Music

1940 Famous Americans: 3¢ Victor Herbert
February 1, 1859

Birth of Victor Herbert

Victor August Herbert was born on February 1, 1859, in Guernsey, United Kingdom. He was one of the most prolific composers of his day, as well as a celebrated cellist, conductor, and champion for the legal rights of composers.

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2014 49¢ Janis Joplin
January 19, 1943

Birth of Singer Janis Joplin

Janis Lyn Joplin was born on January 19, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas. The “Queen of Psychedelic Soul,” Joplin infused her blues-inspired songs with a raw emotion and distinctive voice that made her one of the era’s leading female rockers.

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1960 4¢ Champions of Liberty: Ignacy Paderewski
January 18, 1919

Ignacy Paderewski Becomes Prime Minister of Poland 

On January 18, 1919, composer-turned statesman Ignacy Paderewski was sworn in as the first prime minister of newly independent Poland.

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2008 42¢ Frank Sinatra
December 12, 1915

Birth of Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Nicknamed the “Chairman of the Board” and “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” he’s been called “the greatest singer of the 20th century,” with over 150 million records sold.

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2015 49¢ Music Icons: Elvis Presley
December 3, 1968

Elvis’s ’68 Comeback Special

Elvis’s famed ’68 Comeback Special aired on NBC on December 3, 1968.  The show was a huge success, establishing that Elvis was again on top of the music world. 

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2003 37¢ Roy Acuff
November 23, 1992

Death of Roy Acuff

The “King of Country Music,” Roy Claxton Acuff, died on November 23, 1992. He was the first living inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame and is often credited with helping to popularize the style on a larger scale.

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1996 32¢ Songwriters: Hoagy Carmichael
November 22, 1899

Birth of Hoagy Carmichael

Hoagland Howard Carmichael was born on November 22, 1899, in Bloomington, Indiana. A self-taught pianist, composer, singer, and actor, Carmichael composed many of the most popular songs of the Big Band Era.

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1997 32¢ Lawrence Tibbett
November 16, 1896

Birth of Lawrence Tibbett

Lawrence Mervil Tibbett was born on November 16, 1896, in Bakersfield, California. Tibbett was the lead baritone at the Metropolitan Opera for 27 years – totaling more than 600 performances – and also appeared in plays and films.

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1991 29¢ Comedians: Fanny Brice
October 29, 1891

Birth of Fanny Brice

Actress and singer Fanny Brice was born Fania Borach on October 29, 1891, in New York City.  Most well known for her radio character Baby Snooks, she was the inspiration for the musical and film Funny Girl.

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