“Happy Birthday to You”
On March 4, 1924, the song and melody of “Happy Birthday to You” were printed in a songbook. One of the world’s most famous songs, it has been the center of controversy over ownership and copyright status for years.
Art
American Arts Series
On February 28, 1973, the USPS issued the first of seven stamps in its new American Arts Series. The stamps in the series honored artists from several different genres, including painting, music writing, and filmmaking.
Birth of Rembrandt Peale
Artist Rembrandt Peale was born on February 22, 1778, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He completed more than 600 paintings during his lifetime, including dozens picturing George Washington.
Birth of Ansel Adams
Photographer Ansel Easton Adams was born on February 20, 1902, in San Francisco, California. Adams was one of America’s most famous photographers, known for his photographs of American landscapes, which helped promote environmental and conservation causes.
The Yellow Kid – Ground-breaking Comic Strip
On February 17, 1895, The Yellow Kid comic strip was first printed in the New York World. It was one of the first consistent Sunday comic strips, influenced the style of future comics, and was the namesake of “yellow journalism!”
Happy Birthday Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1901, in Joplin, Missouri.
Birth of Ruth Asawa
Artist Ruth Aiko Asawa was born on January 24, 1926, in Norwalk, California.
Birth of Rosa Ponselle
Opera singer Rosa (Ponzillo) Ponselle was born on January 22, 1897, in Meridan, Connecticut.
Metropolitan Opera’s First Jazz Concert
On January 18, 1944, the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City hosted its first-ever jazz concert, which raised money for the war effort.