On this day

January 15, 2012

Revisit the music, news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

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Headlines from January 15, 2012

Into the Heart of Lightness

By Randy Kennedy

Doug Wheeler, a founder of the so-called Light and Space movement, constructs his first Manhattan “infinity environment” at the David Zwirner gallery in Chelsea.

Arts&Leisure1985 words

Music on My Birthday

Billboard 200

The Top 50 albums for the chart week of January 11, 2012, covering January 15, 2012.

  1. 1
    Album cover for 21 by Adele

    21

    Adele

    Last week
    2
    Peak
    1
    Weeks
    45
  2. 2
    Album cover for Take Care by Drake

    Take Care

    Drake

    Last week
    5
    Peak
    1
    Weeks
    7
  3. 3
    Album cover for TM:103: Hustlerz Ambition by Young Jeezy

    TM:103: Hustlerz Ambition

    Young Jeezy

    Last week
    3
    Peak
    3
    Weeks
    2
  4. 4
    Album cover for Own The Night by Lady Antebellum

    Own The Night

    Lady Antebellum

    Last week
    6
    Peak
    1
    Weeks
    16
  5. 5
    Album cover for Sorry For Party Rocking by LMFAO

    Sorry For Party Rocking

    LMFAO

    Last week
    16
    Peak
    5
    Weeks
    28

Notable Deaths

Ed Derwinski

2012Ed Derwinski, American soldier and politician, first United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs (born 1926)[†]

Edward Joseph Derwinski was an American politician who served as the first Cabinet-level United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, serving under President George H. W. Bush from March 15, 1989 to September 26, 1992. He previously served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1959 to 1983, representing south and southwest suburbs of Chicago.

Manuel Fraga

2012Manuel Fraga Iribarne, Spanish lawyer and politician, third President of the Xunta of Galicia (born 1922)[†]

Manuel Fraga Iribarne was a Spanish professor and politician during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who was also one of the founders of the People's Alliance (AP). Fraga was Minister of Information and Tourism between 1962 and 1969, Ambassador to the United Kingdom between 1973 and 1975, Minister of the Interior in 1975, Second Deputy Prime Minister between 1975 and 1976, President of the People's Alliance/People's Party (PP) between 1979 and 1990 and President of the Regional Government of Galicia between 1990 and 2005. He was also a Member of the Congress of Deputies and a Senator.

Carlo Fruttero

2012Carlo Fruttero, Italian journalist and author (born 1926)[†]

Carlo Fruttero was an Italian writer, journalist, translator and editor of anthologies.

Samuel Jaskilka

2012Samuel Jaskilka, American general (born 1919)[†]

Samuel Jaskilka was a U.S. Marine four-star general whose last assignment was Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (1975–1978). General Jaskilka was a highly decorated veteran of the Korean War, having led the landing at Inchon as a company commander with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1978 after 36 years of service.

Ib Spang Olsen

2012Ib Spang Olsen, Danish author and illustrator (born 1921)[†]

Ib Spang Olsen was a Danish writer and illustrator best known to generations of Danes for cartoons and illustrations, many of which appeared in children's publications. Those include a series of nursery rhyme books written by Halfdan Rasmussen, including "Halfdans ABC". He also wrote his own children's books, such as the whimsical tale of the seasons, The Marsh Crone's Brew. Olsen drew for newspapers, magazines, books, posters, television, and comics. For his lasting contribution as a children's illustrator Olsen received the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 1972.

Hulett C. Smith

2012Hulett C. Smith, American lieutenant and politician, 27th Governor of West Virginia (born 1918)[†]

Hulett Carlson Smith was an American politician who served as the 27th governor of West Virginia from 1965 to 1969.

Historical Context for January 15, 2012

In 2012, the world population was approximately 7,201,202,485 people[†]