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Leontyne Price Biography (1927–) Soprano Leontyne Price is widely regarded as the first African American to gain international acclaim as a professional opera singer. Who Is Leontyne Price? R

Marian Anderson Biography (1897–1993) Deemed one of the finest contraltos of her time, Marian Anderson became the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1955.

Patti LaBelle Biography (1944–) Patti LaBelle is an African American singer and actress who has been called the Godmother of Soul. She is best known for hits like "If Only You Knew," "New Attitude"

Mahalia Jackson Biography (1911–1972) 20th-century recording artist Mahalia Jackson, known as the Queen of Gospel, is revered as one of the greatest musical figures in U.S. history. Who Was Maha

Donna Summer Biography (1948–2012) Donna Summer was a singer-songwriter who became the "Queen of Disco" in the 1970s with such hits as 'Love to Love You Baby,' 'I Feel Love' and 'Last Dance.' Wh

Gladys Knight Biography (1944–) Singer Gladys Knight has given voice to multiple R&B hits (with and without her Pips), including "Midnight Train to Georgia." Who Is Gladys Knight? Gladys Knig

Dionne Warwick Biography (1940–) Soul singer Dionne Warwick became a superstar with early hits like "Walk On By" and "I Say a Little Prayer," and later with albums like 'Dionne and Heartbreaker.'

Aretha Franklin Biography (1942–2018) Multiple Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin was known for such hits as "Respect," "Freeway of Love" and "I Say a Little Prayer." Who Was Aret

Will Smith Smacks Chris Rock After Oscars Joke

Florence Ballard Biography (1943–1976) Singer Florence Ballard formed The Supremes in 1961 with childhood friends Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. She sang on 16 different Top 40 hits. Who Was Floren

Diana Ross Biography (1944 –) Singer and actress Diana Ross was part of the 1960s pop/soul trio the Supremes before embarking on a successful solo career, also starring in such films as 'Lady Sings

Sarah Boone Biography (1832–1904) Who Was Sarah Boone? Sarah Boone was an African American dressmaker who made her name by inventing the modern-day ironing board. In her patent application, she

Sarah Vaughan Biography (1924–1990) Jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan performed with big bands before becoming a solo artist. She is known for singing "Send in the Clowns" and "Broken-Hearted Melody."

Etta James Biography (1938–2012) Who Was Etta James? Etta James was a gospel prodigy. In 1954, she moved to Los Angeles to record "The Wallflower." Her career had begun to soar by 1960, due in n

Lena Horne - Biography (1917–2010) Actress and singer Lena Horne was one of the most popular performers of her time, known for films such as 'Cabin in the Sky' and 'The Wiz' as well as her trademar

Ella Fitzgerald Biography (1917–1996) Ella Fitzgerald, known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an immensely popular American jazz and song vocalist who interpreted much of the Great

Ma Rainey Biography (1886–1939) Singer Ma Rainey was the first popular stage entertainer to incorporate authentic blues into her song repertoire and became known as the "Mother of the Blues." Wh

Bessie Smith Biography (1894–1937) Jazz and blues vocalist Bessie Smith's powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title "Empress of the Blues." Who Was Bessie Smith?

Wilma Rudolph Biography (1940–1994) In 1960, Wilma Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympics. Who Was Wilma Rudolph? Wilma Rudol

Debi Thomas, Biography (1967–) Debi Thomas was the first African American to win the women's title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and a medal in Winter Olympics competition. Who Is Deb

Billie Holiday Biography (1915–1959) Billie Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. She had a thriving career for many years before she lost her battle with addiction.

Althea Gibson Biography (1927–2003) Althea Gibson was the first African American tennis player to compete at the U.S. National Championships in 1950, and the first Black player to compete at Wimble

Eartha Kitt Biography (1927–2008) Singer and actress Eartha Kitt is best known for her holiday song "Santa Baby," and for playing Catwoman in the 1960's TV show 'Batman.' Who Was Eartha Kitt?

Ruby Dee Biography Playwright, Screenwriter, Poet, Civil Rights Activist (1922–2014) Ruby Dee was an American actress, playwright, screenwriter, activist, poet and journalist, perhaps best known

Jennifer Hudson Biography Singer (1981–) Jennifer Hudson is an Oscar and Grammy-winning actress and singer best known for her starring role in 'Dreamgirls.' Who Is Jennifer Hudson? Jennifer H