Louis Braille
Inventor of the Braille writing system
An educator developed a tactile writing system that enables visually impaired individuals to read and write. At the age of 15, created a simplified version of a code for reading and writing using raised dots based on the military night writing system. Established a school for the blind in France, dedicated to teaching this innovative method, which significantly improved literacy among visually impaired people.
Invented the Braille writing system
Founded the first school for the blind in France
Other People Born on January 4th
Angeliño
Spanish footballer with RB Leipzig
Born
January 4th, 1997 28 years ago
Professional footballer played as a left-back. Developed through the youth system at FC Barcelona and later joined Manchester City. Contributed significantly during the loan spells at various clubs, particularly at PSV Eindhoven. In July 2020, transferred to RB Leipzig where played an integral role in competing in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. Recognized for pace and technical ability on the field.
Continue ReadingRaisel Iglesias
Cuban baseball player and relief pitcher
Born
January 4th, 1990 35 years ago
A professional baseball player from Cuba, primarily played as a relief pitcher. Made significant contributions in Major League Baseball (MLB), particularly with the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Angels. Established a reputation as a reliable closer and showcased striking abilities on the mound, accumulating impressive career statistics.
Continue ReadingJackson Hastings
Rugby league player, Wests Tigers star
Born
January 4th, 1996 29 years ago
Born in 1996, a rugby league player achieved prominence in the National Rugby League (NRL). Began professional career with the Sydney Roosters, making his debut in 2014. Played for several teams including the Sydney Roosters, Manly Sea Eagles, and Salford Red Devils. Joined Wests Tigers for the 2021 season and led the team with significant performances. Contributed to the team's strategies and improved overall play.
Continue ReadingIago Falque
Spanish footballer and former Serie A player
Born
January 4th, 1990 35 years ago
Professional career began at Sevilla FC, debuting in La Liga. Played for multiple clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Rayo Vallecano, and Genoa. Had a notable tenure at Torino, contributing to the team's success in Serie A. Represents Spain at various youth levels.
Continue ReadingKevin Pillar
Baseball player, Toronto Blue Jays
Born
January 4th, 1989 36 years ago
Born in January 1989, this baseball player played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011, he became a significant part of the team. Recognized for defensive skills, he won a Gold Glove Award in 2015. In addition to his time with the Blue Jays, he played for the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets, contributing to various seasons. Pillar also performed notably in offensive statistics, helping teams with key hits and runs throughout his career.
Continue ReadingJaeman Salmon
Rugby league player for Penrith Panthers
Born
January 4th, 1999 26 years ago
Debuted in the National Rugby League in 2019 with the Penrith Panthers. Salmon played as a five-eighth and center, showcasing versatility in both positions. Contributed to the team's success during his tenure, including important matches that led to playoff appearances. Gained experience playing for the New South Wales Under-20 team and achieved notable performances in junior leagues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 6th
Spike Pola
Australian footballer and soldier
Born
1914 111 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2012 13 years ago — 98 years old
An Australian footballer played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s. His skills on the field contributed to the team's performance during his tenure. After his football career, served in the military, participating in World War II. Returned to football post-war and continued to be involved in the sport.
Continue ReadingBurt Munro
Motorcycle racer and record holder
Born
1899 126 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1978 47 years ago — 79 years old
A motorcycle racer from New Zealand achieved significant recognition for setting land speed records. Remarkably, the individual set a record of 183.586 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967 on a modified 1920 Indian motorcycle. This accomplishment remained unbeaten in its class for decades. The effort to push the limits of speed involved considerable innovation and engineering on the motorcycle to enhance performance. The story of this racer gained further attention with the release of the film 'The World's Fastest Indian'.
Continue ReadingTarquinio Provini
Italian motorcycle racer and champion
Born
May 29th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2005 20 years ago — 71 years old
An accomplished motorcycle racer, participated in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing circuit during the 1950s and 1960s. Achieved notable success with multiple victories in various races. Most prominently won the 1958 500cc World Championship, establishing a reputation as one of the top competitors of the era. Also competed extensively in the Isle of Man TT races, securing wins and podium finishes that highlighted skill and determination on challenging courses.
Continue ReadingMichel Petrucciani
Renowned jazz pianist and composer
Born
December 28th, 1962 62 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1999 26 years ago — 36 years old
A prominent jazz pianist and composer, recognized for exceptional technique and emotive playing style. Born in France, faced physical challenges due to a genetic condition affecting bone growth. Relocated to the United States where collaborations with various jazz legends took place. Recorded multiple albums throughout the career, showcasing a blend of jazz, classical, and world music. Gained acclaim for live performances and contributed to the jazz genre until passing at a young age.
Continue ReadingPavel Cherenkov
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in physics
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1990 35 years ago — 86 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of physics, particularly in the study of particle radiation. Developed the Cherenkov radiation phenomenon, which occurs when charged particles travel faster than the speed of light in a medium. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for the discovery of this effect, alongside other scientists. Published numerous scientific works and was involved in academic research throughout a distinguished career.
Continue ReadingPierre Charles
Dominican politician, 5th Prime Minister
Born
June 30th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2004 21 years ago — 49 years old
Served as the 5th Prime Minister of Dominica from 2000 until death in 2004. Played a significant role in Dominican politics, emphasizing education and social development. Prior to the premiership, held various positions within the government, contributing to national policy and governance. Advocated for economic advancement and environmental sustainability throughout his career.
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