Mary Wells
American singer-songwriter with 'My Guy'
A celebrated singer-songwriter, gained prominence in the 1960s. Achieved significant success with the hit single 'My Guy', which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Associated with the Motown label, released several albums that featured a blend of pop and soul music. Contributed to the genre with a distinctive voice and style, influencing the sound of many artists that followed. Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, honored for contributions to music and culture. Her career included struggles with health issues later in life, but she remained an important figure in music history.
Released the hit single 'My Guy'
Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame
Other People Born on May 13th
Tyrann Mathieu
American football safety, Super Bowl Champion
Born
May 13th, 1992 33 years ago
Played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for teams including the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Kansas City Chiefs. Achieved significant recognition for performance in various seasons, culminating in a Super Bowl Championship with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. Attended Louisiana State University, winning the prestigious Chuck Bednarik Award in 2011, recognizing excellence in college football defense. Noted for an aggressive playing style and strong coverage skills.
Continue ReadingDebby Ryan
Actress known for 'Jessie'
Born
May 13th, 1993 32 years ago
An actress and singer, gained prominence through the Disney Channel series 'Jessie,' where a teenage girl takes care of four children in New York City. Featured in the spin-off series 'Bunk'd,' which continues the story of the original character. Also starred in the film '16 Wishes,' which showcased themes of growing up and personal aspirations. Ryan ventured into music, releasing singles and contributing to various soundtracks.
Continue ReadingBarry Zito
Major League Baseball pitcher and Cy Young Award winner
Born
May 13th, 1978 47 years ago
Played professional baseball as a pitcher from 2000 to 2015. Zito pitched for the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants. Achieved significant success during his career, highlighted by a Cy Young Award in 2002. Contributed to the Giants' victory in the 2012 World Series, further solidifying a notable athletic career.
Continue ReadingJosh Papalii
Rugby League Player, National Team Member
Born
May 13th, 1992 33 years ago
Born in 1992, a professional rugby league player who plays as a prop. Debuted in the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Canberra Raiders in 2011. Represents the Australia national rugby league team as well as the New Zealand under-20 team. In 2021, won the NRL Premiership with the Raiders. Recognized for contributions to club success and international duties.
Continue ReadingRonald Ross
Physician who discovered malaria's vector
Born
May 13th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
September 16th, 1932 93 years ago — 75 years old
A physician and mathematician emerged as a prominent figure in the study of malaria. Conducted groundbreaking research on mosquito-borne diseases while working in India. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for discovering the life cycle of the malaria parasite within Anopheles mosquitoes. The work laid the foundation for malaria control and prevention methods, significantly influencing public health efforts worldwide. His contributions extended to various aspects of disease transmission and vector control, marking a milestone in the understanding of infectious diseases.
Continue ReadingSteve Mildenhall
English footballer and goalkeeper
Born
May 13th, 1979 46 years ago
Played as a goalkeeper in English football, beginning his career at Southampton. Had successful spells at various clubs, including a notable tenure at Grimsby Town. Contributed to the team's promotion to League One during the 2011-2012 season. Also played for other clubs, showcasing consistent performances.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 26th
Patti Deutsch
Actress and comedian on game shows
Born
December 16th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2017 8 years ago — 73 years old
An American actress and comedian, gained recognition for appearances on game shows and television series. Contributed to shows such as 'Hollywood Squares' and 'The Match Game'. Also voiced characters in animated series like 'The Jetsons' and 'The Smurfs'. Career spanned decades, showcasing talent in improv and sketch comedy.
Continue ReadingJames Luther Adams
American minister and theologian
Born
November 12th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1994 31 years ago — 92 years old
Contributed significantly to Unitarian Universalism as a minister and theologian. Helped shape modern theological thought and social ethics through various writings and teachings. Advocated for social justice, emphasizing the importance of community and individual rights. Engaged in numerous academic endeavors, focusing on the role of religion in society and promoting democratic ideals within the church.
Continue ReadingRonald Phillips
American criminal with a death sentence
Born
1973 52 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2017 8 years ago — 44 years old
In 1993, an individual was convicted of the rape and murder of a 3-year-old girl in Ohio. The case received significant media attention due to the crimes' brutal nature and the subsequent trial. Following the conviction, a death sentence was imposed in 1994. Legal appeals delayed execution for many years, with several attempts to challenge the sentencing and conviction on various grounds occurring throughout the years. After years on death row, the individual was executed by lethal injection in July 2017, ending a long legal battle.
Continue ReadingSinéad O'Connor
Irish singer-songwriter, acclaimed for 'Nothing Compares 2 U'
Born
December 8th, 1966 59 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2023 2 years ago — 56 years old
A singer-songwriter from Ireland, their career began in the late 1980s with the release of the debut album 'The Lion and the Cobra'. The artist gained international recognition with the hit single 'Nothing Compares 2 U', which topped charts in multiple countries and showcased a powerful vocal style. Over the years, released several albums, including 'I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got' and 'Faith and Courage'. Became known for addressing political and social issues through music and public statements, especially concerning topics such as women’s rights and abuse. The artist also made headlines for controversial appearances and outspoken views, which sparked both admiration and criticism. With a distinct voice and passion for artistic expression, left a lasting legacy in the music industry.
Continue ReadingSakyo Komatsu
Japanese author and screenwriter
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2011 14 years ago — 80 years old
An influential author and screenwriter, gained recognition through works that delved into science fiction and speculative narratives. One of the hallmark works, 'Genesis', explored themes of disaster and resurgence. Additionally, crafted screenplays for cinematic adaptations of own literary works and contributed to the anime industry.
Continue ReadingEd Gein
Infamous murderer and body snatcher
Born
August 27th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1984 41 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1906, he gained infamy for committing a series of murders in the 1950s in Wisconsin. His activities included grave robbing, where he exhumed bodies from local cemeteries and fashioned household items from human remains. Arrested in 1957, the investigation revealed a disturbing collection of body parts and artifacts. His case influenced popular culture, inspiring several fictional characters, including Norman Bates in 'Psycho' and Leatherface in 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.' He was found guilty but deemed legally insane, resulting in his commitment to a psychiatric hospital until his death in 1984.
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