Edward Smith
English sea captain of RMS Titanic
A sea captain, served as the captain of RMS Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage. After years of experience with the White Star Line, commanded several luxury liners. Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg, resulting in significant loss of life. Smith had a reputation for being an experienced mariner before the disaster occurred. His last voyage became a pivotal moment in maritime history, highlighting the need for improved safety regulations in naval transportation.
Served as captain of RMS Titanic
Prior command of RMS Olympic and RMS Britannic
Other People Born on January 27th
Eva Asderaki
Tennis Umpire at Grand Slam events
Born
January 27th, 1982 43 years ago
Born in Greece in 1982, a prominent tennis umpire with significant presence in major tournaments. Officiated at Grand Slam events including Wimbledon and the US Open. Became notable for handling high-profile matches, gaining recognition for skill and professionalism. Pioneered opportunities for women in officiating roles within the sport. Continues to contribute to tennis through mentorship and training for upcoming officials.
Continue ReadingRoss Bagdasarian Sr.
Singer-songwriter and creator of Chipmunks
Born
January 27th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1972 53 years ago — 53 years old
An American singer-songwriter, pianist, producer, and actor, contributed to the music industry through the creation of the animated musical group Alvin and the Chipmunks. The group debuted in 1958 and became a significant cultural phenomenon. The first album, "Sing Alvin Sing," featured the hit song 'The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)', which won a Grammy Award. This innovative approach combined humor and music, appealing to both children and adults. The success of Alvin and the Chipmunks led to numerous sequels, animated television series, and films, making a lasting mark on pop culture.
Continue ReadingWilhelm II
German Emperor and World War I leader
Born
January 27th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
June 4th, 1941 84 years ago — 82 years old
Ruled as the German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. Oversaw the expansion of the German navy and pursued a militaristic foreign policy. The tensions during his reign contributed to the outbreak of World War I. Fled to exile in the Netherlands after the war, where he lived until his death in 1941.
Continue ReadingWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Composer of Classical music and operas
Born
January 27th, 1756 269 years ago
Died
December 5th, 1791 234 years ago — 35 years old
Born in Salzburg, this prolific composer and pianist created over 600 compositions across various genres, including symphonies, operas, chamber music, and choral works. His early exposure to music facilitated remarkable achievements from a young age, traveling through Europe to perform. Notable works include operas like 'The Marriage of Figaro,' 'Don Giovanni,' and 'The Magic Flute,' which remain cornerstones of the operatic repertoire. His contributions to the symphony, concerto, and sonata genres significantly shaped classical music, influencing countless composers after his time. Mozart's life was marked by financial struggles and a complex relationship with the musical establishment of his era, culminating in his untimely death at the age of 35. Despite this, his legacy endures, and his works continue to be celebrated worldwide.
Continue ReadingRichard Bentley
English scholar and theologian
Born
January 27th, 1662 363 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1742 283 years ago — 80 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of biblical criticism and classical literature. Served as the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. Published works on textual criticism of the New Testament, notably in the edition of the New Testament, which included annotations. His scholarly pursuits also included works on the works of ancient Greek and Roman authors, particularly focusing on the texts of Homer and the elegies of Catullus.
Continue ReadingJohn Eccles
Neurophysiologist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
January 27th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1997 28 years ago — 94 years old
A prominent neurophysiologist and academic whose research significantly advanced the understanding of synaptic transmission. Authored numerous influential papers and textbooks in the field of neurobiology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1963 for discoveries concerning the ionic mechanisms involved in excitation and inhibition in the peripheral and central portions of the nervous system.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 12th
Carl Long
American baseball player
Born
1935 90 years ago
Died
January 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 80 years old
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1992 to 1995, serving teams such as the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals. Participated in a total of 43 games during his career. Known for his time in MLB and his contributions on the mound.
Continue ReadingPablita Velarde
Native American painter and muralist
Born
September 19th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
January 12th, 2006 19 years ago — 87 years old
A Santa Clara Pueblo artist focused on preserving Native American culture through art. Specializing in traditional Pueblo pottery and painting, gained recognition for contributing to the revival of Pueblo style painting. Worked on significant murals that depict the history and stories of the Santa Clara Pueblo people. Received numerous awards, including being the first woman to receive a fellowship from the New Mexico Community Foundation.
Continue ReadingWilliam Peter Blatty
Author of The Exorcist novel
Born
January 7th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 12th, 2017 8 years ago — 89 years old
An American author and screenwriter focused on themes of religion and the supernatural. Best recognized for the novel The Exorcist, published in 1971. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into a successful film in 1973, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. He wrote several other novels, essays, and screenplays throughout his career, often exploring existential and philosophical questions.
Continue ReadingPierre de Fermat
French mathematician and lawyer
Born
1601 424 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1665 360 years ago — 64 years old
Contributions to mathematics included significant advancements in number theory and calculus. Formulated Fermat's Last Theorem, which remained unproven for over three centuries. Developed the foundations for modern probability theory through analysis of games of chance. His correspondence with other mathematicians laid groundwork for future exploration in mathematics.
Continue ReadingLaurence J. Peter
Author of the Peter Principle
Born
September 16th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1990 35 years ago — 70 years old
An author and educator, contributed significantly to the field of management. Developed the Peter Principle, a concept stating that individuals rise to their level of incompetence in organizational hierarchies. Authored several books, with the most notable being 'The Peter Principle: Why Things Go Wrong in Organizations'. Engaged in academic and public speaking, providing insights into the dynamics of workplace structures and management failures.
Continue ReadingAnne
Princess Royal and Princess of Orange
Born
February 6th, 1665 360 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1759 266 years ago — 93 years old
Daughter of King James II of England and Mary of Modena, this individual served as Princess Royal from birth. Married to Prince Maurice of Nassau, she became the Princess of Orange. Actively participated in the political and cultural life of the Netherlands, influencing both local and English courts. Developed relationships with various European royal families through marriage alliances and connections.
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