Ron Asheton
Guitarist of The Stooges
An influential guitarist and songwriter associated with the punk rock genre. Contributed significantly to the sound of The Stooges, a band formed in the late 1960s. The Stooges released iconic albums such as 'Fun House' and 'Raw Power,' which shaped the future of rock music. Also explored a career in acting, appearing in a few films and television shows. Continued to perform and record music until his passing in 2009.
Co-founded The Stooges
Wrote music for 'Fun House' and 'Raw Power'
Influential in the punk rock movement
Other People Born on July 17th
Arthur Rothstein
American photographer known for FSA work
Born
July 17th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1985 40 years ago — 70 years old
This individual was an American photographer and educator. He played a key role in the Farm Security Administration, capturing images that depicted the struggles of rural America during the Great Depression. Rothstein's work aimed to document the impact of the Dust Bowl and his photographs contributed significantly to the visual documentation of American history. In addition to his photography, he held teaching positions at several institutions, influencing future generations of photographers. His expertise in visual storytelling was recognized throughout his career.
Continue ReadingEphraim Shay
Engineer who designed Shay locomotive
Born
July 17th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1916 109 years ago — 76 years old
An engineer developed the Shay locomotive, a type of steam engine that proved vital for logging and freight transport on mountainous terrain. This innovative design featured a unique gear-driven system, providing better traction and stability on steep grades. The Shay locomotive became widely used in the timber industry, significantly impacting the efficiency of lumber transport. The manufacturing of Shay locomotives continued long after the initial design, with production spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingCarlos Manuel Arana Osorio
Guatemalan politician and military leader
Born
July 17th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
December 6th, 2003 22 years ago — 85 years old
Born on July 17, 1918, a soldier and politician served as the President of Guatemala from 1970 to 1974. During the presidency, implemented policies that aimed to modernize agriculture and the economy. Oversaw significant political changes amid a backdrop of civil unrest and conflict, often associated with human rights violations. Resigned from the presidency amid increasing opposition and protests against the government's actions.
Continue ReadingWillis Carto
American activist and theorist
Born
July 17th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
October 26th, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old
An American activist and theorist, contributed to right-wing movements and organized numerous events promoting his ideological views. Founded the Liberty Lobby, a political advocacy group, which sought to influence American politics and public opinion. Established the Institute for Historical Review, a controversial organization focusing on Holocaust revisionism. Promoted various publications and engaged in significant fundraising activities for his initiatives.
Continue ReadingGordon Gould
Physicist and laser inventor
Born
July 17th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
September 16th, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old
An American physicist and academic, contributed to the field of optics and photonics. Invented the laser in the 1950s and coined the term 'laser', standing for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Although the invention faced patent disputes, secured a patent in 1977 after several legal battles. Served as a professor and held various academic positions throughout his career.
Continue ReadingCory Doctorow
Author and activist focused on digital rights
Born
July 17th, 1971 54 years ago
An author and activist, contributed extensively to discussions on technology, copyright, and digital rights. Founded the website Boing Boing and served as a co-editor of the site. Wrote several novels, including 'Little Brother' and 'Homeland', which explore the implications of surveillance and authoritarianism in the digital age. Engaged in advocacy for open access and progressive copyright reform through various organizations. Regularly speaks on issues surrounding technology and civil liberties.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 6th
Pavel 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 ReadingVladimir Vernadsky
Mineralogist and chemist, biogeochemistry pioneer
Born
March 12th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1945 80 years ago — 81 years old
Contributions to mineralogy and geochemistry included the establishment of the science of biogeochemistry. Developed the concept of the biosphere, emphasizing the impact of living organisms on the Earth's geology and atmosphere. Worked with the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences and contributed to the development of scientific institutions in Russia. Authored several influential works, including 'The Biosphere' which explored the relationship between life and the planet's physical processes.
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 ReadingChen Yi
Chinese general and politician
Born
August 26th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1972 53 years ago — 70 years old
Served as a general in the People's Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War. Became the second Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China from 1958 to 1972. Participated in various military campaigns and played a significant role in the establishment of the People's Republic. Contributed to foreign policy during a crucial period in China's international relations.
Continue ReadingBasil John Mason
Meteorologist and academic author
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2015 10 years ago — 92 years old
Contributed extensively to the field of meteorology, particularly in atmospheric dynamics and weather prediction. Served as a professor at the University of Reading, where research on weather patterns and statistical methods advanced the understanding of meteorological phenomena. Published numerous papers and books, including texts on computer models for weather forecasting. Worked with various meteorological organizations, influencing both academic and practical applications of weather science.
Continue ReadingAndré Bessette
Canadian saint and religious figure
Born
August 9th, 1845 180 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1937 88 years ago — 91 years old
A religious figure served as a doorkeeper at the Notre-Dame College in Montreal. Known for devotion to Saint Joseph, promoted healing miracles attributed to prayers. Founded the Oratory of Saint Joseph, a renowned Catholic shrine in Montreal, which became one of the largest in the world. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, recognized for humble service and deep faith.
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