Entertainers
Some of the most influential people of the twentieth century have been entertainers. They made people ponder, reflect, laugh, and cry, both through the hard times and through the good times.
Louis Armstrong
Although Louis Armstrong, "Satchmo," was born into extreme poverty, his life changed the day he picked up a cornet (similar to a trumpet) at age 12. Armstrong impressed the world with his trumpeting and singing skills, making Armstrong one of the most famous jazz musicians of the 20th century.
Although Louis Armstrong, "Satchmo," was born into extreme poverty, his life changed the day he picked up a cornet (similar to a trumpet) at age 12. Armstrong impressed the world with his trumpeting and singing skills, making Armstrong one of the most famous jazz musicians of the 20th century.
Joan Baez
Joan Baez is a famous folksinger, best known for her life-long passion for activism, performance at the 1969 Woodstock music festival, and several popular songs in the 1970s.
Joan Baez is a famous folksinger, best known for her life-long passion for activism, performance at the 1969 Woodstock music festival, and several popular songs in the 1970s.
Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker became famous in France and Europe for her very sensual act which often included her performing with barely any clothes. Baker also helped the French underground during WWII and fought for integration in U.S. nightclubs.
Josephine Baker became famous in France and Europe for her very sensual act which often included her performing with barely any clothes. Baker also helped the French underground during WWII and fought for integration in U.S. nightclubs.
The Beatles
The Beatles shaped not only music but also an entire generation. People mimicked all that they did, including haircuts, clothing, and outlook. Learn more about John, Paul, George, and Ringo and how they came to be The Beatles.
The Beatles shaped not only music but also an entire generation. People mimicked all that they did, including haircuts, clothing, and outlook. Learn more about John, Paul, George, and Ringo and how they came to be The Beatles.
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby is a universally loved comedian who focuses on everyday life for his humor. Cosby is also well-known for his television career, especially for I Spy, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, and The Cosby Show.
Bill Cosby is a universally loved comedian who focuses on everyday life for his humor. Cosby is also well-known for his television career, especially for I Spy, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, and The Cosby Show.
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday had a voice that could bring an audience to tears. One of her most famous songs, "Strange Fruit,' was about a lynching in the South. However, her life was filled with tragedies and her career was marred by her drug use.
Billie Holiday had a voice that could bring an audience to tears. One of her most famous songs, "Strange Fruit,' was about a lynching in the South. However, her life was filled with tragedies and her career was marred by her drug use.
Sidney Poitier
At a time when the Civil Rights Movement was just taking off, Sidney Poitier became known for being a black actor who took only strong, anti-stereotypical roles. In 1967, Poitier became the first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Lilies in the Field.
At a time when the Civil Rights Movement was just taking off, Sidney Poitier became known for being a black actor who took only strong, anti-stereotypical roles. In 1967, Poitier became the first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Lilies in the Field.