Fur trader and real estate investor John Jacob Astor was one of the leading businessmen of his day and the founder of an American fur trade dynasty.
1763-1848
1937-2005
1743-1794
1910-2004
W.C. Handy was an African-American composer and a leader in popularizing blues music in the early 20th century, with hits like "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues."
1873-1958
Helen Levitt was a photographer, film editor and director known for her captivating portraits of New York urban life.
1913-2009
American jazz pianist and composer John Lewis was a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet, one of the longest-lived and best-received groups in jazz history.
1920-2001
J. Arthur Rank was a British film producer and magnate who also owned two large movie chains.
1888-1972
1859-1891
Eric Williams formed the People's National Movement for an independent Trinidad and Tobago, and served as that country's first prime minister.
1911-1981
1918-1999
1156-1987