current events | January 17, 2026

Famous People From Pennsylvania & Celebs Born In Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is one of the most densely populated states in the whole of United States. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg and Reading are some of the cities situated in this state. The state is also a tourism hub and travel enthusiasts from different parts of the globe arrive here in large numbers every year. Acclaimed Hollywood actor Will Smith, singers Taylor Swift, P!nk, Eve and Bret Michaels are a few famous individuals from the state of Pennsylvania. Academy Award winning Actor Will Smith’s contribution to cinema cannot be described in just a few words. ‘The Pursuit Of Happiness’, ‘Ali’, ‘Hancock’ and ‘Hitch’ are some of his acclaimed works. Singers ‘Taylor Swift’ and ‘P!nk’ have produced several chartbusters and have a fan base in almost every part of the globe. Taylor’s singles like ‘Shake it Off’, ‘Bad Blood’ and ‘Blank Space’ are popular among music lovers from several countries. He has acted Here are a few other eminent personalities from Pennsylvania you didn’t know about.

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 1 

Kobe Bryant

(One of the Greatest Basketball Players of All Time)

Kobe Bryant

Birthdate: August 23, 1978

Sun Sign: Virgo

Died: January 26, 2020

The former professional basketball player, Kobe Bryant, was drafted into NBA immediately after his school and went on to become one of the most successful basketball players of his generation. During his career of two decades, the Los Angeles Lakers player created numerous new records. He authored a book and one of his poems even inspired an animated short film.

 2 

Taylor Swift

(Pop Icon & One of the Best-Selling Musicians of All Time)

Taylor Swift

Birthdate: December 13, 1989

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

American pop and country music singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift is a multiple Grammy award winning artist who has inspired a number of hopeful musicians. A talented artist since a young age, she achieved success with her first single and debut album in 2006. Since then, the Fearless star has not looked back and also made her acting debut in 2009.

Will Smith

Birthdate: September 25, 1968

Sun Sign: Libra

The charismatic, versatile and bankable American artist, Will Smith, tasted early success with rapping. A successful transition into films and television soon followed and made Smith a phenomenal success. With solid earnings, he has also frequently secured himself a place in the list of highest paid actors in world.

Recommended Lists: Kevin Hart

Birthdate: July 6, 1979

Sun Sign: Cancer

American comedian and actor, Kevin Hart attained fame as a stand-up comic and then established himself as a leading comedic actor on the big screen with films like Get Hard, About Last Night, Ride Along and The Wedding Ringer. He has also been part of two Jumanji films. He was critically acclaimed for the 2019 comedy-drama film The Upside.

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 5 

Grace Kelly

(Former Actress and Princess Consort of Monaco (1956 - 1982))

Grace Kelly

Birthdate: November 12, 1929

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Died: September 14, 1982

Aptly named by her parents, Grace Kelly was one of the most graceful and talented actresses of her era, starring in 11 feature films and over 60 TV productions. A darling of Alfred Hitchcock movies, this Oscar winning actress left her successful Hollywood career after her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and thus became the Princess of Monaco.

 6 

Pink

(Singer and Songwriter Known for Her Rock-Influenced Pop Songs, Distinctive Raspy Voice and Acrobatic Stage Presence)

Pink

Birthdate: September 8, 1979

Sun Sign: Virgo

Pink is an American singer-songwriter known for her acrobatic stage presence and raspy voice. Having sold more than 90 million records worldwide, Pink is one of thebest-selling musicians in the world. A recipient of several prestigious awards, Pink was named in VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list. Her work has inspired many other artists like Taylor Swift.

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 7 

Andy Warhol

(Visual Artist & Film Director Who was a Leading Figure in the Visual Art Movement Known as Pop Art)

Andy Warhol

Birthdate: August 6, 1928

Sun Sign: Leo

Died: February 22, 1987

Andy Warhol was an artist and filmmaker who played a key role in the visual art movement. Thanks to his extensive body of work, he has been the subject of various films, books, and retrospective exhibitions. Described as the bellwether of the art market, some of Warhol's works are among the most expensive paintings ever sold.

Wilt Chamberlain

Birthdate: August 21, 1936

Sun Sign: Leo

Died: October 12, 1999

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Wilt Chamberlain created numerous records and won two championships during his fourteen years career. The legendary player, first drafted by Philadelphia Warriors, later played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers. After retirement, he ventured into business, played volleyball, appeared in commercials and movie and even published his autobiography.

Recommended Lists: Maddie Ziegler

Birthdate: September 30, 2002

Sun Sign: Libra

Maddie Ziegler owes her fame to the show Dance Moms and to Sia’s music videos Chandelier and Elastic Heart. Named one of Time’s 30 Most Influential Teens thrice, she has written a bestselling memoir, works for charities, has appeared in movies and on magazine covers, and owns a fashion line.

 10 

Richard Gere

(Actor Best Known for His Films: 'American Gigolo', 'Pretty Woman' and 'Chicago')

Richard Gere

Birthdate: August 31, 1949

Sun Sign: Virgo

Richard Gere's performance in the movie American Gigolo cemented his position as a sex symbol in the 1980s. He also established himself as a leading man, becoming one of Hollywood's most bankable and popular actors during the '90s. One of the most dedicated actors, he learned karate for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman and tap dance for Chicago.

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 11 

James Stewart

(American Actor Known for His Distinctive Drawl and Everyman Screen Persona)

James Stewart

Birthdate: May 20, 1908

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: July 2, 1997

Best known for his everyman screen persona, James Stewart was ranked third in the greatest American male actors list published by the American Film Institute (AFI) in 1999. During his 55-year acting career, he displayed strong morality both on and off the screen, as a result of which he epitomized the ideal American man of the 20th century.

 12 

Lil Uzi Vert

(Rapper Known for His Debut Single "Money Longer")

Lil Uzi Vert

Birthdate: July 31, 1995

Sun Sign: Leo

Lil Uzi Vert is an American rapper whose music is defined by dark subject matters, which complements his androgynous fashion, eccentric hairstyles, facial piercings, and face tattoos. Lil Uzi Vert has often courted controversy by saying phrases associated with Satanism and adding satanic imagery to his Instagram account. He has also been accused of worshipping Satan.

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 13 

Noam Chomsky

(A Major Figure in Analytic Philosophy Who is Also Known as 'The Father of Modern Linguistics')

Noam Chomsky

Birthdate: December 7, 1928

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Regarded by many as the father of modern linguistics, Noam Chomsky has authored over 100 books on varied topics, such as politics, linguistics, and war. A multi-talented personality, Noam Chomsky is considered a popular figure in analytic philosophy. Apart from influencing a wide array of academic fields, he has also contributed to the development of cognitivism.

 14 

Tina Fey

(Actress & Comedian Best Known for Her Work in Comedy Sketch Series 'Saturday Night Live')

Tina Fey

Birthdate: May 18, 1970

Sun Sign: Taurus

Emmy-winning comedian Tina Fey became the first female head writer of SNL. She wrote the series 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and the film Mean Girls. Her impersonation of Sarah Palin on SNL won her the AP Entertainer of the Year award. She has also written a bestselling memoir.

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 15 

Joe Montana

(One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in the History of the National Football League)

Joe Montana

Birthdate: June 11, 1956

Sun Sign: Gemini

Former NFL quarterback Joe Montana, nicknamed Joe Cool, mostly played for the San Francisco 49ers, winning four Super Bowls with them. ESPN’s 25th Greatest Athlete of the 20th Century, Montana was the first player to be Super Bowl MVP thrice and was part of the Pro Bowl eight times.

 16 

Kurt Angle

(Former American Professional Wrestler and Olympic Gold Medalist)

Kurt Angle

Birthdate: December 9, 1968

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Olympic gold-medal-winning wrestler Kurt Angle is a 13-time world champion. He became a Triple Crown champion and a Grand Slam champion with WWE before joining TNA. He has been named to the WWE, the TNA, and the International Sports Halls of Fame. He has also participated in Japanese wrestling championships.

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 17 

Joan Jett

(Founder of the Rock Band 'The Runaways' & Frontwoman of 'Joan Jett & the Blackhearts')

Joan Jett

Birthdate: September 22, 1958

Sun Sign: Virgo

Joan Jett, also known as The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, is the frontwoman of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, best known for their rendition of the Arrows song I Love Rock 'n Roll, which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Jett also released the hit Cherry Bomb with the Runaways

 18 

Joe Namath

(Former American Football Player Who Played as a Quarterback)

Joe Namath

Birthdate: May 31, 1943

Sun Sign: Gemini

Joe Namath is a former football player who was named on The Sporting News' 100 Greatest Football Players list in 1999. He established himself as a sports icon and a pop culture icon after guaranteeing a victory to his team, New York Jets, over the favorites, Baltimore Colts, and then helping his team win Super Bowl III against the Colts.

Recommended Lists: Louisa May Alcott

Birthdate: November 29, 1832

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Died: March 6, 1888

Novelist and short story writer Louisa May Alcott is best remembered as the author of the 1868 novel Little Women and its sequels, Little Men and Jo's Boys. She initially wrote using the pseudonym “A. M. Barnard.” She never married and remained a life-long feminist and abolitionist.

 20 

Arnold Palmer

(American Professional Golfer and One of the Greatest and Most Charismatic Players in the Sport’s History)

Arnold Palmer

Birthdate: September 10, 1929

Sun Sign: Virgo

Died: September 25, 2016

Arnold Palmer was an American golfer who won 62 PGA Tour titles in a career spanning over 60 years. Nicknamed The King, Palmer is considered one of the most charismatic and greatest players in the history of professional golf. He is seen as the first superstarwho helped popularize the sport in the television age, which started in the '50s.

Recommended Lists: Eugene Curran Kelly

Birthdate: August 23, 1912

Sun Sign: Virgo

Died: February 2, 1996

Actor, dancer, singer, and filmmaker, Gene Kelly, was one of the most popular Hollywood figures in the 1940s and 1950s. Among his other achievements, he is credited to have popularized the genre of musical films in Hollywood. As a filmmaker, he often experimented with camera techniques and special effects. He received an Academy Honorary Award in 1952.

 22 

Dan Marino

(Former American Football Player and One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in NFL History)

Dan Marino

Birthdate: September 15, 1961

Sun Sign: Virgo

Quarterback Dan Marino had a successful stint with the Miami Dolphins, leading them to 10 playoffs and the Super Bowl XIX. However, he never won a title. Named to Pro Bowl nine times, he was also the 1984 NFL MVP and part of the 2019 NFL 100 All-Time Team.

Recommended Lists: Patti LaBelle

Birthdate: May 24, 1944

Sun Sign: Gemini

The Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle is best known for her chartbusting song Lady Marmalade, released with her group Labelle. She has had a successful solo career, too, winning multiple Grammys. She has appeared on her own TV shows, released cookbooks, and has launched her line of food and bedding.

Bradley Cooper

Birthdate: January 5, 1975

Sun Sign: Capricorn

One of the highest-paid actors in the world, Bradley Cooper has been active in Hollywood for over two decades, playing roles ranging from comedic to dramatic. He was named on Time's list of 100 most influential people in the world in 2015. He supports the charity, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

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 25 

Mac Miller

(Rapper Known for His Debut Studio Album 'Blue Slide Park')

Mac Miller

Birthdate: January 19, 1992

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Died: September 7, 2018

Before his death at the age of 26, Mac Miller had a major impact as a rapper and songwriter. Blue Slide Park, his studio album, became the first independently distributed maiden album since 1995 to top the US Billboard 200. His personal life was marred by depression, substance abuse, and legal issues. He died of drug overdose.

 26 

Daniel Boone

(American Frontiersman and One of the First Folk Heroes of the United States)

Daniel Boone

Birthdate: November 2, 1734

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Died: September 26, 1820

Daniel Boone was an American pioneer, woodsman, explorer, and frontiersman. His exploits as an American frontier made him one of the earliest folk heroes of the US. Widely regarded as the founder of Kentucky, Daniel Boone is popular for his exploration and settlement of Kentucky. His life and work have inspired several movies, such as the 1936 movie Daniel Boone.

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 27 

Pete Maravich

(American Professional Basketball Player and One of the Best Ball Handlers of All Time)

Pete Maravich

Birthdate: June 22, 1947

Sun Sign: Cancer

Died: January 5, 1988

Pete Maravich, or Pistol Pete, played for three NBA teams till injuries ended his career. He initially played under his father, head coach Press Maravich, for the LSU Tigers. He also became the NCAA Division I top scorer of all time, with 3,667 points and 44.2 points per game.

 28 

Lil Peep

(A Leading Figure of the Mid–late 2010s Emo Rap Scene)

Lil Peep

Birthdate: November 1, 1996

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Died: November 15, 2017

Hailed as the leading figure of the emo rap scene of the mid-late 2010s, Lil Peep went on to inspire many youth subcultures. Peep achieved tremendous success in less than three years' time. In his personal life though, he struggled with mental health conditions. He died at the age of 21 due to an accidental overdose of drugs.

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 29 

Ken Griffey Jr.

(Baseball Player)

Ken Griffey Jr.

Birthdate: November 21, 1969

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Height: 6'3" (190 cm)

 30 

Amanda Seyfried

(Actress Who Rose to Fame With Her Role in Films: 'Mean Girls' and 'Mamma Mia!')

Amanda Seyfried

Birthdate: December 3, 1985

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Amanda Seyfried is an American actress, singer and model, who started acting as a teenager. She became famous when she starred in the teen comedy Mean Girls and then for her recurring role in the television series Veronica Mars. Mamma Mia, Solstice, Chloe, Letters to Juliet, Les Misérables, The Big Wedding and Gringo are some of her notable and successful films.

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 31 

Fred Rogers

(Television Host and Creator of the Preschool Television Series 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood')

Fred Rogers

Birthdate: March 20, 1928

Sun Sign: Pisces

Died: February 27, 2003

TV personality, musician, and author, Fred Rogers, is best remembered for hosting the preschool TV series, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which ran for over 30 years, from 1968 to 2001. His work was widely lauded and he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. Besides his TV career, he was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

 32 

Aaron Donald

(American football player)

Aaron Donald

Birthdate: May 23, 1991

Sun Sign: Gemini

Height: 6'1" (185 cm)

Recommended Lists: Jeff Goldblum

Birthdate: October 22, 1952

Sun Sign: Libra

Having starred in some of the highest-grossing films, such as Jurassic Park, Jeff Goldblum is one of the most bankable actors of his generation. He has also had an impact on the American TV and theatre scene. Also a musician, Goldblum has a couple of studio albums to his credit. He is married to Emilie Livingston, 30 years his junior.

 34 

Michael Keaton

(American Actor Best Known for Portraying Superhero 'Batman' in the films 'Batman' and 'Batman Returns')

Michael Keaton

Birthdate: September 5, 1951

Sun Sign: Virgo

As an actor, Michael Keaton gained international fame after playing the title character in Batman and its sequel Batman Returns. A vastly experienced actor, Michael Keaton serves as a visiting scholar at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University. He has supported PETA, asking tourists not to exploit animals, although he is an avid fisherman.

Recommended Lists: Gia Carangi

Birthdate: January 29, 1960

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Died: November 18, 1986

A model who was active during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Gia Carangi was considered by many to be one of the first supermodels. She was featured on the covers of multiple fashion magazines, including editions of Vogue and Cosmopolitan. She also worked with various famous designers. She died of AIDS at the young age of 26.

 36 

Trent Reznor

(American Rock Singer Who was Frontman and Founder of the Industrial Rock Band 'Nine Inch Nails')

Trent Reznor

Birthdate: May 17, 1965

Sun Sign: Taurus

Trent Reznor is an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and composer. Reznor is credited with founding the popular band Nine Inch Nails, where he serves as the principal songwriter, lead vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. Trent Reznor is also credited with mentoring Marilyn Manson and has contributed to the latter's albums. . 

Recommended Lists: Kevin Norwood Bacon

Birthdate: July 8, 1958

Sun Sign: Cancer

Kevin Norwood Bacon is an American actor well-known for his work in the film and TV industry. One of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation, Bacon was named in The Guardian as one of the best actors to have never received an Oscar nomination. Also a philanthropist, Kevin Bacon established a charitable foundation called SixDegrees.org in 2007.

 38 

Miles Teller

( Actor Known for His Films: 'Whiplash', 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Divergent' Film Series)

Miles Teller

Birthdate: February 20, 1987

Sun Sign: Pisces

Miles Teller is an American actor best known for his impressive performance as Andrew Neiman in the 2014 award-winning film Whiplash. A self-made man, Teller pursued acting out of his own interest; he even studied method acting before starting his acting career. Apart from acting, he can also play musical instruments, such as the piano, guitar, drums, and alto saxophone.

Recommended Lists: Bob Saget

Birthdate: May 17, 1956

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: January 9, 2022

Bob Saget was an American actor, director, television host, and stand-up comedian. Renowned for his adult-oriented stand-up comedy routine, Saget hosted popular TV shows, such as America's Funniest Home Videos. Also known for his charity work, Bob Saget served as one of the members of the board of the non-profit organization, Scleroderma Research Foundation.

 40 

Charles Bronson

(American Actor Best Known for Playing the Role of Police Officers, Gunfighters and Vigilantes)

Charles Bronson

Birthdate: November 13, 1921

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Died: August 30, 2003

American actor, Charles Bronson, had a tough-guy on screen persona and is best known for numerous action and vigilante movies. The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, The Dirty Dozen and Hard Times are some of his notable films. Death Wish was his most popular film and it led to four sequels starring him. He worked from the 1950s to 1990s.

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 41 

Jayne Mansfield

(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Rita Marlowe’ in the Broadway Play 'Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?)

Jayne Mansfield

Birthdate: April 19, 1933

Sun Sign: Aries

Died: June 29, 1967

One of the early Playboy Playmates, Jayne Mansfield was a popular sex symbol of Hollywood during the 1950s. Although she had a short-lived film career, she was very popular for her well-publicized publicity stunts, including wardrobe malfunctions. She started a new trend by becoming the first major actress of the post-silent film era to act in a nude scene!

 42 

Marshmello

(DJ Famous for Wearing a Helmet Resembling a Marshmallow)

Marshmello

Birthdate: May 19, 1992

Sun Sign: Taurus

Marshmello is an American DJ and electronic music producer. In 2017, he was named as one of theworld's highest-paid DJsby Forbes magazine. He wears a custom helmet, which looks like a marshmallow, for public appearances, and his identity was unknown at the beginning of his career. He is also a well-known philanthropist and a generous donator.

Recommended Lists: B. F. Skinner

Birthdate: March 20, 1904

Sun Sign: Pisces

Died: August 18, 1990

B. F. Skinner was an American behaviorist, psychologist, inventor, author, and social philosopher. Skinner, who taught psychology at Harvard University, is credited with founding a school of thought in psychology called the experimental analysis of behavior. Regarded as a pioneer of modern behaviorism, Skinner was named the 20th century's most influential psychologist, according to a survey conducted in June 2002. 

Kat Dennings

Birthdate: June 13, 1986

Sun Sign: Gemini

Kat Dennings is an American actress who gained international fame after appearing in the popular TV series 2 Broke Girls. Known for her attractive curvaceous figure, Kat Dennings has been the dream girl of men around the world. A teetotaler who practices Transcendental Meditation, Dennings serves as an inspiration to people who believe in sobriety.

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 45 

Todd Rundgren

(Multi-instrumentalist and Member of The Rock Band 'Utopia")

Todd Rundgren

Birthdate: June 22, 1948

Sun Sign: Cancer

Todd Rundgren is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He is credited with forming popular rock bands, such as Utopia and Nazz. Regarded as a pioneer in the fields of progressive rock, electronic music, Internet music delivery, and music videos, Todd Rundgren's works, such as A Wizard, a True Star remain influential in the world of music.

 46 

Mark Cuban

(Owner of the 'Dallas Mavericks' Team of NBA)

Mark Cuban

Birthdate: July 31, 1958

Sun Sign: Leo

Entrepreneur, television personality and media proprietor Mark Cuban is a prolific inventor. He is a named inventor of 11 patent families. He displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age and started many business ventures while still in college. A sports fan, he is the owner of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Dallas Mavericks.

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 47 

Nellie Bly

(Journalist and Writer Known for Her Record-Breaking Trip Around the World in 72 Days)

Nellie Bly

Birthdate: May 5, 1864

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: January 27, 1922

Nellie Bly was an American industrialist, journalist, inventor, and charity worker. She is remembered for her circumnavigation of the world in 72 days. She is also known for pioneering a new kind of investigative journalism as she worked undercover from within a mental institution to report on the institution. Nellie Bly’s life and work have inspired several works of art.

 48 

Krysten Ritter

(Actress Best Known for Her TV Series: 'Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23' and 'Jessica Jones')

Krysten Ritter

Birthdate: December 16, 1981

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Krysten Ritter is an actress and model. She uses her popularity to promote animal rights; she has posed for advertisement campaigns organized by PETA. Also a singer and guitarist, Ritter formed an indie rock duo named Ex Vivian along with her friend William Thomas Burnett. Krysten Ritter is also a writer; her debut novel Bonfire was released in 2017.

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 49 

Sharon Stone

(Famous for Her Role in the Movies 'Basic Instinct' and 'Casino")

Sharon Stone

Birthdate: March 10, 1958

Sun Sign: Pisces

Sharon Stone is an American actress who is best known for her performance in the erotic thriller Basic Instinct in 1992. The film gave her the tag of sex symbol. Thereafter, she went on to do notable films like Casino, The Muse, The Mighty, The Last Dance and Alpha Dog. By 2010s, she gravitated towards the small screen.

 50 

Billie Holiday

(One of the Greatest Jazz Singers from the 1930s to the 1950s)

Billie Holiday

Birthdate: April 7, 1915

Sun Sign: Aries

Died: July 17, 1959

Jazz legend Billie Holiday had a tumultuous childhood and ended up in prison due to prostitution. Upon her release, at 14, she started singing using her pseudonym and performed at sold-out Carnegie Hall shows. Nicknamed Lady Day, she was riddled with alcohol and drug issues. She won four posthumous Grammys.