized communities through education and activism.

Deathyear: 1959

Rieko Kodama

Rieko Kodama is a renowned Japanese video game designer and programmer, born in 1963. Active in the industry since the 1980s, she has worked on numerous influential titles, including Xenogears, Vagrant Story, and Seiken Densetsu 3, known for their engaging storylines and memorable characters.

Deathyear: 2022

N. Janardhana Reddy

Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy, an Indian politician, served as the 12th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1978 to 1979. Born in 1935, he held various government positions and was known for his efforts to promote the state's economic development.

Deathyear: 2014

Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Thomas Wentworth Higginson, an American Unitarian minister and politician, was a vocal abolitionist. He fought in the Civil War, led African American regiments, and was a key organizer of the Underground Railroad. He also advocated for women's suffrage and women's rights.

Deathyear: 1911

Nicolaus Zinzendorf

Nicolaus Zinzendorf, a German bishop and Moravian missionary, was born in 1700. He founded the Bohemian Brethren Church and was a major figure in the Moravian Church. He was a strong advocate for missionary work and unity among different denominations.

Deathyear: 1760

Ezio Pinza

Ezio Pinza was an Italian-born actor and singer, best known for his successful opera performances and Tony Award-winning Broadway shows. He was also a beloved television personality, hosting and starring in his own primetime specials.

Deathyear: 1957