Born on This Day: September 4

Austrian composer whose monumental symphonies transformed late Romantic music.

American architect and planner whose work shaped modern city planning and public architecture.

American inventor whose electrical and drafting work improved incandescent lighting and communications.

French composer whose rhythmic and harmonic experiments influenced twentieth-century music.

American writer whose fiction transformed literary portrayals of race and urban life.

American actor and dancer whose performances became enduring examples of the Hollywood musical.

American comedian and writer whose work influenced sketch comedy and television.

American singer and producer whose music, performance, and visual albums have influenced contemporary culture.