Harry Hopkins
American politician and Secretary of Commerce
A prominent American businessman and politician, served as the 8th Secretary of Commerce under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1938 to 1946. Played a significant role in the New Deal recovery programs during the Great Depression and was a key figure in the administration's efforts to implement social welfare initiatives. Advocated for various economic policies and oversaw budgetary allocations that shaped the direction of the federal government's approach to economic recovery. Contributed to international diplomacy as an advisor to Roosevelt during World War II.
Served as the 8th United States Secretary of Commerce
Played a pivotal role in New Deal programs
Other People Born on August 17th
Sue Draheim
American fiddler and folk musician
Born
August 17th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
April 11th, 2013 12 years ago — 63 years old
An American fiddler, contributions included performances at various folk music festivals and traditional gatherings. Instrumental in promoting and preserving folk music traditions, particularly in the Appalachian style. Collaborated with multiple artists in the folk music scene, showcasing skills in both solo and group settings.
Continue ReadingRichard of Shrewsbury
Duke of York, son of Edward IV
Born
August 17th, 1473 552 years ago
Died
1483 543 years ago — 10 years old
Born in 1473, Richard of Shrewsbury served as the Duke of York during the turbulent period of the Wars of the Roses. He was the second son of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. Following the death of his father in 1483, Richard became a prominent figure in the struggle for the English throne. In 1484, Richard was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London. He was declared illegitimate, and his status as a potential claimant to the throne effectively diminished. The fates of Richard and his brother, the Prince of Wales, remain uncertain, leading to historical intrigue regarding their disappearance. Richard's life and the mystery of his fate contributed to the enduring legacy of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Continue ReadingNicola Porpora
Italian composer and educator
Born
August 17th, 1686 339 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1768 257 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent figure in 18th-century music, Porpora achieved significant recognition as a composer and vocal teacher. His work includes numerous operas, sacred music, and cantatas, which were influential in the development of Italian opera. Porpora was a key figure in the Neapolitan opera scene and contributed to the education of several renowned singers of the time, including Farinelli. His compositions were noted for their melodic beauty and complex vocal lines, showcasing the capabilities of the singers he trained.
Continue ReadingJohn Brahm
Film and TV director, worked on 'The Locket'
Born
August 17th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1982 44 years ago — 89 years old
A director and production manager, worked primarily in film and television during the mid-20th century. Directed the movie 'The Locket' in 1946, which showcased his skills in creating suspenseful narratives. Contributed to multiple television series, particularly in the genre of mystery. Worked with several notable television networks, enhancing the quality of production during a formative period in the industry. Helped shape various works that would later be regarded as significant in American cinema history.
Continue ReadingHarve Bennett
Screenwriter and producer for Star Trek
Born
August 17th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old
Contributed as a writer and producer to multiple Star Trek films and television series. Engaged in the production of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which became one of the most successful films of the franchise. Involvement with Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home further solidified a prominent role in the development of the franchise. Worked extensively in television and produced shows including The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, both of which gained significant viewership during their runs.
Continue ReadingMargaret Heafield Hamilton
Computer Scientist and Software Engineer
Born
August 17th, 1936 89 years ago
A computer scientist and systems engineer, contributions to software engineering established standards for development in the field. Worked on the Apollo space program, where developed onboard flight software for the Apollo missions at NASA. Led the team that created the software for the Apollo Lunar Module, critical for landing astronauts on the Moon. Founded a software company that contributed to various projects in the aerospace industry and beyond.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 29th
Douglas Haig
Scottish field marshal of WWI
Born
June 19th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1928 98 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent British military leader, contributed significantly during the First World War. Commanded the British Expeditionary Force from 1915 to 1918, overseeing major battles such as the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Passchendaele. Played a key role in coordinating Allied strategy during the war's later stages. Post-war, held the title of 1st Earl Haig and continued involvement in veterans' affairs for the British Legion, addressing military needs and welfare.
Continue ReadingCharles Sackville
English poet and courtier
Born
January 24th, 1643 383 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1706 320 years ago — 63 years old
Served as the 6th Earl of Dorset and was a prominent figure at the English court in the late 17th century. Contributed significantly to poetry during this period, celebrated especially for works that captured the era's essence. Wrote the poem 'The Chameleon,' showcasing a refined style and keen observation of nature. Associated with the literary and social circles of the time, often interacting with influential contemporaries and participating in cultural activities at court.
Continue ReadingB. H. Liddell Hart
Military strategist and historian
Born
October 31st, 1895 130 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1970 56 years ago — 74 years old
An officer in the British Army and a military historian, the individual contributed significantly to military strategy and theory. The work focused on indirect approaches to warfare and the questioning of traditional military strategies. This person’s writings influenced military thinking in the 20th century. Served in World War I and later became a prominent analyst of World War II, offering insights that shaped discussions on military tactics and strategy. Published notable works assessing the nature of war and led to widespread discussion in military circles.
Continue ReadingEdward Lear
Poet and illustrator of limericks
Born
May 12th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1888 138 years ago — 75 years old
An English poet and illustrator, focused on the creation of limericks and whimsical illustrations. Published works included 'A Book of Nonsense,' which featured light-hearted poems and playful drawings. Worked extensively as a landscape painter, capturing scenes of the Mediterranean and various locations in Europe. Thus, contributed significantly to the genre of children's literature and illustrated poetry. Lear was also known for his detailed works of natural history, especially in ornithology.
Continue ReadingH. L. Mencken
American journalist and social critic
Born
September 12th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1956 70 years ago — 75 years old
A significant figure in American journalism, contributed extensively to the early 20th-century literary scene. Edited the Baltimore Evening Sun and founded the American Mercury magazine, a voice for literary and cultural criticism. Authored several books, including 'The American Language' and 'Prejudices', exploring language and societal norms. Critiqued American society, politics, and culture through sharp commentary and humor, aligning with the modernist movement. Played a key role in establishing a more vigorous and skeptical journalistic style in America.
Continue ReadingLawren Harris
Canadian painter, Group of Seven member
Born
October 23rd, 1885 140 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1970 56 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent Canadian painter associated with the Group of Seven, contributed significantly to the development of Canadian landscape painting. Focused on portraying the northern wilderness, utilized vibrant colors and bold forms. Worked primarily in oil and watercolor, capturing the beauty of Canada's landscapes and the essence of its natural environment. Participated in several exhibitions and was pivotal in promoting Canadian art.
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