Pathetic Facts

German music stars who deceased at age 80

Here are 23 famous musicians from Germany died at 80:

Franz Mesmer

Franz Mesmer (May 23, 1734 Swabia-March 5, 1815 Meersburg) a.k.a. Franz Anton Mesmer was a German astrologer and physician.

He is famous for developing a technique called mesmerism, which he believed could cure various ailments by manipulating a universal magnetic fluid that he claimed was present in all living things. Mesmerism is also considered a forerunner of modern hypnotism.

Mesmer was initially a student of theology and law, but later turned to medicine after being exposed to the teachings of Isaac Newton and Emanuel Swedenborg. He gained notoriety in Paris in the late 1700s for his practice of mesmerism, which he believed could cure everything from headaches to blindness.

Despite the widespread skepticism towards his theories, Mesmer's work had a significant impact on the fields of psychology and medicine. Many of his ideas and techniques were later incorporated into modern hypnotherapy and other forms of alternative medicine. Today, he is remembered as a pioneering figure in the history of psychology and alternative medicine.

Read more about Franz Mesmer on Wikipedia »

Joseph Franz Molitor

Joseph Franz Molitor (July 7, 1779 Oberursel (Taunus)-March 23, 1860 Frankfurt) was a German writer and philosopher.

He was known for his writings on philosophy, politics, and history. Molitor studied theology, philosophy, history, and law in Germany, Switzerland, and France. He became a professor at the University of Heidelberg and later at the University of Frankfurt, where he taught philosophy and political science. Molitor was a follower of the Enlightenment and believed in the importance of reason and rationality in human affairs. He was critical of the organized religions and believed that they were hindrances to human progress. Despite his radical views, Molitor was highly respected in academic circles and was known as one of the most brilliant minds of his time. He wrote several influential books, including the three-volume work "Philosophy of History" and "The Idea of the State." Molitor's ideas played a significant role in shaping the political and philosophical landscape of 19th-century Germany.

Read more about Joseph Franz Molitor on Wikipedia »

Wolfgang Metzger

Wolfgang Metzger (July 22, 1899 Heidelberg-December 20, 1979 Bebenhausen) was a German psychologist.

He is known for his work in the areas of perception and Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes the importance of studying the whole rather than just the individual parts. Metzger was a student of Max Wertheimer, a prominent figure in the Gestalt movement, and his research contributed greatly to the understanding of how humans perceive visual stimuli. He also wrote extensively on the topic of aesthetics and its relationship to psychology. In addition to his academic work, Metzger served as a professor at the University of Frankfurt and the University of Tübingen. His contributions to the field of psychology have had a lasting impact on our understanding of perception and the importance of studying the holistic nature of human experience.

Read more about Wolfgang Metzger on Wikipedia »

George Mosse

George Mosse (September 20, 1918 Berlin-January 22, 1999 Madison) was a German historian and writer.

He was known primarily for his scholarship on the history of fascism, nationalism, and European culture. Mosse was born into a prominent German Jewish family and fled Germany shortly before the outbreak of World War II, eventually settling in the United States. He taught at several universities in both the U.S. and Europe, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he spent most of his career. Mosse authored dozens of books and articles on a range of topics related to European history, and was widely regarded as one of the preeminent scholars of his time. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Mosse was also actively involved in social and political activism, particularly on issues related to civil rights and the Holocaust.

Read more about George Mosse on Wikipedia »

Heinrich Kiepert

Heinrich Kiepert (July 31, 1818 Berlin-April 21, 1899 Berlin) was a German personality. His child is Richard Kiepert.

Heinrich Kiepert was a prominent German geographer and cartographer. He is best known for his contributions to geography, geology, and cartography, including the development of the Kiepert projection, a cylindrical map projection that is still used today. Kiepert was also a professor at the University of Berlin, teaching geography and geology. He was a member of numerous scientific societies and received multiple awards for his work in the field of cartography. In addition to his academic pursuits, Kiepert was also a member of the Prussian House of Representatives, where he advocated for the importance of education and scientific research. Following his death in 1899, his extensive map and book collection was donated to the University of Berlin.

Read more about Heinrich Kiepert on Wikipedia »

Willy Messerschmitt

Willy Messerschmitt (June 26, 1898 Frankfurt-September 15, 1978 Munich) was a German aerospace engineer and engineer.

He is best known for designing aircrafts for the Nazi regime, including the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aircraft which became one of the most important and recognizable aircrafts of World War II. After the war, Messerschmitt was sentenced to 2 years in prison for his involvement in the Nazi regime, but was released in 1948 and resumed his career in the aviation industry. He went on to design several successful civilian aircrafts, including the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Messerschmitt's legacy in the aviation industry continues to be recognized today, as his designs and innovations helped to shape the future of aircraft technology.

Read more about Willy Messerschmitt on Wikipedia »

Julius Benedict

Julius Benedict (November 27, 1804 Stuttgart-June 5, 1885 Stuttgart) also known as Benedict, Julius was a German conductor.

His albums: The Romantic Piano Concerto, Volume 48: Benedict: Concerto in C minor, op. 45 / Concerto in E-flat major, op. 89 / Macfarren: Concertstück. Genres he performed include Opera.

Read more about Julius Benedict on Wikipedia »

Richard Goldschmidt

Richard Goldschmidt (April 12, 1878 Frankfurt-April 24, 1958 Berkeley) otherwise known as Richard Benedict Goldschmidt was a German scientist.

He was a pioneering figure in the fields of genetics and evolutionary biology, making significant contributions to the study of mutations and the role they play in evolution. Goldschmidt was a key figure in the development of the theory of genetic assimilation, which is the idea that certain phenotypic characteristics can be genetically acquired through developmental changes that occur in response to environmental stimuli. In addition, he was one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of radiation on genetic mutations, and his work on this topic has had important implications for our understanding of the risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. Goldschmidt's scientific legacy continues today, with many of his ideas and discoveries having significant influence on modern genetic research.

Read more about Richard Goldschmidt on Wikipedia »

Johann Christoph Brotze

Johann Christoph Brotze (September 1, 1742 Görlitz-August 4, 1823 Riga) was a German ethnographer.

He is best known for his extensive studies on the people and culture of Livonia, a historical region in present-day Estonia and Latvia. Brotze also wrote several books on the history and geography of the region, including "Topographische Nachrichten von Lief- und Ehstland" (Topographical News of Livonia and Estonia). His work was highly regarded by scholars and contemporaries alike, as he was known for his meticulous research and attention to detail. In addition to his academic pursuits, Brotze was also a skilled artist and created many illustrations and sketches of the landscapes and people he encountered in his travels. He is remembered today as one of the foremost authorities on the culture and history of Livonia.

Konstantin Hierl

Konstantin Hierl (February 24, 1875 Parsberg-September 23, 1955 Heidelberg) was a German soldier.

He was also an important figure in the Nazi Party and served as the head of the Reichsarbeitsdienst, an organization that provided employment opportunities for young men in Nazi Germany. Hierl was a passionate supporter of the Nazi regime and played a key role in developing and implementing Nazi ideology. He was a proponent of the idea that every German should work for the betterment of the state and saw the Reichsarbeitsdienst as a means to achieve that goal. After World War II, Hierl was arrested and tried for his role in the Nazi Party, but was ultimately acquitted due to health reasons.

Read more about Konstantin Hierl on Wikipedia »

August Weismann

August Weismann (January 17, 1834 Frankfurt-November 5, 1914 Freiburg im Breisgau) was a German personality.

He was a renowned biologist and is considered to be one of the founders of the science of genetics. Weismann made significant contributions to the theory of evolution by proposing the germ plasm theory, which states that hereditary information is passed down exclusively through germ cells rather than somatic cells. He also conducted extensive research on the process of natural selection and the mechanisms of inheritance. Weismann's work laid the foundation for modern genetics and had a profound impact on the field of biology. He was widely recognized for his achievements during his lifetime and was awarded numerous honours for his contributions to science.

Read more about August Weismann on Wikipedia »

George de Hevesy

George de Hevesy (August 1, 1885 Budapest-July 5, 1966 Freiburg im Breisgau) was a German scientist, chemist and inventor.

He is best known for his work on the use of radioactive isotopes as tracers in chemical reactions, which led to advances in the fields of medicine, biology and chemistry. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1943 for his discovery of the use of isotopes as tracers.

De Hevesy studied chemistry in Budapest and later moved to Berlin, where he worked with some of the most prominent chemists of the time. During World War I, he developed solvent extraction methods for the separation of rare earth elements, which were used in gas mantles and other applications.

In the 1920s, de Hevesy began his work on the use of radioactive isotopes as tracers, which revolutionized the field of chemistry. He discovered that radioactive isotopes could be used to track the movement of atoms in chemical reactions, which allowed scientists to study the mechanisms of these reactions in much greater detail.

During World War II, de Hevesy fled Europe for the United States, where he continued his work on radioactive isotopes. After the war, he returned to Europe and continued his research in Freiburg im Breisgau, where he remained until his death in 1966.

Read more about George de Hevesy on Wikipedia »

Walter Wallmann

Walter Wallmann (September 24, 1932 Uelzen-September 21, 2013) was a German politician.

He was a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and served as the Minister President of the state of Hesse from 1987-1991. Prior to his political career, Wallmann worked as a Protestant theologian, but later transitioned to politics, serving as a member of the Bundestag (German federal parliament) from 1972-1986. As Minister President of Hesse, he focused on economic development and job creation, strengthening regional infrastructure, and promoting environmental sustainability. Wallmann was also a strong advocate for European integration and played a crucial role in the reunification of Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. After leaving politics, Wallmann worked as a consultant and remained active in various cultural and social organizations.

Read more about Walter Wallmann on Wikipedia »

Ralf Dahrendorf

Ralf Dahrendorf (May 1, 1929 Hamburg-June 17, 2009 Cologne) also known as Ralf. Dahrendorf or Ralf Dahrendorf was a German politician, political scientist and sociologist.

He was known for his work on social stratification and conflict theory. Dahrendorf served as a Member of the European Parliament, as well as a member of the British House of Lords. He also held a number of academic positions, including professorships at the Universities of Hamburg, Konstanz, Tübingen, and London School of Economics. Dahrendorf was a prolific writer and published numerous books on topics such as democracy, inequality, and globalisation. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States.

Read more about Ralf Dahrendorf on Wikipedia »

Udo Lattek

Udo Lattek (January 16, 1935 Boże, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship-February 1, 2015 Cologne) was a German coach.

He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and prominent football coaches in the history of Germany. Udo began his career as a player, but soon transitioned into coaching, where he excelled in leading his teams to numerous victories and championships throughout his career. He is particularly known for his successful stints as the head coach of Bayern Munich, where he led the club to a plethora of domestic and international titles. Udo was also instrumental in the development of several successful players, including Franz Beckenbauer, who later became one of Germany's greatest football stars. Throughout his career, he was known for his tactical acumen, innovative gameplay, and ability to motivate players.

Read more about Udo Lattek on Wikipedia »

Ludwig Weber

Ludwig Weber (July 29, 1899 Vienna-December 9, 1979 Vienna) was a German singer.

Discography: and Tristan und Isolde (Chorus of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Philharmonia Orchestra feat. conductor: Wilhelm Furtwängler).

Read more about Ludwig Weber on Wikipedia »

Wolfgang Iser

Wolfgang Iser (July 22, 1926 Marienberg-January 24, 2007) was a German personality.

He was a literary scholar known for his contributions to the field of reader-response theory. Iser's work focused on how readers interact with texts and how meaning is created in the process. He was a professor at the University of Konstanz, where he also served as the director of the International Research Center for Cultural Studies. In addition to his scholarly work, Iser was a prolific writer, with several influential books to his name. He was widely recognized as a leading figure in literary studies, and his work continues to be studied and debated by scholars today.

Read more about Wolfgang Iser on Wikipedia »

Frederick Francis I, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Frederick Francis I, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (December 10, 1756 Schwerin-February 1, 1837 Ludwigslust) was a German personality. His children are called Duchess Louise Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Duchess Charlotte Frederica of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Frederick Louis, Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

Frederick Francis I was the eldest son of Duke Louis of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and his wife, Princess Charlotte Sophie of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. He ascended to the throne in 1785 after his father's death. During his reign, he made significant contributions to Mecklenburg-Schwerin's infrastructure, such as the expansion of the port of Wismar and the establishment of the Ludwigslust Palace, which became the grand ducal family's primary residence.

He married Princess Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, with whom he had three children. However, their marriage was tumultuous, and they often lived apart from each other. Frederick Francis I had several mistresses, including the famous actress Friederike Caroline Neuber.

In politics, he was known for his conservative views and his aversion to revolutionary ideas. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and his court at Ludwigslust attracted many notable artists and intellectuals.

Frederick Francis I died in 1837 at the age of 80, and was succeeded by his grandson, Frederick Francis II.

George Steinbrenner

George Steinbrenner (July 4, 1930 Rocky River-July 13, 2010 Tampa) also known as Geroge Michael Steinbrenner III was a German businessperson, entrepreneur, investor and theatrical producer. He had two children, Hank Steinbrenner and Hal Steinbrenner.

George Steinbrenner was best known for his role as the principal owner and managing partner of Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. He purchased the team in 1973 for $8.8 million and went on to become one of the most successful owners in sports history.

Under Steinbrenner's ownership, the Yankees won 11 American League pennants and 7 World Series championships. He was known for his hands-on management style and willingness to spend big money to acquire top talent, earning him the nickname "The Boss."

Beyond his success in sports, Steinbrenner was also involved in various business ventures, including shipping, horse racing, and real estate development. In the 1990s, he ventured into the world of entertainment, producing several Broadway shows.

While he was a controversial figure at times, Steinbrenner was also known for his charitable contributions to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and the Special Olympics. He was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.

He died in myocardial infarction.

Read more about George Steinbrenner on Wikipedia »

Johann Heinrich Kurtz

Johann Heinrich Kurtz (December 13, 1809-April 26, 1890) was a German personality.

He is known for his work as a Protestant theologian and church historian. Kurtz studied theology and philosophy at the University of Halle and later became a pastor in Berlin. He published several works on church history, including his most famous work "Textbook of Church History." In addition to his academic work, Kurtz was also a philanthropist and social reformer, advocating for the better treatment of the poor and disadvantaged in society. Later in his career, he became involved in politics and was a member of the Frankfurt National Assembly in 1848. He continued to write and publish until his death in 1890.

Read more about Johann Heinrich Kurtz on Wikipedia »

Ernest Bornemann

Ernest Bornemann (April 12, 1915 Berlin-June 4, 1995 Eferding) was a German writer.

Bornemann was a significant figure of German literature and was known for his works that explored human sexuality and its complex nature. He studied psychology, philosophy, and literature at the Universities of Berlin and Tübingen before he started focusing on writing. Before the Second World War, he worked as a therapist for young people who were struggling with their sexuality. Bornemann’s experiences and observations in the field of psychotherapy became the basis of his books. He had a keen interest in the works of Freud and other psychoanalysts of his time. Some of his notable publications include ‘Der Täter als Opfer’ (The offender as Victim) and ‘Das Labyrinth der Sexualität’ (The Labyrinth of Sexuality). Bornemann was an important writer and commentator on some of the most pressing issues of his time, including crime, corruption, and human rights. Despite his contributions to literature and society, he struggled with depression throughout his life, which ultimately led him to take his own life at the age of 80.

He died caused by suicide.

Read more about Ernest Bornemann on Wikipedia »

Aloys Sprenger

Aloys Sprenger (September 3, 1813 Nassereith-December 19, 1893 Heidelberg) a.k.a. Alois Sprenger was a German writer.

He is best known for his work, "The Life of Mohammad" (Das Leben und die Lehre des Mohammad), which was published in German and English. Sprenger was also a professor of Oriental languages and literature at the University of Bern in Switzerland, and later at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. He was a linguist, philologist, and one of the foremost authorities on Islamic law and Islamic culture of his time. Sprenger was fluent in Arabic and Persian, which gave him a unique perspective on Islamic history and society. In addition to his work on Islam, Sprenger also wrote poetry and drama, as well as a biography of the German poet Heinrich Heine.

Read more about Aloys Sprenger on Wikipedia »

Johann Christian Poggendorff

Johann Christian Poggendorff (December 29, 1796 Hamburg-January 24, 1877 Berlin) was a German physicist and journalist.

Poggendorff was a pioneer in the field of electricity and magnetism, and is best known for his work on the Poggendorff bridge, a device used to measure the resistance of electrical conductors. In addition to his scientific work, he was also a prolific writer and editor, serving as the editor-in-chief of the Annalen der Physik und Chemie for over thirty years. Poggendorff also played a significant role in the founding of the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (German Physical Society) and the Berliner Gesellschaft für Anthropologie, Ethnologie und Urgeschichte (Berlin Society for Anthropology, Ethnology, and Prehistory). He was widely respected by his peers and was elected to numerous scientific academies throughout Europe.