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Wednesday, December 4, 2024

This week in Petroplex Region history: Noteworthy events that shaped our past (July 21-27)

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Susan Graham Opera Singer | imgartists.com/

Susan Graham Opera Singer | imgartists.com/

This week in Petroplex Region history.

James Ellis Hall, born on July 23, 1935, in Abilene, Texas

James Ellis Hall, born in Abilene, Texas on July 23, 1935, is a retired American racing driver, race car constructor, and team owner. Raised in Colorado and New Mexico, Hall's journey began with local sports car races while studying engineering at the California Institute of Technology. His racing prowess emerged at the 1960 United States Grand Prix, where he caught attention, leading to collaborations with Carroll Shelby Sport Cars in Dallas. In 1962, Hall, based in Midland, Texas, initiated the Chaparral series, revolutionizing race car design. His innovations, from movable aerodynamic devices to composite monocoque chassis, left an indelible mark, influencing Formula 1 and other racing genres. Achieving success both as a driver and constructor, Hall's Chaparrals dominated various series, including the Indianapolis 500. Post-retirement, he managed Haas-Hall Racing, winning consecutive Formula 5000 and Can-Am titles. Hall's impact extends to popular culture, with Cox Models producing Chaparral slot cars. Inducted into multiple motorsports halls of fame, his legacy endures in the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum and major automotive events worldwide.

Woodrow Tracy Harrelson was born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas

Woodrow Tracy Harrelson, born on July 23, 1961, in Midland, Texas, is an American actor with a prolific career. Best known for his Emmy-winning role as Woody Boyd on the NBC sitcom Cheers, Harrelson has earned acclaim for diverse film roles, including The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), The Messenger (2009), and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). Raised in a modest Presbyterian household in Midland, Harrelson overcame family challenges and attended Hanover College. His career took off with Cheers, earning him five Emmy nominations. Harrelson's film journey includes notable works like Natural Born Killers (1994), No Country for Old Men (2007), and The Hunger Games series (2012–2015). Despite occasional controversies, Harrelson's achievements have solidified him as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Susan Graham, Born on July 23, 1960

Born in Roswell, New Mexico, on July 23, 1960, Susan Graham is a Midland, Texas, native and accomplished opera singer. A graduate of Texas Tech University and the Manhattan School of Music, Graham is recognized for her exceptional talent in opera, particularly in roles like Sister Helen Prejean in Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking. She gained international acclaim with her debut at Covent Garden in 1994. Graham's repertoire includes diverse operas, from Handel's Alcina to John Harbison's The Great Gatsby. Notably, she showcased her versatility by singing at major events, such as George W. Bush's inauguration and Senator Edward M. Kennedy's funeral. With numerous awards, including a Grammy, Graham remains a prominent figure in the world of classical music.

Donald Louis Evans: Born July 27, 1946

Born on July 27, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Donald Louis Evans became the 34th U.S. Secretary of Commerce, appointed by his friend George W. Bush on January 20, 2001. Evans, an American businessman, started as a mechanical engineer, earning his Bachelor's at the University of Texas at Austin in 1969. Moving to Midland, Texas, in 1975, he worked for Tom Brown Inc. before becoming its CEO. Engaging in politics from 1978, Evans played a crucial role in Bush's campaigns and served as Commerce Secretary until January 2005. Post-government service, he took on roles such as Non-Executive Chairman of TXU Energy and CEO of the Financial Services Forum. Married to Penelope Evans, he is also active in charitable organizations and serves as the chairman of the George W. Bush Foundation.

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