Born on This Day: August 4

English poet whose radical politics, lyric power, and philosophical imagination shaped Romantic literature.

English critic whose writings on art and aestheticism influenced modern literary and cultural criticism.

American trumpeter and singer whose improvisation and charisma transformed jazz and popular music worldwide.

American composer and educator whose leadership strengthened modern American music and arts institutions.

Swedish diplomat whose rescue efforts saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.

American journalist whose long White House career broke barriers for women in political reporting.

American actor, writer, and filmmaker whose work has influenced contemporary independent and popular cinema.

American president whose election broke a major racial barrier and whose administration shaped health care, diplomacy, and public policy.