Lightnin' Hopkins
American blues guitarist and singer
Renowned as a master of Texas blues, a prominent American music figure emerged as a vital influence in the 20th-century music scene. His performance style combined captivating storytelling with expressive guitar work, drawing heavily from traditional African American music forms. Frequently collaborated with other musicians and recorded numerous albums, bringing his music to a wider audience. Gained recognition for his improvisational skills and unique stage presence. His sound helped shape the development of the blues genre and influenced many subsequent artists.
Released the influential album 'Lightnin'
Popularized songs like 'Mojo Hand' and 'Back Door Man'
Other People Born on March 15th
Tavon Austin
American football player, NFL standout
Born
March 15th, 1990 35 years ago
Played college football at West Virginia University where standout performance as a wide receiver earned multiple accolades. Selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Contributed to the Rams as a dynamic offensive threat and return specialist. Played for several NFL teams including the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. Known for speed and agility, impacting games with crucial receptions and returns.
Continue ReadingTrayce Thompson
Baseball Outfielder, 2016 All-Star
Born
March 15th, 1991 34 years ago
An outfielder in Major League Baseball has played for teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. Made a significant impact during the 2016 season, contributing to the Dodgers' playoff run. Known for strong hitting and defensive skills, showcased ability through various seasons with impressive home run totals and on-base percentages.
Continue ReadingSandro
Brazilian footballer and midfielder
Born
March 15th, 1989 36 years ago
Born in Brazil, a footballer primarily known for playing as a midfielder. Started professional career with Internacional, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2010. Transferred to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, contributing to the team's efforts in national and international competitions. Later played for Queens Park Rangers, West Bromwich Albion, and other clubs, showcasing skills in both defensive and offensive roles on the field. Represented the Brazilian national team, participating in the 2011 Copa América and securing a gold medal at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Continue ReadingJabari Parker
American basketball player and forward
Born
March 15th, 1995 30 years ago
A professional basketball player, contributions included playing for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. Played college basketball at Duke University, leading the team to the NCAA Championship game in 2015. Drafted second overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 NBA Draft. Overcame significant knee injuries that impacted career progression but returned to contribute at a professional level.
Continue ReadingJannik Hansen
Ice hockey player with Vancouver Canucks
Born
March 15th, 1986 39 years ago
Born in Denmark, this ice hockey player spent the majority of his National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Vancouver Canucks. Debuting in the NHL in 2007, contributions included a strong presence in the playoffs. The player established a reputation for speed and agility on the ice, which facilitated effective offensive plays. In 2011, this player achieved recognition as part of the Canucks roster that reached the Stanley Cup Final, ultimately finishing as runners-up.
Continue ReadingMaxwell Jacob Friedman
Professional wrestler and MJF character
Born
March 15th, 1996 29 years ago
A professional wrestler debuted in 2015 and gained recognition in major wrestling promotions. Developed a persona as a provocative and charismatic performer, showcasing both in-ring skills and mic work. Achieved success in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a top contender for championships. Became the AEW World Champion, demonstrating a strong presence in the wrestling community.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 30th
Wendy Wasserstein
Playwright with a Pulitzer Prize
Born
October 18th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2006 20 years ago — 55 years old
An American playwright and academic, achievements include writing several acclaimed plays that explore themes of feminism, identity, and the American experience. Works include 'The Sisters Rosensweig', which focuses on the lives of three women reuniting for a birthday celebration, and 'An American Daughter', addressing the roles of women in society. Wasserstein received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1998 for the play 'The Sisters Rosensweig' and a Tony Award for Best Play in 1977 for 'The Sisters Rosensweig'.
Continue ReadingJohn Bardeen
Physicist and engineer, co-inventor of transistor
Born
May 23rd, 1908 117 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1991 35 years ago — 82 years old
Contributions to the field of physics included the co-invention of the transistor and the theory of superconductivity. Bardeen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics twice, first in 1956 for the invention of the transistor, and again in 1972 for his work on superconductivity. His collaboration with William Shockley and Walter Brattain at Bell Labs led to significant advancements in electronics. In addition to his practical innovations, Bardeen also made contributions to theoretical physics through research on wave mechanics and quantum theory. He held positions at the University of Illinois, where he influenced future generations of physicists and engineers.
Continue ReadingJohn Barry
Composer of film scores like 'Out of Africa'
Born
February 1st, 1873 153 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2011 15 years ago — 137 years old
A prominent English composer and conductor, contributions to film music defined an era. Barry scored a range of films, with significant works in the 1960s and 70s. Collaborated with directors like Lewis Gilbert and embraced the James Bond franchise, composing memorable themes for several films. Achievements include multiple Academy Awards and a lasting influence on film scoring, characterized by lush orchestrations and emotive melodies.
Continue ReadingCarl Djerassi
Chemist and playwright with The Pill
Born
October 29th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2015 11 years ago — 91 years old
Austrian-American chemist contributed significantly to the development of synthetic progesterone, which led to the creation of the oral contraceptive pill. In addition to achievements in chemistry, authored several novels and plays, focusing on the intersection of science and human experience. Worked at various institutions, including Stanford University, where research in organic chemistry expanded understanding of steroid hormones. Engaged in promoting the importance of science in culture through literature.
Continue ReadingCharles I of England
Monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland
Born
November 19th, 1600 425 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1649 377 years ago — 48 years old
Ruled as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until execution in 1649. Engaged in conflicts with Parliament, leading to the English Civil War. Advocated for the divine right of kings and faced opposition from various factions. Imprisoned, tried, and executed for treason, marking a pivotal moment in British history. His reign was characterized by political strife and religious tensions.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Pietro Francesco Agius de Soldanis
Maltese linguist and historian
Born
October 30th, 1712 313 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1770 256 years ago — 57 years old
Pioneered the study of Maltese language and history. Contributed to the understanding of Maltese cultural heritage through scholarly writings. Served as a cleric, engaging in the education and religious life of Malta. His works include significant grammatical studies and historical accounts, influencing subsequent generations in the study of linguistics and history in Malta.
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