Timeline August 1954

Events in August 1954 5

• 1873 – 1954 Colette (1873-1954) Died 3 August 1954, aged 81 The French novelist, born Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, was known for works exploring female sexuality and identity, including the Claudine novels and Gigi. She was the first woman to receive a state funeral in France. Her writing influenced generations of French literature.
• 1882 – 1954 Getulio Vargas (1882-1954) Died 24 August 1954, aged 72 Vargas, who had ruled Brazil as president for eighteen years across two periods, shot himself at the presidential palace amid a political crisis over corruption allegations. His suicide note blamed political enemies and provoked a wave of public sympathy that reshaped Brazilian politics for years. He remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in Brazilian history.
• 1954 US Championships 1954 Men: Vic Seixas · Women: Doris Hart
• 1954 – present Elvis Costello Singer-songwriter English songwriter who emerged from punk with the Attractions — Alison, Oliver's Army, Watching the Detectives — and went on to work in almost every genre.
• 1954 Elvis Costello born in London Declan MacManus The son of a dance-band singer, raised in London and Liverpool.