One of the major American architectural minds of the twentieth century, Philip Johnson has played an enormous role in both understanding and creating the urban skylines of the country.
When Katherine Anne Porter left her home state of Texas for New York, she brought with her the hard edge of a Western pioneer. Passionate and intelligent, it was this edge more than anything that made her name as a writer.
Charlie Chaplin was one of the greatest and widely loved silent movie stars. From "Easy Street" (1917) to "Modern Times" (1936), he made many of the funniest and most popular films of his time.
Considered by many to be the greatest jazz vocalist of all time, Billie Holiday lived a tempestuous and difficult life. Her singing expressed an incredible depth of emotion that spoke of hard times and injustice as well as triumph.
The Metropolitan Opera has gone through a Renaissance under the direction of James Levine. Known internationally for his virtuoso piano playing, the breadth and depth of his conducting abilities, and his unceasing enthusiasm for opera.
Aaron Copland was one of the most respected American classical composers of the 20th century. By incorporating popular forms of American music such as jazz and folk into his compositions, he created pieces both exceptional and innovative.
Thomas Eakins died in 1916; he left behind a body of work unprecedented in American art. It was only after his death that a new generation of scholars and critics recognized Eakins was one of America's great painters.
Among the great American artists of the 20th-century, Georgia O'Keeffe's representations of the beauty of the American landscape were a brave counterpoint to the chaotic images embraced by the art world.
Eugene O'Neill was one of the greatest playwrights in American history. Through his experimental and emotionally probing dramas, he addressed the difficulties of human society with a deep psychological complexity.
