March 25

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Elton John became one of the best-selling musicians in history with a career spanning more than five decades. His theatrical performances, flamboyant stage personas, and collaborations with lyricist Bernie Taupin produced enduring classics like "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," and "Crocodile Rock." He was knighted in 1998.

Aretha Franklin's commanding voice and gospel-rooted style made her one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Her 1967 recording of "Respect" became an anthem for both the civil rights and feminist movements. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Hungarian composer Béla Bartók transformed 20th-century classical music by systematically collecting and incorporating Eastern European folk music into his compositions. His string quartets, piano concertos, and the ballet "The Miraculous Mandarin" are cornerstones of the modern repertoire.

Gloria Steinem became the defining voice of second-wave feminism in America, co-founding Ms. magazine in 1972 and spending decades advocating for women's rights and equality. Her investigative work and public organizing helped shift public opinion on gender equality in profound and lasting ways.

Flannery O'Connor wrote fiercely original Southern Gothic fiction suffused with dark humor and religious grace. Her two novels and numerous short stories, including "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," remain among the most studied works of American literature despite her death at just 39.

Agronomist Norman Borlaug developed high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties and pioneered the techniques of the Green Revolution, which dramatically increased crop production and is credited with saving more than a billion people from starvation. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.