July 16, 1939

1939William Bell, American singer-songwriter^[†]

William Bell is an American soul singer and songwriter. As a performer, he is best known for his debut single, 1961's "You Don't Miss Your Water"; 1968's top 10 hit in the UK "Private Number", a duet with Judy Clay; and his only US top 40 hit, 1976's "Tryin' to Love Two", which also hit No. 1 on the R&B chart. Upon the death of Otis Redding, Bell released the well-received memorial song "A Tribute to a King".

1939Lido Vieri, Italian football manager and football player^[†]

Lido Vieri is an Italian former football player and manager who played as a goalkeeper. He won the 1968 European Championship and was a runner-up at the 1970 FIFA World Cup with the Italy national team.

1939Ruth Perry, Liberian politician (died 2017)^[†]

Ruth Sando Fahnbulleh Perry was a Liberian politician. She served as the interim Chairman of the Council of State of Liberia from 3 September 1996 until 2 August 1997, following the First Liberian Civil War. After 11 international peace attempts between 1990 and 1995 to end the civil war in Liberia, the attempts appeared to succeed. The interim Council of State consisted of a civilian chairman, as well as members of warring factions: Charles Taylor, United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy-K leader Alhaji Kromah, Liberia Peace Council leader George Boley, and two other civilians.

1939Shringar Nagaraj, Indian actor and producer (died 2013)^[†]

Gangolli Ramashet Nagaraj, popularly known as Shringar Nagaraj, was an Indian actor, cameraman, and producer in Kannada cinema. He is best known for the 1987 silent film Pushpaka Vimana, which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

1939Corin Redgrave, English actor and activist (died 2010)^[†]

Corin William Redgrave was an English actor.

1939Mariele Ventre, Italian singer and conductor (died 1995)^[†]

Maria Rachele "Mariele" Ventre was an Italian musician and singer, the founder and director of Italian children's choir Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano.