Jesse Ernest Wilkins Jr. at age 19 received a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Chicago in 1942. He developed mathematical models to calculate gamma radiation absorption.
Isaac Murphy became the first jockey to win three Kentucky Derbies, two of them back-to-back, and the only one to win the Kentucky Oaks, Clark Handicap and Kentucky Derby the same year.
Wally Amos, known as “Famous Amos,” worked as a talent agent at the William Morris Agency before he started his cookie company.
The name Buffalo Soldiers was a name given to the African-American cavalries by the Kiowa, a Native American tribe.
Jazz, a musical form derived from ragtime, blues and marching bands, began in Louisiana at the beginning of the 19th century.
Bill Pickett, a rodeo performer who invented bulldogging, was featured in a series of stamps by the U.S. Postal Service and was named to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Thomas A. Dorsey is considered the “Father of Gospel Music” for combining the sacred words of the Gospel with secular rhythms. His most popular, “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” was recorded by Elvis Presley and Mahalia Jackson.
McKinley “Muddy Waters” Morganfield is considered the “Father of Chicago Blues” by mixing delta country blues with the electric guitar. The Rolling Stones would later name themselves after his 1950 song “Rollin’ Stone.”
Chester A. “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett, a blues singer, songwriter and musician, influenced popular rock groups such as the Beatles. He maintained financial success throughout his career and married life while avoiding alcohol and drug use that befell other artists.
Source: Biography Channel, www.biography.com
