November 26

Born in Quebec, William “Bat” Masterson moved to the American frontier during the buffalo hunting boom. He served as a deputy U.S. marshal and marshal of Dodge City, earning a reputation as a courageous lawman. Masterson participated in several notable gunfights and became a friend of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. In his later years, he relocated to New York City, where he wrote sports columns for the New York Morning Telegraph. His colorful articles on boxing and baseball made him a well-known figure in journalism. Masterson’s adventurous life bridged the worlds of frontier justice and big-city reporting.

William Griffith Wilson, known as Bill W., co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in 1935, offering a groundbreaking peer-support recovery program. His efforts helped transform the understanding and treatment of alcoholism worldwide. Bill W.'s Twelve-Step program has been adapted for numerous addictions and behavioral issues. Despite his own lifelong struggles with alcohol, he provided guidance and hope to countless individuals seeking sobriety. He chronicled his experiences in personal writings that remain influential in addiction studies. Bill W.'s legacy endures through the global fellowship of AA members and the millions who have recovered.

Richard Bruno Hauptmann was a German immigrant convicted for the infamous 1932 kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's baby, an event dubbed 'The Crime of the Century.' Known as the Lindbergh Kidnapping case, it led to widespread media attention and the passage of the 'Lindbergh Law' imposing stricter kidnapping penalties. Despite protests of his innocence, Hauptmann was found guilty and executed in 1936. His trial raised questions about due process and forensic evidence. Hauptmann's case remains a subject of legal and historical debate. The mystery surrounding the kidnapping and Hauptmann's role continues to fascinate scholars and true crime enthusiasts.

Eric Sevareid began his career as a foreign correspondent for CBS under Edward R. Murrow, reporting from war-torn Europe during World War II. He covered events such as the Fall of Paris and the London Blitz, earning acclaim for his insightful and humanizing reports. After the war, he became a prominent commentator on the CBS Evening News and hosted the news magazine "Sevareid at Large". He received multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his contributions to broadcast journalism. Beyond television, he wrote columns for Reader's Digest and several books, including "Not So Wild a Dream". Sevareid's eloquent commentary and integrity made him a trusted voice in American journalism for over four decades.

Frederik Pohl began his career as an editor and writer for science fiction fanzines before becoming a professional magazine editor. He co-authored groundbreaking novels like "The Space Merchants" with Cyril M. Kornbluth and later wrote the bestselling "Gateway" series. As editor of Galaxy and If magazines, he championed new voices in speculative fiction and won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. Pohl's satire and vision explored themes of consumerism, technology, and human resilience. His career spanned over seven decades, during which he also wrote non-fiction and journalistic pieces. Pohl's influence is felt in both literary and popular science fiction realms.

Born in 1933, Stanley Long began his career producing travel documentaries before co-founding Salon Productions. He went on to direct and produce a range of low-budget films that achieved cult status in the 1970s and 1980s, including horror and exploitation titles. Long's entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the British independent film scene, and he was known for blending humor with genre filmmaking. He remained active in cinema until his death in 2012, leaving behind a unique body of work.

Born in 1943 in Bury, England, Burnett began his career at Radio Luxembourg in the 1960s. He joined BBC Radio 1 as an evening show host in 1968, captivating listeners with his wit and eclectic playlists. Burnett pioneered themed segments like the 'Golden Hour', which became a staple of BBC Radio 2. Over five decades, he has interviewed countless music legends and championed emerging artists. His versatility led him to roles across national and regional stations, earning him a devoted audience. Burnett's enduring passion for broadcasting has made him a beloved figure in British radio.

Dale Sommers was born in 1943 and became a beloved radio host under the moniker 'The Truckin’ Bozo', broadcasting to truck drivers across the United States. His show combined music, news, and lively banter, building a dedicated audience within the trucking community. Sommers was known for his warm rapport and for advocating for truckers’ issues on air. He retired in the early 2000s but remained an icon in the industry. Sommers passed away in 2012, remembered for his charismatic voice and contributions to radio entertainment.

Claes Elfsberg is a Swedish journalist best known for his long tenure as a news anchor on SVT, Sweden’s public television broadcaster. He joined SVT in the 1970s and became a familiar face presenting the flagship news program Rapport. Elfsberg’s calm delivery and journalistic integrity earned him the nickname 'Mr. Rapport' among viewers. Over five decades, he covered major national and international events, from elections to crises. He has also hosted in-depth interviews and documentary programs, showcasing his versatility. Elfsberg’s commitment to factual reporting and public trust made him one of Sweden’s most respected journalists. He continues to influence Swedish media through occasional commentary and mentorship.

Galina Prozumenshchikova was a pioneering Soviet swimmer who won the first Olympic gold medal for the USSR in women’s swimming at the 1964 Tokyo Games. Born in Russia in 1948, she dominated breaststroke events, setting multiple European and world records. Prozumenshchikova returned to the Olympics in 1968 and 1972, earning additional medals and acclaim. After retiring from competition, she pursued a career in journalism, covering sports events and profiling athletes. Her achievements paved the way for future generations of Soviet swimmers and elevated the status of women’s sports. Prozumenshchikova’s legacy endures through her records and contributions to sports media until her passing in 2015.

Sergey Golovkin, born in 1959, was infamously known as the "Falling Leaves Killer." He targeted young victims in the Moscow region between 1986 and 1992, committing acts of extreme violence and necrophilia. Apprehended in 1996, Golovkin confessed to multiple murders and was convicted later that year. He was executed by firing squad, and his case led to significant public discourse on criminal psychology and legal reforms in Russia.

Chuck Eddy was born in 1960 and established himself as a leading voice in music journalism. He has written for Rolling Stone, Spin, and other major publications, championing genres from punk to pop. Eddy is the author of books including "Rock and Roll Always Forgets" and has taught journalism at universities. His writing is celebrated for its wit, depth, and ability to contextualize music within broader cultural movements.