Rosa Parks

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks
activist

Born: 1913 Died: 2005

Rosa Parks, an activist with the Montgomery, Alabama, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), made history in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat on a bus for a white passenger.

I like Rosa Parks because she changed the world plus she is woman.

For more info go to http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0906821.html

Diana Ross

Diana Ross

singer, actress

Born: 3/26/1944 Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan

A singer that helped define the Motown sound, Diana Ross joined several residents from a Detroit housing project to create the Supremes. Ross went solo in 1970, releasing hit singles like “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” and “Love Hangover”. Ross maintained broad appeal with albums like The Boss (1979) and Diana (1980).

I picked her because she inspired me to stand up for myself.

For more information go to http://www.factmonster.com/biography/var/dianaross.html

Chingy

Rapper

Born: 9 March 1980 Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri

Rapper of the 2003 hit "Right Thurr" Name at birth: Howard Bailey

The 2003 summer single "Right Thurr" put Chingy on the musical map as a good-time rapper who specialized in catchy, club-friendly beats.

I picked Chingy because thats my 2 favorite rapper.

for more information go to http://www.factmonster.com/biography/var/chingy.html

Betty Carter

(Lillie Mae Jones)A.K.A Betty Carter
jazz and blues singer

Born: 5/16/1930 Died: 9/26/1998 Birthplace: Flint, Michigan

Grammy Award-winning jazz and blues singer whose career started at the age of 16. Though she did not enjoy fame until she reached her 40s, she is now considered one of the best bebop singers. She has performed with Muddy Waters, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. Her recordings include The Audience With Betty Carter (1981) and Whatever Happened to Love (1982).

I picked Betty because she is black and pretty.

Nat [King] Col

American musician and composer

Born:1919 Died:1965

American musician and composer, b. Montgomery, Ala., as Nathaniel Adams Coles. A jazz pianist, he played Los Angeles nightclubs and in 1938 formed the original King Cole Trio. Later he turned to singing and became internationally popular for his smooth, velvety voice and broodingly romantic hits, such as “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa.”

for more info on Nat K. Col go to http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/people/A0812844.htm

I picked him because I like people who are called King.

Howard Swanson

born:1909 died:1978, American composer, b. Atlanta.

He studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and in Paris with Nadia Boulanger. Among his compositions are three symphonies, Night Music for chamber orchestra, a Short Symphony, and songs, five of which are settings of poems by Langston Hughes.

to find more info on Howard Swansin go to http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/people/A0847384.html

I picked him because he is black.Also because I like his last name.

Muddy Waters

Blues Singer Birthplace: Rolling Fork, Mississippi

Died: 4/30/1983

Blues singer and guitarist who plugged in Delta blues and is considered one of rock's most influential musicians...

For more information go to http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0154970.html

I picked him because his last name is waters and I like waterfalls

Tina Turner

Rhythm and Blues Singer Born: 11/26/1939 Nutbush Borough,Tennessee

Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues singer known for her powerful vocals and her athletic dancing. Her career began in 1956 with her husband's band, Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm, but fell apart when she left the band and the abusive Ike.

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0154961.html

I picked Tina Turner because I like her.

Dinah Washington

Singer

Born: 8/29/1924 Tuscaloosa, Alabama Died: Detroit, MI, 12/14/1963

Known for her gritty vocal style, the beloved but controversial singer was at home with R&B, blues, jazz, and middle-of-the-road pop. Washington was raised in Chicago where she played the piano and directed her church choir. Hampton claims he gave her the name Dinah Washington.

for more information go to http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0882116.html

Ciara

Singer 25 October, 1985 Austin, Texas

Ciara is a hip-hop and R&B singer. Goodies," an up-tempo dance hit about refusing sexual advances, was a top hit in the U.S. and U.K. and earned Ciara a reputation as a "crunk & B" singer ("crunk & B" mixes elements of R&B with a harder, faster style known as crunk).

For more information go to http://www.factmonster.com/biography/var/ciaraharris.html

I picked Ciara because she is a pretty woman. She also inspired my sister and I to be a singer just like Aaliyah.

Aaliyah

Singer

Born: January 16, 1979 Died: Bahamas, Aug. 25, 2001

Short Bio: Rhythm-and-blues singer and actress who was on the brink of superstardom when she died in a plane crash. Her self-titled album reached No. 2 on the Billboard album chart. She appeared in the 2000 film Romeo Must Die and in Queen of the Damned (2002

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0884163.html

I picked Aaliyah because she is a great singer and she inspired me to be singer. So when I grow up I want to be a singer just like her.