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.