Ray Harroun
Race car driver and engineer, Marmon Wasp
Born
January 12th, 1879
146 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1968
57 years ago — 89 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An American race car driver and engineer, contributed significantly to the evolution of motorsports. Achieved fame by winning the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 driving the Marmon Wasp. Pioneered the use of rearview mirrors in automobiles to enhance driver safety and visibility. Harroun's innovations and racing strategies played a crucial role in shaping early 20th-century auto racing.
Won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911
Developed the rearview mirror in racing cars
Other People Born on January 12th
Paul-Henri Mathieu
Professional tennis player achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 12 in singles. Played primarily on the ATP Tour, competing in various Grand Slam tournaments, including reaching the fourth round at the French Open and the Australian Open. Also participated in numerous ATP events and represented France in the Davis Cup. Known for a solid baseline game and competitive spirit on the court.
Continue ReadingTom Dempsey
American football player played as a placekicker in the NFL. Spent most of his career with the New Orleans Saints. Set a record for the longest field goal at 63 yards in 1970, a record that stood for many years. After retiring from professional football, contributed to the sport as a coach and educator.
Continue ReadingArif Yunusov
An author and historian from Azerbaijan, focused on documenting and analyzing historical narratives and human rights issues. Worked extensively on the history of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, contributing to greater awareness and understanding of the region's complexities. Engaged in human rights activism, advocating for the rights of political prisoners and raising international attention to injustices faced in Azerbaijan. Although faced with persecution, continued scholarly pursuits and participation in public discourse.
Continue ReadingMississippi Fred McDowell
Developed a distinctive style of Delta blues, primarily influenced by traditional African American musical forms. Gained recognition in the 1960s during the folk music revival, contributing to the popularity of Mississippi blues. Recorded several albums, with 'You Gotta Move' being particularly significant as it brought attention to the genre and inspired a new generation of musicians. Often performed with a slide guitar technique, enhancing the emotional depth of songs. Additionally, toured extensively, sharing the stage with numerous well-known artists.
Continue ReadingAmerie
An American singer-songwriter, producer, and writer emerged in the early 2000s, gaining prominence with the release of the hit single '1 Thing' from the album 'Touch.' This work showcased a distinctive blend of R&B and hip-hop elements. The artist's debut album, 'All I Have,' also received critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination. Beyond music, involvement in writing and production illustrated versatility and creativity in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingFerdinand I of the Two Sicilies
Ascended to the throne in 1759, Ferdinand I ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until his death in 1825. His reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the kingdom and attempts to balance various political factions. The Bourbon dynasty faced challenges from revolutionary movements during the Napoleonic Wars, leading to temporary exile. Ferdinand returned to power post-Napoleon and worked to restore traditional monarchy while implementing limited reforms. His government focused on economic recovery and rebuilding the royal authority after years of disruption. The kingdom experienced both social unrest and efforts for modernization under his leadership.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 19th
Thomas Ruddiman
A prominent academic and scholar, contributed significantly to the study of the Scottish language and English etymology. Ruddiman served as the librarian of the Advocates Library in Edinburgh. Authored various works, including an influential grammar of the Scots language. His efforts were pivotal in documenting and preserving Scottish linguistic heritage.
Continue ReadingAlberto Semprini
Acclaimed as a prominent pianist, composer, and conductor, contributions included performances in front of large audiences and recordings that showcased significant works. Semprini's arrangements and originals enriched the classical music landscape, leading to a notable presence on radio and television in the UK. His expertise in classical and popular forms allowed for a unique blend in performances, enhancing public appreciation for both genres. Through extensive concert tours, he brought music to diverse audiences. Semprini's legacy includes an enduring influence on aspiring musicians.
Continue ReadingMiguel Ferrer
An American actor with a diverse career in film and television, primarily recognized for work in 'NCIS: Los Angeles' as Owen Granger. Participated in various projects spanning multiple genres including drama, thriller, and comedy. Contributed voice work to animated series and films. Began acting in the 1980s, building a reputation through significant roles in both episodic television and feature films.
Continue ReadingRichard Levins
An American ecologist and geneticist contributed significantly to the fields of ecology and genetics. Focused on mathematical models in ecology, emphasizing the complexities of ecosystems and evolutionary processes. Co-authored the influential book 'The Dialectical Biologist' which explored the relationship between biology and environmental factors. Advocated for a holistic approach to scientific research, integrating multiple disciplines to understand ecological systems. Engaged with social issues affecting science and proposed that scientific practices should be informed by social context.
Continue ReadingVavá
Played as a forward, contributing to the national team's success in the 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cups. Transitioned to coaching after playing, leading various clubs in Brazil and abroad. Served as a national team assistant coach during the 1980s, enhancing tactical approaches for the squad.
Continue ReadingSheila Sim
An English actress appeared in numerous films and television productions during a career spanning several decades. Significant work includes the lead role in 'The Magic Box,' which earned critical acclaim. In addition to film, participation in stage productions added to the body of work. Sim also made various television appearances, contributing to series and one-off dramas. Later, served as a prominent figure in charitable endeavors, particularly in relation to the arts.
Continue Reading