Tommy Franks
American general and military leader
Born in 1945, served as a four-star general in the United States Army, leading military operations during the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War. Commanded United States Central Command from 2000 to 2003, overseeing military engagements in multiple countries. After retiring from active duty, engaged in various public speaking roles and authored a memoir detailing military experiences and perspectives.
Commanding U.S. forces during Operation Enduring Freedom
Leading Operation Iraqi Freedom
Authoring the memoir 'American Soldier'
Other People Born on June 17th
Ruth Graves Wakefield
Chef who created the chocolate chip cookie
Born
June 17th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1977 49 years ago — 74 years old
A chef and entrepreneur, she owned the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. In the 1930s, she invented the chocolate chip cookie by adding chocolate morsels to her butter drop cookie recipe. This innovation became widespread, leading to the chocolate chip cookie's popularity across the United States. The cookie's recipe was published in a Boston newspaper, quickly gaining traction. Eventually, Nestlé entered into an agreement to include her recipe on its chocolate packaging, further cementing the cookie's place in American culture.
Continue ReadingJames Weldon Johnson
Author and civil rights activist
Born
June 17th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1938 87 years ago — 67 years old
An author, journalist, and civil rights activist, this individual contributed significantly to the Harlem Renaissance. Works included the organizing of the NAACP and the composition of the anthem 'Lift Every Voice and Sing.' Additionally, served as the first African American executive secretary of the NAACP from 1920 to 1930, advocating for civil rights during a pivotal time in American history. Other literary contributions included novels and poetry, which highlighted the African American experience.
Continue ReadingAlan Dowson
Football manager and player
Born
June 17th, 1970 55 years ago
A football manager and former professional player primarily associated with English football, played as a forward during a playing career that spanned the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Transitioned to management post-retirement, with significant tenures at clubs including Kingstonian and Hampton & Richmond Borough. Achieved notable success in non-league football, leading teams to impressive cup runs and promotion campaigns. Developed a reputation for building competitive teams in lower divisions.
Continue ReadingBeryl Reid
English actress and television star
Born
June 17th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1996 29 years ago — 77 years old
An accomplished actress in theater, film, and television, she gained prominence for her work in British comedy. Reid starred in the sitcoms 'Hugh and I' and 'The Larkins.' Her performance in 'The Killing of Sister George' earned acclaim, showcasing her talent in portraying complex characters. Reid's career spanned several decades, during which she appeared in numerous stage productions and television shows, becoming a recognizable face on British screens.
Continue ReadingSammy Fain
American pianist and composer of songs
Born
June 17th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1989 36 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent American pianist and composer, contributed significantly to the music industry from the 1920s to the 1980s. Composed numerous popular songs, many of which became standards in the American musical repertoire. Collaborated with notable lyricists, creating songs for Broadway musicals and Hollywood films. Won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, cementing a legacy in film music. Fain's compositions are characterized by memorable melodies and intricate harmonies, influencing generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingGeorge Akerlof
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 17th, 1940 85 years ago
An economist and academic, contributions include foundational work in the field of economics, particularly in information asymmetry and market failure. Akerlof's seminal paper, "The Market for Lemons," explored how quality uncertainty in markets leads to adverse selection. Akerlof co-authored influential works on behavioral economics and contributed to the analysis of various economic phenomena. A significant academic presence, Akerlof served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and published extensively on economic theory and its implications.
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