Welcome to Pittsburgh! What do you want to do first? Not sure yet? Well what about plans for tomorrow? …Well you still have time to decide… Where are you staying? You haven't booked a hotel yet?!?!
Wonderful for names like Jimmy Stewart and Fred Rogers, great actors of their time who got their start right here in western Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh raves about other famous sons and daughters like Joe Montana, Christina Aguilera, Gene Kelly and Andy Warhol. These and many others have made Pittsburgh proud.
Born in Ohio but is more often associated with Pittsburgh, where he spent a larger part of his childhood. Was friendly throughout his life with Lena Horne, another transplanted Pittsburgher. For three decades was the composing and arranging partner of jazz great Duke Ellington. Met Ellington in 1939 outside the Stanley Theater, now the Benedum Center; where the bandleader hired him immediately and the two worked together until Strayhorn died in 1967. His compositions alone or with Ellington include "Lush Life," "Chelsea Bridge," "Johnny Come Lately," "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" and "Satin Doll." His most famous composition, "Take the 'A' Train," was inspired by the subway directions to Ellington's home for their first meeting.
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Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) marker
Harry, Sam, Albert and Jack Warner hailed from Ohio but made a name for themselves by opening the first silent movie nickelodeon in downtown New Castle in 1907. Granddaugher Cass Warner today holds a film festival in New Castle and has started the Harry M. Warner Film Institute at Slippery Rock University.
Harmony-pop vocal group formed in 1960 by lead baritone Bill Burkette, baritone Don Miller, first tenor Hugh Geyer, and second tenor Chuck Blasko, who were all high school friends from Turtle Creek. Originally dubbed the Val-Aires, the foursome eventually reached the number four spot in the autumn of 1965 with "You're the One." Most memorable hit, the classic "Five O'Clock World," cracked the Top Five. Two more Top 40 entries, "Magic Town" and "The Land of Milk and Honey," followed in 1966. Resurfaced in 1968 with the Top Ten smash "Turn Around, Look at Me." The single, the Vogues' lone million-seller, anticipated the lighter, more sophisticated approach of subsequent hits like "My Special Angel," "Till," and "No, Not Much." Various Vogues lineups continue touring oldies circuits.
Pittsburgh vocal group made it big with a magnificent heartache ballad in 1959, "Since I Don't Have You," among R&B's greatest hits. Led by vocalist Jimmy Beaumont, with Janet Vogel, Wally Lester, Joe VerScharen, and Jackie Taylor. Legend has it that Janet ad libbed the song's memorable ending in high C (after repeating thirteen "you's") as a joke during rehersals. The group liked it so much they made it a permanent part of their arrangement. More than a dozen labels rejected the song before it was released by a local Pittsburgh label, Calico Records. Their follow-up, "This I Swear," peaked at number 20 on the R&B charts.
In recent years, The Skyliners created not one, but two Christmas standards. The group's version of the Beaumont/Rock compositions "You're My Christmas Present" and "Another Lonely New Year's Eve" are not only heard across America each holiday season, but have been included on a number of holiday compact disc collections. The ensemble was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
Andrew W. Mellon expertly invested money into multiple industrial and financial ventures including steel, aluminum, coal, utilities, railroads, banks, and more. Developed his father’s bank into Mellon National Bank which aided in the transformation of Pittsburgh into an industrial giant. Mellon Institute for Industrial Research was created by A.W. and brother Richard in 1909 in an effort to fund research in promotion of better business and scientific practices. A private man who kept his early philanthropy quiet, like canceling small debts for Christmas and purchasing food and clothing for people in Pittsburgh. Named Secretary of the Treasury in 1921 and served as Secretary for Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover, cutting the national debt with what was known as the "Mellon Plan" and authored the book Taxation: The People’s Business. Resigned in 1932 and accepted the position of U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain for one year. After retirement, began his largest philanthropic quest, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Collected works while Secretary but solidified his plans with the A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust in 1930. Following the announcement of the Gallery, personal collection neared 350 pieces from which 121 paintings and twenty-one sculptures were added to the Gallery collection. Also established a trust to fund the Gallery, donating $10 million, as well as giving an estimated $21 million in art and $15 million for the construction of the Gallery building.The grand opening occurred in 1941 after his death. The legacy of A.W. Mellon remains with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation philanthropic trust formed in 1969 through the merger of the Avalon Foundation (est. 1940 by Ailsa Mellon Bruce) and the Old Dominion Foundation (est. 1941 by Paul Mellon). Prior to the merger, the Avalon Foundation distributed funds to hospitals and health agencies, educational institutions, and cultural programs including the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic. The Old Dominion Fund concentrated on the humanities and liberal education. The merged foundation, with assets of $3.4 billion (1998), continues to support the areas of health, education and the humanities and has added programs in conservation, public affairs and population studies.
Founding member Tony Butala began singing professionally as a boy in Sharon and by the age of eight appeared on Pittsburgh's KDKA Radio. Moved to Hollywood to become a member of the famous Mitchell Boys Choir, appearing in motion pictures, television and radio and concert tours. In the mid-fifties, while still in high school in Hollywood, Butala formed The Fourmost, a vocal group of three ex-Mitchell Boy Choir friends and a female classmate, Concetta Ingolia. After moderate local success, Ingolia exited the group to be cast in a new TV series, "Hawaiian Eye," and chose the stage name Connie Stevens. By 1960, The Lettermen—now Butala, Jim Pike and Bob Engemann—were signed to Warner Brothers Records and released their first single: "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring."
In 1961, Capitol Records signed them to what turned out to be an over twenty-five year contract. The Lettermen first hit the music charts in 1961 with "The Way You Look Tonight." Following that first hit with another chart topper, "When I Fall In Love." Made "Theme From A Summer Place," "Smile," "Our Winter Love," "Come Back Silly Girl" and "Graduation Day." Late 1967 made perhaps their most loved and requested hit: the medley of "Goin' Out Of My Head / Can't Take My Eyes Off You." In 1967, Engemann left the group and was replaced by Jim's younger brother, Gary Pike. Hits continued with "Up, Up And Away," "Hurt So Bad," "Shangri-La," "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "Love." In 1973, when Jim left the group, the youngest Pike brother Donny took over and hits like: "Cherish / Precious and Few," "World Without Love," "If You Feel The Way I Do," "Feelings," "What I Did For Love," and Donny's own "Thank You Girl."
Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, The Lettermen continued to release albums and travel the world, performing hundreds of concerts each year. The current Lettermen consist of Tony Butala (the group's only original member), Donovan Scott Tea (an accomplished singer and songwriter who joined the group in 1984) and Darren Dowler (a young actor, singer, impressionist who came aboard in 1995). The year 2000 marked the group's 40th Anniversary. Butala created the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, dedicated to honor the greatest vocal groups in the world.
Howard Heinz, son of founder H.J. Heinz, bequeathed his residual estate to the Howard Heinz Endowment for philanthropic purposes. Today thanks to the largesse of both Howard and Vira Heinz Endowments, a variety of arts and culture, social service, healthcare, environmental, economic development and educational services thrive in Pittsburgh and around the world.
Henry Heinz II was an active community leader with intense interest in the arts worked toward citywide revival and the creation of a downtown Pittsburgh cultural district. In 1971, together with funding from the Heinz family, oversaw the creation of Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Founded the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in 1984. Spearheaded the creation of the Heinz Gallery, located in the Carnegie Museum of Art, in 1988, and the development of the Benedum Center, a two-year restoration of Pittsburgh's historic Stanley Theater.
His son, the late Senator John Heinz, as chairman of the Heinz Charitable and Family Trust and trustee of the Howard and Vira Heinz Endowment, continued the Heinz family tradition of combining entrepreneurial skill with community activism.
Famous for writing songs like "Oh! Susannah" (1848), "Camptown Races" (1850), "Old Folks at Home" (1851), "My Old Kentucky Home" (1853) and "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" (1854). Not understanding his musical talent, his pioneer family provided little formal musical education. His knowledge of African Americans was drawn from minstrel shows for which many of his songs were written. Feeling that prejudice against these 'Ethiopian songs' existed, he was at first unwilling to risk his reputation by having his name appear on them. Had little aptitude for business, and his income was never commensurate with the popularity of his songs. Excessive drinking and extreme poverty ruined his last years. He died in Bellevue Hospital, New York City. Buried in Allegheny Cemetery, Section 21, Lot 30.
Born to a musical family, father Thomas played tenor saxophone, mother played piano, brother Tommy the trumpet and brother Marvin drums. Stanley played tenor sax, mixing jazz with blues, rock, rhythm and blues and pop. In the 50's, played with Lowell Fulson, Earl Bostic, and Max Roach's bands. In the 1960s, worked with organist Jimmy Smith and made many soul jazz recordings both with Smith and as a leader. Had his biggest hit "Sugar" in 1970. Then turned to jazz fusion, but returned to soul jazz in the 80's and 90's. Career began in Pittsburgh and came back to his roots for his final journey. Buried in Allegheny Cemetery, Section 26, Lot 722.
One of the game's great hitters, St. Louis Cardinal "Stan the Man" won the National League batting championship seven times (1943, 1946, 1948, 1950–52, 1957) and the league's Most Valuable Player award three times (1943, 1946, 1948). In 1963 retired with a lifetime batting average of .331. Hit 475 home runs and for many years held the National League record for base hits (3,630). Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
Shirley grew up in Smithton, PA, where grandfather William B. Jones founded the Jones Brewery in 1907 that's still in operation. She was a gifted child with natural singing ability, studied under Ralph Lewando, one of Pittsburgh's top vocal coaches.
After graduating from South Huntingdon High School, she was spotted by a scout photographer for The 1952 Miss Pittsburgh Pageant and went on to compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania. The prize was a two year scholarship to the drama school at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. She planned to go on to college but instead went to New York City in the summer of 1953. There she was discovered by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein who cast her as Laurie in the 1955 movie version of their hit stage musical Oklahoma!
Later Shirley played the same role on Broadway and established a career in both theater and the movies, including the musicals The Music Man (1962) and Carousel (1956). The actress won a 1960 Academy Award for her portrayal of a prostitute in the film Elmer Gantry. From 1970-74, starred on the TV show The Partridge Family as Shirley Partridge, the mother of a rock act who also sang in the band and co-starred her real-life stepson, early '70s heartthrob David Cassidy. She was married to actors Jack Cassidy from 1956-74, and Marty Ingles.
A cool blonde who combined brainy sex appeal and old-fashioned Hollywood glamour, was one of Hollywood's biggest stars during the 1990s. Born and raised in Meadville, she won a college scholarship at 15 before graduating from high school. Attended Edinboro University near Erie and studied creative writing and fine arts. Dropped out and worked as a $500 a day model at the Eileen Ford Agency. Turned to acting in the late 70's and began in B-movies like King Solomon's Mines (1985) and Police Academy 4 (1987). Made 17 movies before becoming a superstar in Basic Instinct (1992). In 1995 she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Martin Scorsese's crime film Casino. Filmed Diabolique in Pittsburgh in 1996.
The six-piece band formed in Pittsburgh in 1990 with Michael Glabicki (vocals, guitar), Liz Berlin (vocals, percussion), Patrick Norman (bass, vocals), and Jim Donovan (drums, percussion) as the initial lineup, though John Buynak (percussion, winds) and Jim DiSpirito (percussion) joined later that year. Their breakthrough album, When I Woke, appeared in 1994 and became successful in alternative circles during 1995-1996, especially with singles such as "Send Me On My Way" and "Ecstasy." In mid-1996, released the Evil Ways EP, a compilation of live tracks with the band's contributions to the movies Twister and Home for the Holidays. Their second album, Remember, reached the Top 40 in its first week of release.
Jazz trumpeter. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.
Received equity card through Pittsburgh CLO in his early years in the theater in Pittsburgh. Studied at Point Park College and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1982. Director of Academy Award winning film for Best Picture, Chicago (2002). Nominated for Broadway's Tony Award six times: as Best Choreographer, in 1993, for Kiss of the Spider Woman—The Musical; in 1994, for Damn Yankees! and She Loves Me; in 1998 for Cabaret; and in 1999 for Little Me; and as Best Director (Musical), with collaborator Sam Mendes, for Cabaret.
Ranked #93 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List. First appearance on the list and one of very few to appear on it after making only one film.
Born in Indiana, PA, and grew up in Rochester, New York. Both parents were voice teachers, her musical training came naturally. Studied at the Juilliard School and holds degrees from the State University of New York at Potsdam and the Eastman School of Music. Early recognition includes the 1988 Metropolitan Opera National Auditions, the Richard Tucker Award, the George London Prize, the Grand Prix at the International Singing Competition in Belgium, and a Fulbright Scholarship to Germany. Has a devoted international following whether on the operatic stage, in concert or recital, on television, radio or on disc. Won a 1999 Grammy Award for her recording, "The Beautiful Voice."
Jazz bassist. Collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. Along with Milt Jackson on vibes, drummer Kenny Clarke and John Lewis on piano, discovered a cool, comfortable chemistry, the signature of what became the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952. Also enjoyed an 18-year association with the Oscar Peterson Trio. Is credited with discovering Canadian jazz singer Diana Krall in the early 1990s while seeing her perform in Nanaimmo, British Columbia, Canada. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1997.
After studying marine biology and zoology, worked for the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries as a writer and bureaucrat, while at the same time writing popular science articles for magazines. In 1941 published Under the Sea-Wind, the first in a series of books about the ocean. Turned her attention to the "indiscriminate" use of pesticides, and 1962 book Silent Spring set off a national controversy in the U.S. and gave new life to the conservationist movement. Childhood home northeast of Pittsburgh in Springdale is open to the public as museum to her life and accomplishments.
Born in Cannonsburg as Pierino Como, one of a family of 13 children. Worked as a barber and married his high school sweetheart, Roselle Beline. Landed a spot in the Freddie Carlone Orchestra and in 1937, joined the Ted Weems orchestra where he was featured on the band's Beat the Band radio program. With the start of World War II, found himself back in Canonsburg in a barbershop cutting hair. CBS radio rescued him, offering a weekly show. RCA signed him to a recording contract that garnered him 42 Top 10 hits in the next 14 years. Hits included "Dig You Later (A Hubba-Hubba-Hubba"), "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," "They Say It's Wonderful," "Surrender" and "Some Enchanted Evening." The 1945 rendition of "Till the End of Time" was his most memorable hit from this era.
Other hits were on the lighter side of romance and included "Hot Diggity" and "Papa Loves Mambo." Made his television debut in 1948 with NBC's The Chesterfield Supper Club. In 1950, had his own show on CBS, The Perry Como Show, which ran for five years and for another eight years on NBC, the show that featured his theme song "Sing Along With Me." In 1956 and '57 he won Emmy Awards for most outstanding television personality. Retired from his show in 1963, opting to work only occasionally on TV specials, including traditional Christmas shows. Returned to live performances in the 1970s, playing Las Vegas. The 1970s also gave rise to his million-record seller "It's Impossible." Received the Kennedy Center Honors award for outstanding achievement in the performing arts.
All-American at Pitt (1960); NFL Rookie of Year (1961); 5-time Pro Bowl tight end for Chicago Bears; returned to Chicago as head coach in 1982 and won Super Bowl XX in 1986; left Bears in 1992 and worked as a broadcaster at NBC for four years; coached the New Orleans Saints from 1997-99; currently an analyst on ESPN.
Born Michael Douglas in Coraopolis where his family still lives. Attended Montour High School and studied speech at Kent State University in Ohio. Started as a stagehand on Pittsburgh public TV show, Mister Rogers Neighborhood (1968). Began acting but couldn't keep his name because there was already a Michael Douglas in movies and a Mike Douglas on TV. Had seen an article on Diane Keaton and chose Keaton although has never legally changed his name. The manic morgue comedy Night Shift (1982), his movie debut, was typical of his comedy style. Became a star as the frenetic title ghoul in Tim Burton's dark comedy Beetlejuice (1988). Burton cast him as the title role in Batman (1989). Comic fan anger ensued over his selection, forcing the studio to release an advance trailer both to show that Keaton could do the role well and that the movie would not be a campy parody like the TV show Batman. Played the Caped Crusader in the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns. Has appeared in a variety of films ranging from dramas and romantic comedies to thriller and action films as well as providing voice overs in several Pixar animated hits. Critically praised for his lead performance in Birdman (2014) earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actor and nominations for a Screen Actors Guild Award, British Academy Film Award and Academy Award for Best Actor.
Played piano professionally from a very early age. Known throughout Pittsburgh as "the little piano girl," was often heard at private parties including those of the Mellons and the Olivers, well before she was ten years old. Was exposed to some of the greats, taken by her family to the theater to hear and see musicians at work.
In 1925, joined a group led by John Williams, whom she married. In 1930 became a regular member of Andy Kirk's band, of which John too was a member. The fame of Kirk's band in the 1930s was due largely to her distinctive arrangements, compositions, and solo performances on piano. Later rovided noteworthy swing-band scores for Benny Goodman, Earl Hines, Tommy Dorsey, and others. A swinging, percussive player, she was a major force in the development of Kansas City swing and the bebop revolution. Achieved and maintained unwavering respect from her male colleagues and treatment as a musical equal.
An Impressionist painter best known for mother and child compositions and also for color prints, based on Japanese woodblock techniques and that combined drypoint, etching, and aquatint. Was recognized by the turn of the century as one of the preeminent painters both the U.S. and France, which became her permanent home. Most of her life was spent in France, where she was greatly influenced by great French contemporaries, particularly Manet and Degas, whose friendship and esteem she enjoyed.
Historical Marker commemorating Mary Cassatt located at Allegheny and Ridge Avenues, North Side, Pittsburgh.
Born in Pittsburgh, family moved to California in 1908 where she saw a performance of Ruth Saint-Denis that inspired her to become a dancer. Would later study at Saint-Denis' dance school. In 1926, took a teaching job at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and gave her first recital at the 48th Street Theatre in New York City. A year later, opened her own school, the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. In 1936, established the school of modern dance at Bennington College. Was invited to perform at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, but declined.
Gave her first performance at the White House for the Roosevelts in 1937 and would dance for seven other presidents. Most notable and probably longest lasting work was Appalachian Spring, choreographed in 1944. Didn't stop dancing until 1970, when she was 76 years old. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1976, and in 1984 was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government. Continued writing ballets until her death in 1991.