A famous American composer, Hoagy Carmichael wrote interesting, complex tunes that were a favorite of recording artists. One of his most famous songs is "Stardust." Birthplace: Bloomington.
Today, Theodore Dreiser is an almost forgotten novelist but when his works were first published, their realism was too powerful for some readers and his books were banned. His two most famous novels are "Sister Carrie" and "An American Tragedy." Birthplace: Terre Haute.
A singer with a phenomenal fan following, Michael Jackson started out with his family recording as The Jackson Five. He later went solo, recording such profitable album titles as "Thriller" and "Bad." Birthplace: Gary.
An accomplished songwriter, Cole Porter is best known for his classic hits "Begin the Beguine" and "You're the Top." His musicals also became an important part of the American theatre. Birthplace: Peru.
Ernie Pyle was a noted journalist and World War II war correspondent. His writings were personable and very well-received by the newspaper reading public. Birthplace: Dana.
Booth Tarkington won two Pulitzer Prizes for his two most famous novels, "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Alice Adams." He also participated briefly in Indiana state politics. Birthplace: Indianapolis.
