Birth of Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. Her pure, ageless voice spanned three octaves, and she was known as the First Lady of Song, the Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella.
Entertainment
Death of James Cagney
Academy Award-winner James Cagney died on March 30, 1986. He was once called “maybe the greatest actor who ever appeared in front of a camera.”
Founding of ASCAP
On February 13, 1914, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) was founded in New York City. The organization works to protect musical copyrights in various media.
Birth of Josh White
Joshua Daniel White was born on February 11, 1914, in Greenville, South Carolina. A trailblazing musician, White broke barriers with many notable firsts…
Pinocchio Premiers
On February 7, 1940, Pinocchio debuted at the Center Theatre in New York City. It was Disney’s second full-length animated feature film and the first to win a competitive Academy Award.
Birth of James A. Michener
James Albert Michener is believed to have been born on February 3, 1907, in New York City. He was a bestselling author of more than 40 books, selling an estimated 75 million copies worldwide.
Birth of Lead Belly
Huddie William “Lead Belly” Ledbetter is believed to have born on January 23, 1888, in Mooringsport, Louisiana. Called the “king of the 12-string guitar players,” he was a popular folk and blues performer known for such songs as “Goodnight, Irene, “Midnight Special,” and “In the Pines.”
Birth of Ethel Merman
Ethel Agnes Zimmermann was born on January 16, 1908, in Astoria, Queens, New York. Known as the “Queen of Broadway,” her dazzling career lasted more than 50 years.
Birth of Robinson Jeffers
John Robinson Jeffers was born on January 10, 1887, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He was a prolific, yet controversial poet who captured the natural beauty surrounding his home in Carmel, California.