Born on This Day: May 24

English physician whose experiments on magnetism and electricity helped establish modern physical science.

American abolitionist whose newspaper and organizing made immediate emancipation a central national cause.

British monarch whose long reign became associated with industrialization, empire, and major social transformation.

American engineer and psychologist whose work improved industrial efficiency, ergonomics, and household design.

American columnist and hostess whose events and writing helped shape twentieth-century celebrity and social culture.

Canadian-American comedian and musician whose work influenced countercultural comedy and popular entertainment.

American songwriter whose lyrics and music transformed folk, rock, and modern popular culture.

American singer whose powerful voice and career have influenced soul, rhythm and blues, and popular performance.