Born on This Day: June 3

American political leader whose presidency of the Confederacy made him central to the history of secession and the Civil War.

British king whose reign encompassed constitutional change, world war, Irish independence, and the transformation of empire.

French painter and designer whose bright, decorative style influenced modern painting, textiles, and public art.

American-French performer and activist whose career broke racial barriers and whose wartime and civil-rights service gained international respect.

American actor whose range in comedy and drama helped shape postwar Hollywood cinema.

American poet whose work became central to the Beat movement and expanded literary and cultural freedom.

American singer and songwriter whose socially conscious soul music influenced popular music and civil-rights culture.

American musician whose success as a bassist, singer, and bandleader expanded women’s roles in rock music.