Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757)
Italian composer whose keyboard sonatas transformed technique and Baroque musical form.
People Who Made Lasting Contributions
Born on This Day
Georges Jacques Danton (1759–1794)
French revolutionary leader whose oratory and politics shaped the early French Republic.
Helmuth von Moltke the Elder (1800–1891)
Prussian field marshal whose planning and staff systems transformed modern military organization.
Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972)
American singer whose powerful gospel performances influenced music and the civil-rights movement.
François Mitterrand (1916–1996)
French president whose long tenure shaped European integration and modern French politics.
Pat Sajak (b. 1946)
American television host whose long career influenced game-show entertainment.
Hillary Clinton (b. 1947)
American diplomat and political leader whose career broke barriers for women in national politics.
Keith Urban (b. 1967)
New Zealand-Australian singer whose guitar work and songwriting influenced contemporary country music.