It is obvious that all things must have a beginning, however obscure, and every folk-song is first born in the heart and brain of some one person, whose spirit is so finely attuned to the voice of that inward struggle which is the history of the soul of man, that when he seeks for his own self-expression, he at the same time gives a voice to that vast "mute multitude who die and give no sign." Such a one was Stephen Foster, more fortunate in his fate than that glorious company of nameless poet-souls, whose aspiration after "the fair face of Beauty, haunting all the world," is preserved in the folk-songs of the world • Stephen Foster Books • Stephen Foster Discography

Horne was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, but moved with her parents to Long Beach, California when she was 11. At the age of 13, she became part of the newly formed Los Angeles Concert Youth Chorus -- whose other members included a 14-year old Marni Nixon and a 19-year old Paul Salamunovich, among many others -- under famed conductor Roger Wagner; this choir evolved into the Roger Wagner Chorale in 1948, and later into the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 1964. She eventually graduated high school from Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

She studied voice under William Vennard at the University of Southern California School of Music and participated in Lotte Lehmann's vocal master classes.  • Marilyn Horne Books • Marilyn Horne Discography

A major exponent of 20th century filmed dance, Kelly was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style, his good looks and the likeable characters that he played on screen. Although he is probably best known today for his performance in Singin' in the Rain, he was a dominant force in Hollywood musical films from the mid 1940s until the demise of this form in the late 1950s. His many innovations transformed the Hollywood musical film, and he is credited with almost singlehandedly making the ballet form commercially acceptable to film audiences.

Kelly was the recipient of an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 for his career achievements. He later received lifetime achievement awards in the Kennedy Center Honors, and from the Screen Actors Guild and American Film Institute; in 1999, the American Film Institute also numbered him 15th in their Greatest Male Stars of All Time list. • Gene Kelly Books • Gene Kelly Films

After his performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 1947, he signed a seven year contract with MGM head Louis B. Mayer who saw the show and was impressed by his singing. Before that time, Lanza had only two opera appearances, when in 1948 he sang Pinkerton in Puccini's Madama Butterfly in New Orleans. His movie debut was The Midnight Kiss, which produced a hit song "Celeste Aida." The following year, in The Toast of New Orleans, his song "Be My Love" became his first million-selling hit. In 1951, he starred in the role of his idol, Enrico Caruso, in the biopic, The Great Caruso, which produced another million-seller with "The Loveliest Night of the Year." It was the top-grossing film that year. His next film, Because You're Mine, produced his final million-selling hit of the same title, and earned an Academy Award nomination. After recording the soundtrack for his next film, The Student Prince he walked out on the project after an argument with producer Dore Schary over his behavior on the set. • Mario Lanza Books • Mario Lanza Films • Mario Lanza Discography