Mel Allen was a sportscaster and lead announcer for the New York Yankees baseball team from 1940 to 1964. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.
1913-1996
Born into slavery in 1760, Richard Allen bought his freedom at age 17 and went on to found the first national black church in the United States, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1816.
1760-1831
For more than 50 years, comedian Jack Benny was a star of radio, the stage and screen. His radio show, The Jack Benny Program, was a forerunner of the sitcom genre.
1894-1974
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe was a starter with the New England Patriots for nearly eight years, before moving on to lead the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys.
1972-
Michael Bloomberg is a billionaire buisnessman and a three-term mayor of New York City.
1942-
American singer-songwriter Tim Buckley was known for combining folk, rock and other musical styles during his tragically short career.
1947-1975
1811-1888
Mobster John "Junior" Gotti allegedly served as a capo in the Gambino family and was the acting boss when his father, John Gotti, now deceased, was in prison.
1964-
1934-
Gregory Hines began dancing as a child and went on to launch a successful Broadway, television and film career. His notable movies include The Cotton Club and White Nights.
1946-2003
Jimmy Hoffa was became a labor organizer in the 1930s, rising in the Teamsters Union during the next two decades until he reached the office of president.
1913-1975
Lois Maxwell was an actress best known for her role as Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond film series.
1927-2007
1864-1944
Dr. Anna Howard Shaw was the first female minister in the Methodist Protestant Church. She spent most of her life working for the cause of women's suffrage.
1847-1919
Charlotta Spears Bass was a journalist and activist who, as editor of the California Eagle, championed African-American equality and freedom.
1874-1969