Happy Birthday, Johann Sebastian Bach, Baroque Organist and Composer

For more than 30 years Fred Rogers welcomed children and their parents into a realm of imagination on his show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Through his world of make-believe and real life experience, Rogers aimed to teach children self-esteem, how to understand their feelings and appreciate the world around them.

Wyatt Earp has become an icon in American lore, known as the legendary lawman who, with his brothers and Doc Holliday, battled the Clanton gang in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Wyatt, a gunslinger and a gambler, also fought criminals in Wichita and Dodge City.

John Updike is one of America’s most beloved authors, known for “The Witches of Eastwick,” the “Rabbit” novel series and his final work, “The Widows of Eastwick,” published just months before his death on Jan. 27, 2009.

Henri Cartier-Bresson was the first of five children born to a wealthy family of textile and cotton manufacturers, but he was never content to sit on his heels. Considered among the best and most influential photojournalists of the 20th century, Cartier-Bresson led an adventurous lifestyle that speaks to the breadth and character of his work.

Nat King Cole’s musical upbringing forged a career that would delve the nuances of the jazz trio and fashion a more subtle approach to singing.  Although his life was curtailed, he managed to both treat and test his popular and critical audiences.

James Madison played a great role in defining, defending and establishing the United States as we know it. A major contributor to the Constitution, author of the Federalist papers and drafter of the Bill of Rights, Madison would come to lead the country he had philosophically and ideologically formed as its fourth president.

Harry Chapin told stories through songs, expressing an idealism that alienated some but charmed more. As impressive as his musical talent was, Chapin’s commitment to social activism and attention to hunger causes was perhaps even more astounding. His life was cut short, but his heartfelt, charitable legacy lives on.

Blending southern poetry and a loose, all-encompassing handling of the guitar, Lightnin’ Hopkins brought a Texas accent to the masses with one of the most prolific blues careers in history.