Carroll Shelby
Race car driver and automotive designer
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Achieved prominence as a race car driver and automotive designer. Competed in various race events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed the Shelby Cobra sports car, which became an iconic symbol of American automotive performance. Established Shelby American, a company that manufactures high-performance cars and parts. Collaborated with Ford to create the Mustang Cobra and the GT350, contributing significantly to the automotive industry.
Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959
Developed the Shelby Cobra
Created the Ford Mustang GT350
Other People Born on January 11th
Jerome Bixby
American author and screenwriter of sci-fi
Born
January 11th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1998 28 years ago — 75 years old
An influential author and screenwriter contributed significantly to science fiction through works in both film and literature. Wrote episodes for the original 'Star Trek' series, including the notable episode 'Mirror, Mirror'. Authored the short story 'It's a Good Life', adapted into an episode of 'The Twilight Zone'. Worked on the screenplay for 'Fantastic Voyage', which became a classic of the genre. His creative influences extended to the broader cultural landscape, impacting generations of sci-fi writers and fans.
Continue ReadingAlbert Hofmann
Swiss chemist who discovered LSD
Born
January 11th, 1906 120 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2008 18 years ago — 102 years old
A prominent Swiss chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of pharmaceuticals. Synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938 while working at Sandoz Laboratories. First ingested LSD personally in 1943, leading to the discovery of its psychedelic effects. Conducted further research on hallucinogenic substances and their potential therapeutic uses. Authored several books on psychedelic substances and their implications in psychology and culture.
Continue ReadingAldo Leopold
Ecologist and author of 'Sand County Almanac'
Born
January 11th, 1887 139 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1948 78 years ago — 61 years old
Ecologist and author contributed significantly to the fields of wildlife management and land conservation. Developed the concept of land ethic, emphasizing the responsibility of humans to care for the natural environment. Author of 'A Sand County Almanac', which combines natural history and philosophy, promoting a sustainable relationship with the land. Played a pivotal role in founding the discipline of wildlife ecology and was instrumental in establishing the U.S. Forest Service's research on conservation practices.
Continue ReadingAlan Paton
South African author and activist
Born
January 11th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1988 38 years ago — 85 years old
An influential author and political activist, contributed significantly to anti-apartheid movements in South Africa. Wrote the acclaimed novel "Cry, the Beloved Country," which highlighted the struggles of apartheid. Engaged in various social and political issues throughout his life, working to promote human rights and social justice. Served as the first president of the South African Liberal Party from its founding in 1953 until 1968.
Continue ReadingMatt Mullenweg
Web developer and WordPress co-creator
Born
January 11th, 1984 42 years ago
A web developer and businessman, played a pivotal role in the creation of WordPress, a widely used content management system. Co-founded Automattic, a company that offers various web services including WooCommerce and Jetpack. Mullenweg advocates for open source software and has contributed significantly to the web publishing landscape. Frequently speaks at technology conferences and events, sharing insights on software development and entrepreneurship.
Continue ReadingTheodoros Pangalos
Greek politician and military leader
Born
January 11th, 1878 148 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1952 74 years ago — 74 years old
Served as a prominent general and politician in Greece during the early 20th century. Held the position of President of Greece from 1926 to 1929. Participated in military campaigns and was involved in the political landscape during a tumultuous period in Greek history. Took part in the Greco-Turkish War and held various governmental positions, shaping the political environment of the era.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 10th
Richard Glücks
German SS officer overseeing concentration camps
Born
April 22nd, 1889 137 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1945 81 years ago — 56 years old
Served as an SS officer and was responsible for multiple concentration camps during World War II. Held the position of inspector of concentration camps, overseeing the conditions and operations within these facilities. Managed the camps of Auschwitz and other locations, significantly contributing to the implementation of the Nazi regime's policies regarding internment and extermination.
Continue ReadingÉlisabeth of France
French princess, sister of Louis XVI
Born
1764 262 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1794 232 years ago — 30 years old
A French princess and the youngest sibling of King Louis XVI, Élisabeth was deeply involved in the royal family's affairs during a turbulent period in French history. She was known for her steadfast loyalty to her brother and the monarchy. Following the onset of the French Revolution, she faced increasing dangers due to her royal status. Élisabeth was arrested in 1793 and ultimately executed by guillotine in 1794. Her life and tragic end marked the downfall of the French monarchy and reflected the harsh realities experienced by royal figures during this revolutionary period.
Continue ReadingThomas Young
English physicist and physiologist
Born
June 13th, 1773 253 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1829 197 years ago — 55 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and physiology in the early 19th century. Made foundational discoveries in wave theory and the nature of light. Conducted pioneering work on the human eye's accommodation and the theory of color vision. Published several influential papers that provided insights into the wave-particle duality of light and established the concept of the Young's modulus in material science.
Continue ReadingBetty Wright
Singer-songwriter with Grammy Award
Born
December 21st, 1953 72 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2020 6 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent American singer-songwriter, contributed significantly to the R&B genre. Rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit songs. One of the most popular tracks, 'Clean Up Woman', became a staple in soul music. Received a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for 'Where Is the Love' in 1976, which showcased songwriting talent and vocal prowess. Collaborated with various artists throughout a career spanning several decades. Continued to influence and mentor upcoming musicians.
Continue ReadingPeter Weiss
German playwright and painter
Born
1916 110 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1982 44 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent figure in German literature, Weiss specialized in theater and visual arts. Contributions included significant plays that explored themes of oppression, war, and existentialism. 'The Investigation', a play based on the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, critically examined the Holocaust. Also engaged in surrealist painting, showcasing complex imagery and social critique.
Continue ReadingShen Congwen
Chinese author and educator, notable works
Born
December 28th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1988 38 years ago — 85 years old
An influential author and educator, renowned for contributions to modern Chinese literature. Born in 1902, produced several significant literary works during the early to mid-20th century. Focused on depicting rural life and cultural identity, intertwining themes of tradition and modernity. Developed a unique narrative style that integrated local folklore and geographical elements. Worked as an educator, emphasizing the importance of literature and cultural heritage in Chinese society. Served in various educational roles, contributing to the academic landscape of the time.
Continue Reading