(Edgar Laurence Doctorow)novelistBorn: 1/6/1931Birthplace: New York City Author known for his historical fiction, such as the novels The Book of Daniel (1960), which was nominated for the National…
jazz bass playerBorn: 1912Birthplace: New York City Peer began plucking the strings for the Chick Webb Orchestra in 1937. He backed up stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Lena Horne,…
writerDied: August 22, 2007 (Thetford Hill, Vermont) Best Known as: celebrated writer and social activist Celebrated writer and social activist who explored the…
fashion designerBorn: 6/27/1949Birthplace: New York City Wang is widely considered the most respected and influential wedding dress designer in the world. She also designs evening wear, ready-to-…
actressBorn: 2/8/1953Birthplace: Newport, Arkansas This appealing, versatile actress won an Academy Award for her role in Melvin and Howard (1980). She also appeared in Ragtime (1981), A Midsummer'…
(Encyclopedia) Masham, Abigail, LadyMasham, Abigail, Ladymăshˈəm [key], d. 1734, favorite of Queen Anne of England. Her maiden name was Abigail Hill. A plain, intelligent person, she became (1704)…
(Encyclopedia) RachelRachelräshĕlˈ [key], stage name of Élisa FélixRachelālēˈzä fālēksˈ [key], 1821–58, French actress, b. Switzerland. Exploited by her father in her childhood, she sang in the…