A steel baron who sold his company for a quarter billion dollars, Andrew Carnegie used much of his wealth to promote learning. He donated money to libraries and founded the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. A nearby town is named after him. Birthplace: Scotland, Great Britain.
The first black performer to star in a dramatic series, Bill Cosby ran with the success of the show "I Spy" and translated that success into other formats, especially stand-up comedy. He created and starred in one of the most popular television programs ever, "The Cosby Show." Birthplace: Philadelphia.
Popular songwriter in the mid-1800s, Stephen FosterÕs works helped to define a nation. Such songs as "Camptown Races" and "Oh! Susanna" are still sung around campfires to this day. Birthplace: Pittsburgh.
Though born in Boston, Benjamin Franklin achieved his greatest fame as a resident of Philadelphia. Franklin was a printer, author, inventor, and diplomat. His experiments proved that lightning is a form of electricity, and his inventions such as the Franklin stove and the lightning rod gave great comfort to people all over the world. Franklin was also an important figure in the Revolutionary War, as he helped to obtain much needed French aid for the American forces. Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts.
An outstanding dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham developed her own style of dancing, which focuses on the stomach area as the center of all movement. Her teachings concentrate on greater freedom and expression of movement. Birthplace: Pittsburgh.
The first American painter to be recognized and respected abroad, Benjamin West became head of the Royal Academy in 1792. He supported himself primarily through the portrait work of nobles and notables. Birthplace: Springfield.
