Sept. 16, 1925-

The Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World by Julius Lester, illustrated by Lisa Cohen (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2001)

Guitarist and songwriter B. B. King made his first hit record in 1952. And he’s been recording ever since.

Visit the Official B.B. King web site for more info on B.B. King and his famous guitar named “Lucille.”

July 6, 1925-February 9, 1981

Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll by Holly George-Warren, illustrated by Laura Levine (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)

Bill Haley and the Comets started singing C&W music but switched to rock and roll. Their song Rock Around the Clock was a huge hit and some say started the rock ‘n’ roll craze.

RockHall.com posts a bio of 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Haley.

Maria Tallchief, ballerina

Jan. 24, 1925-

Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief, with Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Gary Kelley (Viking Juvenile, 1999)

Native American ballerina Maria Tallchief tells the story of her own childhood up to her move to New York at seventeen in pursuit of a dance career.

A few images of Tallchief can be seen at The Ballerina Gallery.