Elvis Presley (1935-1977) A singing phenomenon from the 1950s until his death, Presley made rock-and-roll music popular. He is one of the best-selling recording artists in history. Characterized by a “duck tail” hairdo and a passionate, distinctive singing style, Presley led a troubled, drug-fi lled life. President Jimmy Carter paid tribute after his death by saying, “His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture.”

 

 

Superman (1938- ) “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman!” The greatest comic book superhero, conceived by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, made his first appearance in 1938 in Action Comics #1. His exploits have entertained millions worldwide on radio, TV, movies, and video games. Everyone is familiar with the story of the Man of Steel and his alter ego, Clark Kent. Superman’s powers are dependably at the service of “truth, justice, and the American way” against the forces of evil.

 

 

Muhammad Ali (1942- ) Ali defeated Sonny Liston in 1964 to become heavyweight boxing champion of the world. By the time he retired as a boxer in 1981, the speed of his dancing footwork had revolutionized the sport. But Ali is better known to the world as an outspoken fi gure of political convictions. While champion, he converted to Islam. In 1967, at the height of the Vietnam War, he refused induction into the U.S. Army and was prosecuted and stripped of his title. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled that he had a right on religious grounds to refuse the draft.