BIOGRAPHY

Senegalese American vocalist Akon is known for his R&B-style vocals, which are featured in his own hit songs as well as collaborations with hip-hop artists.

Fur trader and real estate investor John Jacob Astor was one of the leading businessmen of his day and the founder of an American fur trade dynasty.

Francis Bacon was an English Renaissance statesman and philosopher, best known for his promotion of the scientific method.

Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish-born singer known for several hit songs, including ‘Bailamos,’ ‘Rhythm Divine,’ ‘Be With You,’ ‘Escape’ and ‘Hero.’ He is the son of Spanish singer Julio Iglesias.

Edgar Allan Poe was a writer and critic famous for his dark, mysterious poems and stories, including “The Raven,” “Annabel Lee,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

Writer E.B. White was the author of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and ‘Stuart Little,’ contributor to ‘The New Yorker’ and co-author of ‘The Elements of Style.’

Kenneth Bianchi, known as the Hillside Strangler, is a serial killer best known for committing at least 12 rapes and murders, most in conjunction with his adoptive cousin Angelo Buono.

Country singer Toby Keith was known for his rousing anthems to the U.S. soldiers serving in the Middle East, along with the songs “As Good As I Once Was,” “Red Solo Cup,” and “Beer For My Horses.”

Mother Teresa was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women dedicated to helping the poor. Considered one of the 20th Century’s greatest humanitarians, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016.

American poet and activist Amanda Gorman reached a worldwide audience when she read her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021.