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.
Music
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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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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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Birth of Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia (born Mahala) Jackson was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The best-known gospel singer in the world and one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century, she received more acclaim than any other gospel singer, and is said to have been the vocal, physical, and spiritual symbol of religious music.
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Birth of Thelonious Monk
Jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Sphere Monk was born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Known for his unique improvisational style, he’s the second-most-recorded jazz composer following Duke Ellington.
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Birth of Louis Armstrong
Louis Daniel Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Armstrong was one of the most influential jazz musicians in American history. His distinct gravelly voice, skill in improvising lyrics, and mastery of the trumpet helped make jazz music a popular art form.
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Birth of Bill Haley
William John Clifton Haley was born on July 6, 1925, in Highland Park, Michigan. Called the “father of the rock revolution,” Haley and his band the Comets are credited with recording some of the first rock ‘n’ roll hits.
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Birth of James W. Johnson
James Weldon Johnson was born on June 17, 1871, in Jacksonville, Florida. A poet, songwriter, diplomat, and activist, he was the first African American executive secretary of the NAACP.
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Happy Birthday, John McCormack
Irish tenor John McCormack was born on June 14, 1884, in Athlone, Ireland. Eventually becoming an American citizen, he was internationally renowned for his singing abilities and breath control.
