To kick off the New Year, we thought we’d take a few moments to highlight a handful of famous Texans born in January:
Tex Ritter. Performer Tex Ritter was born in Murvaul on January 12, 1905. He was a popular country music singer and actor from the 1930s until the 1960s. His musical hits include “I’m Wastin’ my Tears on You” and “There’s a New Moon Over my Shoulder.” He also starred in such movies as “Headin’ for the Rio Grande” and “Trouble in Texas.” He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and father to actor John Ritter. He died in 1974.
Ernie Banks. Baseball legend Ernie Banks was born in Dallas on January 31, 1931. Also known as “Mr. Cub” and “Mr. Sunshine,” Banks is considered to be one of the best baseball players of all time. He played shortstop and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs between 1953 and 1971. Banks was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of fame in 1977. He died in 2015.
George Foreman. Heavyweight bruiser George Foreman was born in Marshall on January 10, 1941. He is a two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist who was thrust into the limelight after his 1973 knockout of boxer Joe Frazier. Foreman, now retired from boxing, is an ordained minister and also well known for his association with the Foreman Grill.
Janis Joplin. Vocalist Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur on January 19, 1943. Known for her powerful, bluesy voice and spirited performances, she was one of the most famous musicians of the 1960s. Some of her popular songs include “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Joplin died in 1973 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame in 1995.
