Ron Sexsmith

Canadian singer-songwriter with acclaimed albums

Ron Sexsmith - Canadian singer-songwriter with acclaimed albums
Born

January 8th, 1964
61 years ago

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Canada

Links & References

A celebrated singer-songwriter emerged in the early 1990s with a self-titled debut album. Gained recognition for intricate songwriting and distinctive voice, often blending folk, rock, and pop elements. Released several albums, including 'Long Wave' and 'Cobblestone Runway,' which garnered critical acclaim. Collaborated with various artists and received numerous accolades for musical contributions, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction.

Released the album 'Blue Boy' in 1997

Won the Juno Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year

Composed 'Whatever Turns You On' for the film 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'

Other People Born on January 8th

Jan Pieterszoon Coen

Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies
Born
January 8th, 1587 438 years ago
Died
September 21st, 1629 395 years ago — 42 years old

Served as the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Established Batavia as the capital of the Dutch colonial empire in Asia. Implemented policies that expanded Dutch dominance in spice trade and pushed out Portuguese and English interests in the region.

Continue Reading

Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Painter of classical subjects and scenes
Born
January 8th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1912 112 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1836, this artist became a prominent figure in the 19th-century art world, celebrated for vivid depictions of classical antiquity. A member of the Royal Academy, the artist exhibited at the Royal Academy and was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Works often featured detailed textures and rich color schemes, emphasizing the beauty and grandeur of ancient landscapes and cultures. The approach incorporated meticulous attention to historical accuracy, particularly in attire and architecture. Worked in both England and Europe, shaping the aesthetic preferences of the time.

Continue Reading

Lowell Mason

American composer and music educator
Born
January 8th, 1792 233 years ago
Died
1872 153 years ago — 80 years old

A central figure in American music education, contributed extensively to the development of music curricula in public schools. Established the first public school music program in Boston and was a leader in the movement to include music as a core subject. Composed numerous hymns and songs, including the popular tune for 'Joy to the World'. Authored several influential music textbooks and was an advocate for the teaching of music in schools across the country.

Continue Reading

Karl Brandt

German SS officer and physician
Born
January 8th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1948 76 years ago — 44 years old

A high-ranking SS officer and physician involved in Nazi Germany's medical programs. Brandt served as the personal physician to Adolf Hitler and held significant authority in the realm of military medicine. He played a crucial role in the administration of experiments on inmates in concentration camps. After World War II, Brandt was tried at the Nuremberg Trials for war crimes, particularly for his involvement in human experimentation and the euthanasia program. He was executed in 1948 for his actions.

Continue Reading

Sarah Polley

Canadian actress and director of 'Stories We Tell'
Born
January 8th, 1979 46 years ago

Acclaimed as an actress and director, gained recognition for performances in 'The Sweet Hereafter' and 'Go'. Transitioned to directing, with notable works including 'Stories We Tell' and 'Take This Waltz'. Her contributions to film and storytelling have been acknowledged with various awards.

Continue Reading

Henrik Shipstead

American politician and dentist
Born
January 8th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1881, Shipstead practiced as a dentist before entering politics. Elected as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota, Shipstead served from 1923 to 1941. His tenure was marked by a focus on farmers' rights and support for rural issues. In the Senate, he aligned with progressive causes and opposed certain endorsements of military intervention during his time in office.

Continue Reading