The Daily Birthdays - October 17

When I was growing up, Pops always challenged us to "learn something new every day, and you will never stop growing." I pass that challenge on to you, along with this birthday list. Some are just for fun, some are intriguing, and some are actually worth learning about. Find someone you know little or nothing about, follow the link, and learn something new today!

• 1711 – Jupiter Hammon – poet


• 1730 – George Ross – signer of the Declaration of Independence


• 1817 – Samuel R. Ward – minister, abolitionist, orator


• 1909 – Cozy Cole – jazz drummer


• 1914 – Jerry Siegel – comic book writer, co-creator of Superman


• 1915 – Arthur Miller – writer, playwright


• 1918 – Rita Hayworth – actress


• 1920 – Montgomery Clift – actor


• 1928 – Lerone Bennett, Jr. – writer, historian, journalist


• 1938 – Evel Knievel – motorcycle daredevil


• 1942 – Gary Puckett – singer


• 1947 – Gene Green – congressman (from Houston, Texas)


• 1948 – George Wendt – actor


• 1956 – Mae Jemison – astronaut, physician, engineer (resident of Houston, Texas)


• 1958 – Alan Jackson – singer

As always, give me a shout in the comments section if you know of someone who should be added (for next year).