Ruth Brown
R&B singer-songwriter and actress
An influential R&B singer-songwriter and actress, her career spanned several decades starting in the 1940s. She gained prominence with chart-topping hits such as 'Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean' and 'Teardrops from My Eyes'. Her soulful voice and captivating stage presence earned her the title 'Miss Rhythm'. In addition to her music career, contributions to the film industry included roles in productions like 'Carmen Jones'. She received multiple awards and honors for her impact on the music world.
Released hits such as 'Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean'
Starred in the film 'Carmen Jones'
Won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Other People Born on January 12th
Antonio de Ulloa
Spanish general and politician, Louisiana Governor
Born
January 12th, 1716 309 years ago
Died
July 3rd, 1795 230 years ago — 79 years old
Born in Spain in 1716, a military officer and politician served as the first Spanish governor of Louisiana from 1766 to 1768. Played a significant role in establishing Spanish control over the region following the transfer of Louisiana from France. Focused on governance and economic development, promoting agriculture and trade as vital to the colony's success. His tenure included efforts to improve relations with local Indigenous tribes. Departed from Louisiana after a brief governorship due to political challenges and returned to Spain, where continued military service ensued until later in life.
Continue ReadingJames Farmer
Civil rights activist and politician
Born
January 12th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 79 years old
An American activist and politician, played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1942, which became an important organization in the struggle for racial equality. Participated in various campaigns for civil rights, including the Freedom Rides in 1961, which aimed to desegregate public transportation in the South. Served as a national director of CORE and advocated for nonviolent protest as a means to achieve social change. Farmer's efforts contributed to the advancement of civil rights legislation in the United States.
Continue ReadingLeo Aryeh Mayer
Polish-Israeli scholar and academic
Born
January 12th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1959 66 years ago — 64 years old
Born in 1895, a Polish-Israeli scholar made significant contributions to Jewish literature and history. After receiving education in various institutions, became involved in academia, focusing on Hebrew literature and history. Played a critical role in the development of Jewish studies in Israel. Published numerous works that addressed Jewish culture and history, with a particular emphasis on medieval Jewry. His scholarship has been influential in the fields of Jewish history and literature.
Continue ReadingSpyridon Louis
Greek marathon runner, Olympic champion
Born
January 12th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1940 85 years ago — 67 years old
A legendary figure in athletics, this individual gained fame as a marathon runner. In the inaugural modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896, he achieved notable success by winning the marathon event. This victory marked a significant moment in Olympic history, as it was the first marathon competition in the modern era. His win inspired a national sense of pride and showcased the revival of the Olympic tradition. The marathon distance of 40 kilometers, which this athlete completed, was that of the ancient Greek messenger Pheidippides.
Continue ReadingJohn Singer Sargent
Portrait painter and muralist
Born
January 12th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
April 14th, 1925 100 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1856, this American painter specialized in portraiture and became a prominent figure in the art world. Trained in Europe, he gained acclaim for his ability to capture the personality and essence of his subjects with a unique blend of realism and impressionistic techniques. Significant works include 'Madame X,' which caused a stir at its exhibition in 1884, leading to a scandal. His mural projects, including the famous Boston Public Library murals, showcased his skill in capturing grandeur and depth. The artist's career spanned several decades during which he produced numerous portraits of notable figures from society and politics, solidifying his status as a leading portraitist of his time.
Continue ReadingTim Horton
Ice hockey player, co-founder of Tim Hortons
Born
January 12th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1974 51 years ago — 44 years old
Played professional ice hockey in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Achieved two Stanley Cup championships with the Maple Leafs in 1962 and 1963. After retiring from hockey, co-founded the Tim Hortons restaurant chain, which became a prominent fast food franchise in Canada. Horton passed away in a car accident in 1974, but his legacy continues through the coffee and donut chain.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 17th
Bill Frenzel
American politician and lieutenant
Born
July 31st, 1928 97 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 86 years old
Served as a United States Congressman from Minnesota from 1971 to 1991. Played a significant role in economic policy, particularly during the Reagan administration. Was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, contributing to tax reform and budgetary issues. After leaving Congress, engaged in public policy consulting and served as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Continue ReadingMirra Alfassa
French-Indian spiritual leader
Born
February 21st, 1878 147 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1973 52 years ago — 95 years old
A spiritual leader established an ashram in Pondicherry, India. Founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and developed the Integral Yoga philosophy, combining spiritual growth with a deep understanding of human nature and societal evolution. The organization attracted followers worldwide and emphasized personal transformation as a means to contribute to global consciousness.
Continue ReadingRahim Moeini Kermanshahi
Iranian poet and songwriter
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old
An influential Iranian poet and songwriter, contributed significantly to Persian literature and contemporary music. His poetry often reflected themes of love, hope, and cultural heritage. Worked in collaboration with musicians and artists to create memorable songs that resonated with audiences in Iran and beyond. He also engaged in various literary and artistic endeavors that celebrated Persian culture. Kermanshahi left a lasting legacy through his lyrical works and continued to inspire future generations of poets and musicians until his death in 2015.
Continue ReadingKurt Budke
Basketball coach, Oklahoma State University
Born
1961 64 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2011 14 years ago — 50 years old
A prominent basketball coach, served as the head coach for the women's basketball team at Oklahoma State University. Led the team to multiple successful seasons and secured several postseason appearances. His coaching career was marked by a focus on player development and team strategy, contributing to the growth of women's basketball at the collegiate level. Tragically, his life was cut short in an aviation accident.
Continue ReadingHarrison A. Williams
American politician and lawyer
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2001 24 years ago — 82 years old
Served as a United States Senator from New Jersey from 1979 to 1982. Before his Senate career, held various positions within New Jersey's state government, including serving in the New Jersey General Assembly. Played a significant role in several legislative initiatives and was involved in various committees while in office. In 1982, resigned from the Senate amid a federal investigation. After leaving office, continued to practice law.
Continue ReadingYoung Dolph
Rapper and Hip-Hop Artist
Born
1985 40 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2021 4 years ago — 36 years old
A rapper and hip-hop artist gravitated toward music from an early age, ultimately gaining recognition in the industry. Debut studio album, "King of Memphis," released in 2016, showcased unique sound and storytelling ability. Multiple mixtapes followed, featuring collaborations with various artists and producers. Independent work ethos led to a loyal fan base and significant impact within the genre. Tragically, life was cut short in 2021, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.
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