Famous People from Arkansas
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Several famous and well-known people have roots in Arkansas. The following list highlights some of the country's most prominent people who were either born in the state or lived here at some time in their lives. The Arkansans below are listed in alphabetical order and in the area in which they are known:
Arts & Entertainment;
Authors & Journalists;
Sports;
History;
Politics;
Business Leaders; and
Architecture.
Famous Arkansas People - Arts & Entertainment
Joey Lauren Adams (b. 1971) - Actress born in Little Rock, raised in North Little Rock. Roles include, Bud Bundy's girlfriend in "Married...with Children," "Chasing Amy," "Coneheads," "Second Noah," "Mallrats," "Hercules."
Julie Adams (b. 1926) - Actress raised in Little Rock who had a recurring role in the "Murder, She Wrote" television series. She also appeared in several movies, including "Bright Victory," "Bend in the River" and "The Creature from the Black Lagoon," "The Dalton Gang," "Red Hot and Blue." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Gilbert Maxwell "Bronco Billy" Anderson (1880 - 1971) - Born in Little Rock, Max Aronson grew up in Pine Bluff before moving to New York to appear in the first western movie production, "The Great Train Robbery" in 1903. He changed his professional name before starring in over 400 "Bronco Billy" movies. Later, Anderson directed and produced movies in studios in Chicago and California. He is credited with developing many of the camera techniques that are still used today. He was awarded a special Oscar in 1958 for his contributions to the industry. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Catherine Tharp Altvater (1907-1984) - Watercolorist who was born in Arkansas. Her work hangs in numerous museums, including the Museum of Modern Art. She was the first woman to hold an office in the American Watercolor Society. After retiring she returned to Scott where she lived for 10 years.
Lisa Blount (b. 1959) - This Fayetteville native is an actress/producer; winner, along with her husband, of the 2002 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film -- "The Accountant." She has appeared in such films as "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Nightflyers," and "Great Balls of Fire."
Frank Bonner (b. 1942) - Director and actor from Arkansas who was born in Little Rock and raised in Malvern. He achieved fame as sales manager Herb Tarlek in the television series "WKRP in Cincinnati" which aired from 1978 to 1982. He also appeared in "The New WKRP in Cincinnati" (1991), "Just the Ten of Us" (1988) and "The Facts of Life Goes to Paris" (1982). He also had guest appearances on "Night Court" (1984) and "Newhart" (1982).
Gretha Boston (b. 1959) - This Crossett native received a Tony Award for her role of Queenie in the 1994 revival of the Broadway musical "Showboat." The mezzo-soprano soloed on several songs in the musical.
Beth Brickell (b. 1941) - Actress and director who portrayed Dennis Weaver's wife in the 1967-69 CBS television series, and guest starred on many TV series such as "Gunsmoke," "Hawaii 5-0" and "Bonanza," TV movies including "Brock's Last Case" with Richard Widmark, and feature films including "Posse" with Kirk Douglas. Graduating from the American Film Institute in 1978, she stopped acting to become a writer, producer and director. Three of her TV movies are set in Arkansas, "A Rainy Day," "Summer's End," and "Mr. Christmas," and have won 25 film festival and television awards. She was born in Brinkley, raised in Pine Bluff and Camden, and now divides her time between Little Rock and Los Angeles. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame and the Southwest Theater and Film Hall of Fame.
James Bridges (1936 - 1993) - Oscar-nominated filmmaker who directed such films as "The Appaloosa" (1966), "The Paper Chase" (1973), "The China Syndrome" (1979), "Urban Cowboy" (1980) and "Perfect" (1985). His movie "September 10, 1955" (1978) explored a college student's reaction to the death of James Dean and was filmed in Conway. Bridges was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Elton Britt (1913-1972) - Marshall was the home of the first country and western single record million-seller. Britt's single "There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" sold over a million copies in 1942 during World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt even invited Britt -- billed as "the World's Highest Yodeler" -- to the White House in 1942 to perform the hit. He recorded over 56 albums for RCA, as well as appearing in several movies. By the time the charts came into existence in 1944, Britt had peaked. He did hit the Country Top Ten 11 times during the last half of the '40s, but never topped the charts.
Jim Ed Brown (b. 1934) & The Browns - Born in Sparkman, this country singer's hits include "I Heard from a Memory," "Regular on My Mind," and "Pop-a-Top." He originally performed with his sisters, Maxine and Bonnie, to form The Browns. Some of their hits include "Scarlet Ribbons," "The Old Lamplighter," and "The Three Bells." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Chester Arthur "Howlin' Wolf" Burnett (1910-1975) - A native of Mississippi, Howlin Wolf became an Arkansan in 1948 when he moved to West Memphis where he formed a band that included harmonica players James Cotton and Junior Parker and guitarists Pat Hare, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, and Willie Johnson. He also earned a spot on radio station KWEM, playing blues and endorsing farm gear. According to his biography, Burnett has probably had more impact worldwide than the 19th-century American president after whom he was named. With a musical influence that extends from the rockabilly singers of the 1950s and the classic rock stars of the 1960s to the grunge groups of the 1990s, plus a legion of imitators to rival Elvis, he was one of the greatest and most influential blues singers ever. Wolf was inducted into the Blues Foundations Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Bob Burns (1890 - 1956) - Born and originally named Robin Burn in Greenwood, Arkansas, Burns was reared in Van Buren. At age 15, the crafty entertainer made a musical instrument called a "bazooka" and started a comical career that took him to New York nightclubs during the 1920s. After vaudeville declined in the early 1930s, Burns landed a spot on Bing Crosby's radio show on NBC. Soon the comic musician had his own national radio show and was also landing roles in movies. As in World War I, Burns worked in USO shows during World War II. He retired from show business in 1947 and spent his remaining years on a 500-acre farm in California. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Sarah Caldwell (b. 1924) - A renowned opera conductor who was raised in Fayetteville. Considered a child prodigy in music and mathematics, she was giving violin recitals before age 10 and graduated from Fayetteville High School at the age of 14. She founded the Opera Company of Boston and brought it to national prominence, and in 1976 she became the first woman to conduct at New York's Metropolitan Opera. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Glen Campbell (b. 1936) - A native of Delight in Pike County, the famous pop/country singer and songwriter hosted his own TV variety shows, "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" (1969) and "The Glen Campbell Music Show" (1982). His hit recordings include: "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman," "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Gentle on My Mind." He appeared in the movies "True Grit" (1969), "Any Which Way You Can" (1980), "Uphill All the Way" (1985) and "Family Prayers" (1993). Campbell now headlines concerts throughout North America and the British Isles. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Johnny Cash (1932-2003) - This "Man in Black" was born to a Kingsland, Arkansas, sharecropper on Feb. 26, 1932. His first big hit was "Folsom Prison Blues" which rose to the Top Five in country singles in 1956. "I Walk the Line" became Cash's first No. 1 hit. In 1957, he made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, and by 1958, he'd published 50 songs, sold more than six million records and moved to the Columbia label. Some of his other well-known recordings include "A Boy Named Sue," "Orange Blossom Special," "Ring of Fire" and "Jackson," which he recorded with his wife June Carter Cash. He starred in "The Johnny Cash Show" (ABC, 1969-71) and "Johnny Cash and Friends" (CBS, 1976). He also appeared in the movie "Gunfight" (1970), the television miniseries "North and South" (1985), and made guest appearances on various television shows. His 11 Grammys include a Lifetime Achievement Award and the 1998 Grammy for Country Album of the Year for "Unchained." Cash has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1980), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1992) and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame (1996).
Floyd Cramer (1933 - 1997) - Reared at Huttig (Union County), Cramer developed a unique "lonesome" piano style that launched him onto the Grand Ole Opry and several hit recordings during the 1960s. "Last Date" and "Alley Cat" were top piano solos for Cramer and he later expanded his range to include light jazz and pop music. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Gail Davis (1925 - 1997) Born in Little Rock on October 5, Gail Davis was known to millions as televisions Annie Oakley in the 1950s. The series ran on ABC from 1955 through 1958 and was seen in reruns well into the 1960s. It was the first western to star a woman. The show was created for Davis by "singing cowboy" Gene Autry, who she had previously appeared with in several westerns. After the series ended Davis continued to make personal appearances with Autry. She also appeared in TV specials, including "Wide, Wide World: The Western," in 1958, a "Bob Hope Special" in 1959 and "The Andy Griffith Show: The Perfect Female," in 1961.
Jimmy Driftwood (1907 - 1998) - Noted folk singer and songwriter who was born on a farm near Mtn. View. While serving as superintendent at Snowball, he wrote his big hit "The Battle of New Orleans." He is also known for another composition, "The Tennessee Stud." Today, Jimmy Driftwood's Barn in Mountain View is the setting for performances by the Rackensack Folklore Society. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Ronnie Dunn (b. 1953) - El Dorado native who is a member of the award winning country music duo Brooks and Dunn. Their recording hits include: "Maria," "Boot Scootin Boogie" and "Hard Working Man." Brooks and Dunn received the 1996 CMA Entertainers of the Year award. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Melvin Endsley (1934 - 2004) - A native of Drasco, Endsley is a prolific country music songwriter. His hits have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Marty Robins, Andy Williams, Paul McCartney and Ricky Skaggs. His most famous song, "Singing the Blues" was a major hit for both Guy Mitchell and Marty Robins. The song is credited with making Robins a star. Other hits by Endsley include "I Just Ain't Fool Enough," "I Like Your Kind of Love," and "Why I'm Walking." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Randy Goodrum (b. 1947) - Grammy-award winner who is considered to be one of the best adult contemporary music songwriters and producers, Goodrum has penned hits in all areas of music - pop, rock, a/c, r&b and country; born in Hot Springs. Some of his best-known hits Include "You Needed Me," "Foolish Heart," "Oh Sherrie," and "Bluer Than Blue." Member Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Norris Goff (1906 - 1978) - This Cove native created, with Chester Lauck, the enormously popular 1940s radio show "Lum 'n Abner" and subsequent movies. The setting for the program was the mythical Pine Ridge, Arkansas, and its Jot-em-Down general store. Working in his father's store while growing up made his role as grocer "Abner Peabody" a natural. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Al Green (b. 1946) - This singer and Grammy Award winner for Best Soul Gospel Performer was born in Forrest City. His hits include "Tired of Being Alone" and "Let's Stay Together." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Tess Harper (b. 1950) - This 1987 Academy Award-nominated actress for "Crimes of the Heart" (1996) was born in Mammoth Spring. Her other roles include "Tender Mercies," (1983) "Silkwood" (1983) and the television series "Christy" (1994) and the miniseries "Chiefs" (1984) and "Celebrity" (1983).
Levon Helm (b. 1943) - This Marvell native was a drummer and vocalist in the Canadian group, The Band. Best known for the hit song, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." He has also played supporting roles in films such as "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980), "The Right Stuff" (1983), and "End of the Line." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Barbara Hendricks (b. 1948) - Opera star born in Stephens and received her musical training and her Bachelor of Music at the Juilliard School of Music in New York where she studied with mezzo-soprano Jennie Tourel. She made her American and European operatic debuts in 1974 at the San Francisco Opera and at the Glyndebourne Festival and went on to appear at all major opera houses throughout the world, including the Paris Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden and La Scala. Since her 1974 New York Town Hall debut, Barbara Hendricks has been acclaimed as one of the leading and most active recitalists of her generation. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Al Hibbler (1915-2001) - Born August 16 in Little Rock. Al was a very popular baritone singer in the 40s and 50s who rose to fame with the Duke Ellington band. His deep tone, distinctive phrasing and inflections were readily identifiable. Blind since birth, Hibbler studied voice at the Conservatory for the Blind in Little Rock. He sang with local bands in Arkansas and Texas and in 1942 hooked up with Jay McShann's band. His principal period of development was with Ellington from 1943 to 1951. One of the most important singers Ellington ever showcased, Hibbler appeared on a range of Ellington standards including "Do Nothin' 'Til You Hear from Me," "Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues," "Don't Be So Mean to My Baby" and "I'm Just a Lucky So-And-So." Hibbler left Ellington for a career as a single artist and in 1955 recorded the hit "Unchained Melody." His other hits include "After the Lights Go Down Low," "He" and "11th Hour Melody."
Wayland Holyfield (b. 1942) - Holyfield is from Little Rock and is a songwriter for many Nashville recording artists, such as Don Williams and Waylon Jennings. He wrote the song "Arkansas, You Run Deep in Me." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Scott Joplin (1868 - 1917) - Composer from Texarkana who is noted for his ragtime music. Billed as the "King of Ragtime," he wrote "The Entertainer" in 1902 which was later revived in the score of "The Sting" (1973).
Louis Jordan (1908 - 1975) - Born at Brinkley, he studied music with his father and made his first professional appearance at Hot Springs's Green Gables Club at age 15. During the 1930's Jordan worked with well-known bands from Philadelphia to New York and toured with Ella Fitzgerald. He penned such favorites as "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie," "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby," "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," and "Saturday Night Fish Fry." Jordan also appeared in several movies that featured his music and toured Europe and Asia during the 1960s. He died in Los Angeles and is buried in St. Louis. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Albert King (1923-1992) - Born Albert Nelson on April 25 in Indianola, Mississippi. One of 13 children, King grew up picking cotton on plantations near Osceola, Arkansas, where the family moved in 1931. His first introduction to music was singing in church and listening to his father, Will Nelson, play guitar. Another early influence came from the family's records where he spent hours trying to copy the sounds of Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lonnie Johnson on his homemade cigar box guitars and one-string diddley-bows. King obtained his first real guitar in 1942. He was fascinated by the playing of the Blues musicians that frequented nearby West Memphis, Arkansas, most notably the works of Robert Nighthawk and Elmore James. He is considered one of the most influential blues guitarists ever and was the first blues guitarist to perform with a symphony (1969). In 1983, he was inducted into both the W.C. Handy International Blues Awards Hall of Fame and the Blues Foundation Hall of fame.
Alan Ladd (1913 - 1964) - An actor from Arkansas - born in Hot Springs and raised in California, he worked in a variety of jobs before landing bit parts in films and theatrical productions. His big break came when he was cast as the psychotic paid killer, Philip Raven, in "This Gun for Hire" (1942). With a career consisting primarily of westerns and adventure films, he is perhaps best known as the mysterious stranger in "Shane" (1954). He appeared in 150 films. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Chester Lauck (1902 - 1980) - Creator, along with Norris Goff, of the radio comedy team of "Lum and Abner." He was born in Alleene but grew up with Goff in Mena. Their crackerbarrel humor was popular in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s in both radio and the movies. Lauck played the character, Lum. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Tracy Lawrence (b. 1968) - Native of Foreman who is a country music recording artist. His hits include "Alibis," "Sticks and Stones," "If the Good Die Young" and "Outlaws, Rebels and Rogues," from the movie "Maverick." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Laurence Luckinbill (b. 1934) - Stage, screen and television actor from Arkansas who was born in Fort Smith He is married to Luci Arnaz, with whom he tours in roadshow productions. He starred in the movies "The Boys in the Band," (1970), "The Promise" (1979) and "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier"; the Broadway musical "The Fantasticks;" and the TV series "The Delphi Bureau" (1972) "The Secret Storm" (1954).
Skeets McDonald (1915-1968) - Born on a farm in Greenway (near Rector), McDonald was a noted singer-songwriter. Best-known for his self-penned chart-topper "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes," McDonald was a honky-tonk singer and songwriter whose work helped serve to bridge the gap between country and rock and roll. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Patsy Montana (Rubye Blevins) (1914 - 1996) - This Hot Springs native who grew up in Hope was known as the "Queen of Country Western Music." She was one of the first country singers to successfully cultivate a cowgirl image. Her 1935 recording "I Want To Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart," which included a virtuoso yodeling piece, was the first big hit by a female country singer, making her the first female country singer to have a single sell more than one million copies. She wrote over 200 songs during her career. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996, shortly following her death. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
George Newbern (b. 1964) - This Little Rock native had a recurring role in the television series "Designing Women" and starred in the series, "The Boys are Back." He also appeared in the movies "Adventures in Babysitting" and the new versions of "Father of the Bride," parts one and two. Currently appearing on the television series, "Providence."
Walter Norris (b. 1931) - Little Rock native; began classical piano studies began at age four and a half; worked professionally (1944-1950) with Howard William's 19 piece band in Little Rock; also in '49 with Bitsy Mullin's tentet. His trio had a nine month stay at the El Morocco in Las Vegas before moving on to Los Angeles where he worked in the quartets of Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Teddy Edwards, Zoot Sims, Buddy DeFranco, Herb Geller and Charlie Ventura. In addition to becoming a Steinway Artist in `95, he was selected for Arkansas` "Hall Of Fame" by the Jazz Heritage Foundation. In August `98, he formed Sunburst Recordings, Inc. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
K.T. Oslin (b. 1942) - Born in Crossett as Kay Toinette Oslin. In 1988, K.T. won a Grammy, an Academy of Country Music (ACM) award, and a Country Music Association (CMA) award for "80s Ladies." K.T. was the first Female Artist to win "Songwriter of the Year." She also won the CMA's "Female Vocalist of the Year" beating out Reba McIntyre, who had won it the previous four years. Later in 1988, K.T. released her second album "This Woman" which went platinum. She had another major hit off it entitled "Hold Me." She won a Grammy and CMA award for that song also. "This Woman" won the ACM Album of the year. K.T. is currently writing songs and taking it easy at home in Nashville. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Freeman Harrison Owens (1890-1979) - Born in Pine Bluff, Freeman Owens served in World War I as a combat cameraman. He changed the movie making business forever when he perfected the process of putting sound on film and later advanced cinematography technology when he designed and developed cameras and lenses used by Eastman-Kodak Company. Owens was 89 years old when he passed away in Pine Bluff. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame. More information.
Twila Paris (unknown) - Award-winning gospel singer, composer and author, Paris currently resides in Fayetteville. She is known as today's "modern-day hymn writer" and has had 22 number one hits. Some of hits include "Where I Stand," "A Heart That Knows You," "God is in Control," and "The Time is Now." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Art Porter, Jr (1961-1996) - Legendary saxophonist born and raised in Little Rock. Although Art is best known for his saxophone playing, he originally played the drums in his father's jazz trio at age 9. Growing up in the Porter household in Little Rock, he was exposed to the sounds of Coltrane, Bird, and Gene Ammons. After receiving his degree in music education, Art began his journey as a professional musician, playing with Jack McDuff, Pharoah Sanders, Gene Chandler, and serving as musical director for the vocal R & B group, After 7. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Art Porter, Sr (1934 - 1993) - Legendary jazz pianist born in Little Rock; Porter, the Arkansas Jazz Statesman, never officially worked as a touring musician, choosing instead to perform, teach, contribute to his church as well as to other charitable causes in his hometown and state. There were two exceptions: In 1977 at FESTAC 77 (the World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture) and at jazz festivals in Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands during a 1991 European Tour with his son, saxophonist Art Porter, Jr. Porter has appeared on stage with Pharoah Sanders, Steve Allen, O. C. Smith, James Leary, Al Hibbler and many others. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Dick Powell (1904 - 1963) - Director, producer and actor from Arkansas, born in Mountain View. . A former band vocalist and emcee, he played the male lead in a number of musicals in the 1930s, often opposite Ruby Keeler and Joan Blondell. He then made a successful transition from the boyish crooner to more serious roles as the hardboiled detective in thrillers of the 1940s. In the early 1950s, he became president of the successful Four Star television production company. Movies included: "42nd Street," (1933) "A Midsummer Night's Dream," (1935) "Murder My Sweet" (1944) and "The Bad and Beautiful" (1952). His television series include "Four Star Playhouse" (1952) and "The Dick Powell Show" (1961). Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Florence Beatrice Price (1888-1953) - This Little Rock native is considered to be the first African-American woman symphonic composer in the United States. By the age of 11, her compositions were being published. Her parents, both artistic, carefully guided her early musical training, and at age fourteen, she enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music with a major in piano and organ. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Frederick Stock, premiered her Symphony In E Minor on June 15, 1933. Price wrote other extended works for orchestra, chamber works, art songs, works for violin, organ anthems, piano pieces, and spiritual arrangements. Some of her more popular works are: "Three Little Negro Dances," "Songs to a Dark Virgin," "My Soul's Been Anchored in de Lord," and "Moon Bridge."
Collin Raye (b. 1960 as Floyd Collin Wray) - Country-music singer who was born and raised in DeQueen. His hits include "Love, Me" and "Little Rock."
Charlie Rich (1932 - 1995) - Born in the Colt community, between Wynne and Forrest City, Arkansas, Rich got his start at Sun Records in Memphis and penned many songs for other artists before recording his first hit, "Behind Closed Doors" in 1973. Other hits like "The Most Beautiful Girl" followed, and Rich was named the CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1974. His nickname was "the Silver Fox." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Pharoah Sanders (b. 1940) - Pharoah Sanders, originally Farrell Sanders, was born and raised in Little Rock, He became well-known in the local jazz scene in Oakland, California, in the early 1960s. In the middle of the decade he moved to New York, where he worked with Sun Ra and other luminaries of the new jazz avant garde. He was asked by John Coltrane to join his group in 1965, and so became a part of Coltrane's most experimental unit. After Coltrane's death in 1967 he continued in musical collaboration with Coltrane's second wife, Alice. Sanders is known for a distinctive sound, including a split reed technique. While primarily playing the tenor sax, he has also recorded playing the soprano sax, flutes, and percussion.His most well-known work is "The Creator Has a Master Plan." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Mary Steenburgen (b. 1953) - This Academy Award-winning actress from North Little Rock was discovered by Jack Nicholson. She has starred in "Ragtime" (1981), Woody Allen's "A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy" (1982), "Parenthood" (1989), "Back to the Future III" (1990), "The Butcher's Wife" (1991) and many other movies. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in "Melvin and Howard" in 1981. She produced and starred in "The End of the Line" (1987), a movie filmed in Arkansas. Steenburgen also starred, along with her husband, actor Ted Danson, in the television miniseries, "Gulliver's Travels" (1996) and the television series, "Ink" (1997). She last appeared in the television show "Joan of Arcadia." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Steve Stephens (b. 1932) - Stephens began his television career at the dawn of the rock-and-roll era, appearing on Little Rock television station Channel 11 in various shows. His dance party, called "Steve's Show" was an instant success and helped launch the careers of such performers as Conway Twitty, Charlie Rich, Johnny Cash, songwriter Melvin Endsley, Brenda Lee, Fabian, Tommy Sands and Carl Perkins. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
William Grant Still (1895 - 1978) - This Little Rock native was a violinist and composer of ballets, symphonies, operas, and other musical works. He began his musical career with W.C. Handy at Memphis, then later worked with Earl Carroll, Artie Shaw, and Paul Whiteman. His compositions were the first works by an African-American composer to be performed by major orchestras, earning him the title, "Dean of Afro-American Composers." Still would continue to add to his list of firsts, being the first African American to conduct a major symphony orchestra (the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl), the first African American to have an opera (Troubled Island) performed by a major opera company (1949), and the first to have an opera (A Bayou Legend) performed on national television (1981). He is still regarded as America's greatest African-American composer. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
John Michael Talbot (unknown) - Former rock star in the late 1960s with Mason Proffit who pioneered the Country Rock that became the mainstay of modern Country Music. Now a moving force in Christian music, Talbot leads the monastic-style Little Portion, a Roman Catholic community a few miles east of Eureka Springs. Catholic music's number one recording artist with sales of around four million records worldwide. John Michael's numerous awards include nine Dove award nominations, a Dove Award for the album "Light Eternal," and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) President's Merit Award for "Song of the Poor."
Harry Thomason (b. 1940) - Former Little Rock high school speech teacher and football coach who is now one of the hottest producers in Hollywood. His hits include "The Blue & The Gray" mini-series, "Designing Women," "Evening Shade," and "Hearts Afire." He was born and raised in Hampton. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Billy Bob Thornton (b. 1955) - A native of Hot Springs, Thornton was featured on the television series "Hearts Affire." He directed and starred in "Slingblade" a movie he filmed in Malvern. He received two Oscar nominations for the film, one for Best Actor and one for Best Screenplay, which he won. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1999 for "A Simple Plan." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Conway Twitty (1933 - 1993) - Known as the "High Priest of Country Music," this Country Music Hall of Famer was born and raised in Helena. He was born as Harold Jenkins and later chose his stage name from Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas. He also considered "Bald Knob" as a stage name. Twitty's No. 1 hits include: "Hello, Darling," "It's Only Make Believe" and "Tight Fitting Jeans." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
T. Texas Tyler (1916 - 1972) - Born David Luke Myrick near Mena, Tyler initiated a style of country/western music that set a pattern for singers throughout three decades. His first recording hit was "Deck of Cards" in 1948 and Tyler had his own Los Angeles television show in 1950. He appeared often on the "Grand Ole Opry," "Louisiana Hayride" and also performed in Carnegie Hall.
Jerry Van Dyke (b. 1931) - This comedian starred as Luther in the ABC hit television series "Coach" and also starred in the 60s television series "My Mother the Car." Jerry, who is the brother of actor Dick Van Dyke, owns a home between Benton and Malvern. He has opened an old-fashioned soda fountain in downtown Benton. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
William Warfield (1920 - 2002) - A native of West Helena, Warfield is a Grammy-award winning baritone. He is known for such career-making roles as Joe in the film "Showboat" where he sings the memorable "Ol' Man River," and the role of Porgy in "Porgy and Bess." Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Sonny Boy Williamson (1912 - 1965) - Born in Mississippi to Millie and James Miller, Williamson's given name may have been Aleck Miller. He taught himself the harmonica and was performing at church events by age six. Leaving home at a young age, the blues artist roamed the southern states working at odd jobs and playing music. In 1941, Williamson began playing on the "King Biscuit" radio show in Helena, Arkansas and became the most popular act on the program. His first recordings did not appear until 1951 when "Mighty Long Time" and "Nine Below Zero" (among others) were released. During the 1950s, Williamson played in St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and other northern cities, followed by successful tours through Europe in the early 1960s. He returned to Helena, and died there a few hours prior to a scheduled radio performance on May 25, 1965. He is buried in Tutwiler, Mississippi.
Mark Wright (b. 1957) - A Fayetteville native, he started his career by leaving a lucrative job singing jingles to take a $150-a-week songwriting gig. RCA made the 25-year-old Belmont graduate the then-youngest executive at a major label. That confidence saw Wright co-produce Clint Black's "Killin' Time," the 1989 record that spawned five number ones. Wright now has to his credit more than 26 million units in sales and over 40 number one singles that he's written, published or produced. As songwriter, he's had 12 BMI Awards - seven of them Million-Airs - including Mark Chesnutt's "Goin' Through The Big D," Oak Ridge Boys' "Lucky Moon," and "Today My World Slipped Away," cut by both George Strait and Vern Gosdin. His latest accomplishment is an Album of the Year Grammy for Lee Ann Womack's dazzling "I Hope You Dance," which has already earned him 2000 CMA Single of the Year honors. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Famous People from Arkansas - Authors & Journalists
Maya Angelou (b. 1928) - African-American poet, actress, and singer who was raised in Stamps. She was a National Book Award nominee for her autobiographical I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), a Pulitzer Prize nominee for "Just Give Me a Drink of Water Fore I Diiie (1972)" and a Tony Award winner for her performance in "Look Away." She also received an Emmy nomination for her role in the television miniseries "Roots" (1977). She was the second poet in the country to be selected to present an inauguration poem; reading "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Clinton's inauguration in 1993.
Harry Scott Ashmore (1916 - 1998) - Editor and author from Arkansas who won a 1958 Pulitzer Prize for his editorial coverage in the Arkansas Gazette of the 1957 Little Rock Central High crisis. He also wrote several books, including Hearts & Minds.
Dee Alexander Brown (1908-2002) - Historian & author of million-seller Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (1971), which has been translated into more than 20 languages. Brown moved from Louisiana to Stephens, in Ouachita County, at age 5. He graduated from the Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, and was, for many years, a librarian and full professor at the University of Illinois. Among his score of books is American Spa, a history of Hot Springs. Since retiring in 1972, Brown again calls Arkansas home. Since retiring in 1972, Brown again called Arkansas home until his death..
Helen Gurley Brown (b. 1922) - Born in Green Forest and raised in Little Rock, this former ad copywriter hit it big in 1962 with her bestselling book Sex and the Single Girl. After becoming editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan in 1966, she transformed the failing magazine into the sleek, successful "bible of the unmarried woman" who became known as the "Cosmo Girl." Her latest book is Having It All (1982). She is married to David Brown, who co-produced of "Jaws."
John Gould Fletcher (1886 - 1950) - Born in Little Rock, he was the first Southern poet to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry in 1939 for Selected Poems. In the 1930s he was considered a literary peer of Pound and Eliot. He was also a respected critic and prose writer.
Ellen Gilchrist (b. 1935) - Noted author from Fayetteville, Arkansas. She did her postgraduate work at the University of Arkansas and worked as a freelance writer, journalist and commentator. Her books include The Land Surveyor's Daughter (1979), In the Land of Dreamy Dreams (1981), Victory over Japan (1984) and Falling Through Space (1987).
Fred Graham (b. 1931) - This Little Rock native served as a CBS News law correspondent from 1972-1985 and won three Emmy Awards for coverage of Watergate and the Agnew scandal. He also received a Peabody Award. Author of two books: The Self-Inflicted Wound, a study of the Supreme Court and The Alias Program, an expose of the Justice Department. This Little Rock native graduated from Yale and earned law degrees from Vanderbilt and Oxford.
John Grisham (b. 1955) - Lawyer and best-selling author from Arkansas, who wrote such books as "A Time to Kill," "The Rainmaker," "The Firm," "The Pelican Brief," "The Client" and "The Chamber," all of which have been successfully translated into movies. Grisham was born in Jonesboro and has lived in various towns throughout Northeast Arkansas. Member of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Joan Hess (b. 1949) - This best-selling Fayetteville mystery writer has been on the covers of Mystery Scene Magazine and The American Armchair Detective. At one time, CBS offered her a contract to base a television series on her novel Malice in Maggody.
Charles Portis (b. 1933) - A native of El Dorado, Portis graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He wrote for several major newspapers before becoming a novelist. He is perhaps best known for his 1968 novel True Grit, a portrayal of Arkansas culture in the late 1870s. The novel sold to Paramount for $300,000. In the 1969 movie version, John Wayne won an Oscar for his performance in the role of Rooster Cogburn.
Vance Randolph (1892-1980) - Kansas-born, folklorist Randolph led the way in preserving the traditions and lore of the Ozarks. Starting in 1927, Randolph authored his first "Journal of American Folklore" article and launched a lifelong study of mountain folk life. Throughout much of his life, Randolph supported himself with articles on timely subjects because his beloved folklore books did not pay well. During the 1950s Randolph authored a series of folk books, starting with "We Always Lie to Strangers," which finally brought recognition to the writer and assured him a place in history. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1951 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and was the second president of the Arkansas Folklore Society when it was established in 1950.
Famous Arkansas People - Sports
Hubert Eugene "Geese" Ausbie (unknown) - He played college basketball at Philander Smith College in Little Rock where he earned All-Conference and All-American honors. He later gained fame as a member of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. During his 24 years with the Globetrotters, he earned the moniker "Clown Prince of Basketball" for his dazzling playing and his irrepressible pranks on the court. He received a Globetrotters Legends ring, a recognition given to only a few elite former players. He retired from the team in 1985, but returned in 1995 to become the head coach/manager of basketball operations for the Globetrotters. He makes his home in Little Rock.
Lou Brock (b. 1939) - This El Dorado native is considered the greatest base stealer of his era. After three seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Brock joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 and fueled their World Series victory. During his 19-year career, the outfielder stole an unprecedented 938 bases, a record that stood until 1991. Brock earned the Roberto Clemente and the Jackie Robinson Awards, among others. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1985.
Paul "Bear" Bryant (1913 - 1983) - Born in Moro Bottom and raised in Fordyce, Bryant picked up his nickname when, as a youth, he wrestled a bear at the Fordyce Theater. He was the head coach of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide from 1958-1983 and is the second-most winningest college football coach with 323 victories and six national championships. Five weeks after retiring as head coach, he died of a heart attack.
William "Bill" Carr (1909 - 1966) - Bill Carr ran only three open 400-meter races in his life. He beat the world record holder and bettered the listed record each time. He won the gold medal in the 400 meters and ran the anchor leg on the 1,600-meter relay team that set a new world record and won the gold medal at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Pine Bluff native achieved all of this during his only full season of varsity competition while at the University of Pennsylvania.
Mike Conley (unknown) - Noted triple-jumper whose best is 59-7, when he won the Olympic golf medal in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. He attended the University of Arkansas where he was a nine-time NCAA champion and served as an assistant coach to head coach John McDonnell. Conley currently holds the title of Director of Elite Athlete Services at the USA Track & Field headquarters in Indianapolis.
John Daly (b. 1966) - Professional golfer from Dardanelle who became an overnight celebrity by winning the 1991 PGA Championship. He played golf at Dardanelle High School and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before joining the professional circuit. In 1995, he won the British Open. He has also won three additional PGA championships, including the 2004 Buick Invitational. He is best known for being one of the tour's longest hitters.
Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean (aka Jerome Herman Dean) (1911 - 1974) - Born in Lucas, this Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher won 150 games, mostly for the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the Gas House Gang. In 1934 he won 30 games, a record that went unbroken for 34 years. He was a hero and role model for many poor, rural Arkansas youngsters during the Depression. He later became a popular sportscaster and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.
William Malcolm "Bill" Dickey (1907 - 1993) - This Baseball Hall of Fame member was a catcher for the New York Yankees from 1928-1946. In 1936 Dickey set a major league record which still stands for batting average by a catcher when he hit .362. He drove in 133 runs in 1937, a mark that still has not been surpassed by an American League catcher. He later served as the Yankees manager, coach and scout. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1954.
Jerry Jones (b. 1942) - Millionaire owner of the Dallas Cowboys football team that hails from Rose City in North Little Rock. He attended the University of Arkansas where he played as an offensive lineman for the 1964 NCAA National Championship Razorbacks. He is also a successful businessman in the oil and gas industry.
George Kell (b. 1922) - This Hall of Fame third baseman, who was born in Swifton, played for the Detroit Tigers (1943 - 1957) and won the American League batting title in 1949. He later became a sportscaster for Detroit ball games. Now a resident of Newport, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.
Mark Martin (b. 1956) - Racecar driver on the Nascar Circuit who was born and raised in Batesville. He cut his teeth on the many dirt tracks around The Natural State before making it big on the Winston Cup Series. Martin continually ranks in the Top 10 Winston Cup Standings.
Sidney Moncrief (b. 1957) - Former NBA stand-out guard for the Milwaukee Bucks who was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Sidney was born in Little Rock and played college ball at the University of Arkansas, where he led the Razorbacks to several winning seasons, including third place in the 1978 NCAA Finals. "Super Sidney" was a consensus All-American for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and became Arkansas's greatest and most popular basketball player. While playing with the Milwaukee Bucks, he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1983 and 1984) and was a five-time NBA All-Star player. He is now an assistant basketball coach with the NBA Dallas Mavericks.
Wallace Wally" Wade Moon (b. 1930) - Born in Bay (Craighead County). Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1950. As a Cardinal in 1954, Moon homered in his first major league at-bat en route to batting .304 and winning the Rookie of the Year award over Hank Aaron. He peaked with 24 home runs in 1957, but was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a .238 showing in 1958. "Moon shots" were what the home runs were called that left-handed-batting Moon sent over the 42-foot wall, a mere 250 feet down the Los Angeles Coliseum's left field line with his inside-out swing. Though he didn't hit many of them, the newly arrived Moon hit them early in 1959, and his resourcefulness seemed to capture the spirit of the ragtag bunch that took the Dodgers from seventh place to the World Championship. Appropriately, he scored the last run ever in the Coliseum. In 1959, baseball writers gave Moon more Most Valuable Player votes than Willie Mays. A fine defensive outfielder, he won a Gold Glove in 1960.
Scottie Pippen (b. 1965) - Professional basketball player from Hamburg, who starred for the six-time NBA Champion Chicago Bulls during the 1990s. He played briefly with the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers before returning to the Chicago Bulls. He retired in 2004. Pippen has been selected as one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all-time and won an Olympic gold medal in 1988. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas at Conway.
Brooks Robinson (b. 1937) - Retired professional baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles (1955-77). Robinson, a native of Little Rock, won 16 Gold Glove Awards, more than anyone else in the sport. He was named the American League's MVP in 1964. Known for his fielding, he is considered by many as the best third baseman to ever play the game. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1978 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.
Clyde Scott (b. 1924) - A Smackover native, Scott played college football at Arkansas and Navy between 1944-48. At Navy, where he was #2 in the nation during 1944 and 1945, Scott played fullback. Lettered at Arkansas between 1946 and 1948. He was an All-SWC player for all three years and the Razorbacks' first three-time all-SWC player. Played pro football with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions; inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. Scott won the Silver Medal in the 110 meter high hurdles during the 1948 London Olympic Games and five months later was selected to an All-American football team representing the University of Arkansas. As a Razorback, he won the 1948 NCAA high hurdles championship and set school records in the 100-yard dash, 120-yard high hurdles, 220-yard low hurdles, and 440-yard relay. Voted the number 30 of the 50 Greatest Sports Figures of Arkansas by Sports Illustrated in 1999. Currently lives in Little Rock.
Barry Switzer (b. 1937) - Former head coach of the former Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys who was born in Crossett and played on the 1964 NCAA Championship Razorback football team. He was the head football coach at the University of Oklahoma (1973-1989) where he won three national championships and was named the 1973 Coach of the Year. He also wrote the book Bootlegger's Boy (1990).
Reese "Goose" Tatum (1921 - 1967) - Harlem Globetrotter's first "funny man." He moved from New Jersey to Calion, Arkansas as a child, then later moved to El Dorado. As a ninth-grader at Washington High School, he began what would become a successful basketball career. He played for the Globetrotters from 1941-1954 before forming his own team, the Harlem Road Kings. He managed the Road Kings until his death.
Jermain Bad Intentions Taylor (b. 1978) - A Little Rock native who, in 2005, became the Undisputed Middleweight Champion of The World. His record at the time was 24-0 with 17 KOs. Taylor won a Team Bronze Medal in the 2000 Olympics, the first boxer from Arkansas ever to complete in the Olympic Games. His amateur career began in 1996 with the Under 19 Championship with the highpoint being a bronze medal at the 1998 Goodwill Games.
Hazel Walker (1914 - 1990) - Considered one of the greatest women basketball players to ever play the game; native of Oak Hill just outside Ashdown; played three seasons with the All-American Red Heads before leaving to start her own barnstorming club: Hazel Walker's Arkansas Travelers. Playing up to six nights a week against male competition, the Travelers proved their ability as players, winning over 85% of their games. The Travelers played a total of 16 seasons before Walker decided to retire in 1965 at the age of 50. Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Famous People from Arkansas - History
John Hanks Alexander (1864-1894) - The second African-American to graduate from West Point and the first African-American officer with a regular command position in the U.S. Army. In 1894 he was selected to serve as professor of military science and tactics at Wilberforce University, an African-American college in Ohio.
Daisy Bates (1914 - 1999) - Born in Huttig, this African-American activist led the effort to desegregate the Little Rock public schools in 1957. She continued to press for civil rights for African-Americans and later published an African-American-oriented Little Rock newspaper, the Arkansas State Press.
James Black (1800 - 1872) - A New Jersey-born and expertly-trained silversmith, Black made his way to Washington, Arkansas during territorial days. He developed a unique process for knife blades and among his customers was James Bowie who reportedly carried a Black-made knife during the fall of the Alamo in 1836. Black was blinded while in his forties and never revealed his secret for tempering metal. He died at Washington, where a state park has recreated the Black blacksmith shop on the exact site of the original.
Maurice "Footsie" Britt (1919- 1995) - Professional football player, World War II hero and notable Arkansas politician who was born in Carlisle and raised in Lonoke. Nicknamed "Footsie" as a boy, Britt starred with the Detroit Lions until World War II. In the Army, he was the first soldier to win the four top medals for valor, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. Britt also received the Military Cross of the British Empire and the Al Valore Militare Merit from the Italian government. Wounded in four different battles, he lost his right arm and severely injured a foot. During the 60s, he served as Lieutenant Governor. (His cousin is the late famous actress, Dorothy Lamour.
General William Orlando Darby (1911-1945) - Darby grew up at Fort Smith, attended West Point and graduated in 1933. In early 1941, he participated in amphibious training in Puerto Rico, and later in North Carolina. Became the leader of the unit that would be called: Rangers; in the spirit of Rogers Rangers whose operations were successful during the Revolutionary War. The men of Lieutenant Colonel William O. Darby's 1st Ranger Battalion were all volunteers whose applications had been carefully screened when they were organized at Fort Smith in the summer of 1942. Darby's organization and leadership catapulted the Rangers toward the front where they distinguished themselves in combat from North Africa to Europe. Darby was killed by an artillery round on 30 April 1945. At 34 Darby died just a few days before VE Day.
Sonora Louise Smart Dodd (1882-1978) - This Jenny Lind native is credited with creating Father's Day, which was first observed in Spokane, Washington, in 1910 where she and her family then lived. Dodd wanted a special day to honour her father, William Smart, an Arkansas farmer and widower, who raised six children by himself. (He also was a member of The First Arkansas Light Artillery which was organized at Fort Smith and fought in the battle of Pea Ridge in 1862.) Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day.
William "Bill" Doolin (1858-1896) - Founder of the Wild Bunch, which specialized in robbing banks, trains and stagecoaches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas in the 1890s, was born in 1858 on a farm in Johnson County north of Clarksville. Originally a member of the Dalton Gang, he formed his own gang around 1893 and the Wild Bunch became the premier terrorizers of the West until Doolin was captured in a Eureka Springs bathhouse by Deputy U.S. Marshall Bill Tilghman in January 1896. He later escaped federal custody and was shot and killed by a U.S. Marshall near Lawson, Oklahoma Territory on August 25, 1896.
Brooks Hays (1898 - 1981) - London, Arkansas native who served as a United States Congressman (1943 - 1958). He later became special advisor to President John F. Kennedy, as well as a professor at Rutgers and Duke. A legendary storyteller, he was known for his gentle, self-mocking humor, as in his account of his election in 1957 as president of the Southern Baptist Convention: "When my name was first suggested, one minister said to another, 'We don't want a politician for our president, do we?' His friend replied, 'Well, Brooks ain't enough of one to count.'"
Jimmy Lile (1934-1991) - Known as The Arkansas Knifemaker, this famed Russellville craftsman is known worldwide for the quality of his work. The knives are still made by the craftsmen he trained with his widow inspecting each piece before it is sold. Lile was the creator of the original "Rambo First Blood" and "Rambo II the Mission" knives that were actually used in the first two "Rambo" movies. Lile is the inventor and craftsman of the patented "Lile Lock" folding knife, which is proudly on display at the Smithsonian Institute. Other famous owners of his work include John Wayne, Peter Fonda, Fess Parker; actress Bo Derek; and singer-songwriter Johnny Cash.
General Douglas MacArthur (1880 - 1964) - He was born in the Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal while his father was its commandant. He rose to become a Five-star U.S. Army general and Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II. He accepted the Japanese surrender in 1945. His accomplishments include: first in class at West Point; Superintendent of West Point; Army Chief of Staff; U.S. Far East Commander; Congressional Medal of Honor recipient; Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers; and first UN Commander. The building where the general was born, the Officer's Quarters, still stands and is now used to house the Arkansas Museum of Military History. The building where the general was born, known as the Officer's Quarters, is preserved in the midst of MacArthur Park in downtown Little Rock.
Judge Isaac C. Parker (1838 - 1896) - He was an attorney, a congressman and later appointed a U.S. Judge by President Grant in 1875. Known as the "Hanging Judge" during his 21 years on the bench in the Western District, which included Arkansas and Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). In his Fort Smith courtroom, he heard more than 13,000 cases. More than 9,000 defendants pleaded guilty or were convicted. Of these, 344 were tried for capital offenses and 160 were sentenced to hang. Only 79 were actually hanged. Parker in later years said, "It was not I who hung them. I never hung a man. It was the law."
Albert Pike (1809 - 1891) - Soldier, teacher, lawyer, explorer, newspaperman, and poet. Pike was born in Boston, Massachusetts and later moved to Arkansas in 1831. Pike served as a member of the territorial legislature and captain of the cavalry squadron in the Mexican War in 1846. He also served as Indian Commissioner for the Confederacy and led a brigade of Cherokee Indians at the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862. The major work of his career was the writing the philosophy of Freemasonry. He lived on the Little Missouri River and later in Little Rock.
Bass Reeves (1824 - 1910) - The first black commissioned United States deputy marshal west of the Mississippi River, Reeves was born to slave parents in July 1824 in Paris, Texas. Freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, the six-foot-two, 190-pound former slave left the Indian country, bought land near Van Buren. Isaac C. Parker was appointed judge for the Federal Western District Court at Fort Smith on May 10, 1875, to bring law to the Indian Territory. One of his first official acts was to swear in a United States marshal and appoint 200 deputies to curb the lawlessness in the area. Reeves was recruited because he knew the tribal languages and country well. Dependability and devotion to duty were the benchmarks of Reeves's service to the government. Many of the district courts asked for Reeves because of his reliability in serving warrants. The deputy's respect for the law was legendary.
C. Vann Woodward (b. 1908 - 1999) - Born in Vanndale, this eminent historian of the American South was one of the first historians to recognize what has come to be called the Southern Literary Renaissance. He is the author of numerous books and essays, including Origins of the New South (1951) and The Burden of Southern History (1960). His edition of a Southern woman's war diary, Mary Chestnut's Civil War (1981), won a Pulitzer Prize in history.
Famous Arkansas People - Politics
Dale Bumpers (b. 1925) - This Charleston lawyer rose from obscurity to defeat Orval Faubus in the 1970 Democratic primary for governor, then won out over the popular Republican incumbent, Winthrop Rockefeller. After two terms in office, the ex-marine defeated the formidable J. William Fulbright, then chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In 1983, the liberal Senator declined to enter the Presidential race but was frequently mentioned as a possibility for the vice-presidency. He retired from the U.S. Senate at the end of 1998.
Hattie Caraway (1878 - 1950) - She moved to Jonesboro with her husband, Thad, in 1902. She was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1931 to succeed her husband who died in office. When that term ended, she became the first woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate and served until 1945. She was the first woman to preside over the Senate, first woman Senate Committee chairman, first woman senior Senator, and first woman to conduct a Senate Committee hearing.
Eldridge Cleaver (1935 - 1998) - This Wabbaseka native was a well-known political activist in the 1960s. He wrote Soul on Ice (1968), an autobiographical work that explored the black psyche, and Soul on Fire (1978). He was the theoretician and chief spokesman for the Black Panthers.
William Jefferson Clinton (b. 1946) - 42nd President of the United States who was elected to two terms (1992 and 1996). Clinton was born in Hope and had his boyhood home in Hot Springs. He was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University in England and graduated from Yale Law School. He taught law at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville before being elected as the state's attorney general (1976-78). He was then elected Governor of Arkansas, an office in which he emphasized education reform and economic development (1978-80, 1982-93).
Orval Faubus (1910 - 1994) - This six-term governor who was born in Combs served longer than any man in Arkansas history (1954-67). He defied the 1957 court order to desegregate public schools when he called in the National Guard to keep African-American students from entering Little Rock Central High School. In response, President Dwight Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard and sent in U.S. Army paratroopers. After six consecutive two-year terms, he tried unsuccessful comebacks in 1970, 1974 and 1986. After retirement, he built a million-dollar mansion overlooking Huntsville, which was designed by Fayetteville architect, E. Fay Jones.
J. William Fulbright (1905 - 1995) - He moved to Fayetteville in 1906 and served as a U.S. Senator from 1945 to 1977. As Senator, he established the prestigious Fulbright fellowship program, which provided for the exchange of students and teachers between the United States and foreign countries. He also introduced the Fulbright Resolution which laid the groundwork for support of the formation of the UN. As longtime chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he became the first prominent congressional critic of the Vietnam War in 1966.
John L. McClellan (1896 - 1977) - This Sheridan native was a U.S. Senator from 1943 until his death in 1977. He was responsible, along with Senator Robert Kerr of Oklahoma, for the Arkansas River Navigation Project. This $1.2 billion project made the river navigable to oceangoing vessels as far up-stream as Tulsa. The 1950s televised Senate subcommittee hearings on labor racketeering drew the attention of millions of Americans and earned him the reputation as a crime fighter (Robert Kennedy served as Chief Counsel). Before his death, he helped draft, with Senator Edward Kennedy, a comprehensive revision of the U.S. Criminal Code.
Wilbur Mills (1909 - 1992) - Born in Kensett, this Congressman served from 1939 to 1977 in the U.S. House of Representatives. As chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee (1958-1974), he was influential in determining taxation, Social Security, tariff, and welfare policies. In the early 1970s he was considered one of the most powerful members of Congress.
Martha Mitchell (1918-1976) - Born and raised in Pine Bluff, she was married to John Mitchell, attorney general for President Richard Nixon and a principal in the Watergate scandal. Her relentless insistence that there had been a cover-up kept the controversy going. Nixon has said that "without Martha, there would have been no Watergate." After her death, the city of Pine Bluff renamed a thoroughfare in her honor and declared her childhood home a landmark.
David Hampton Pryor (b. 1934) - Pryor served in the Arkansas House of Representatives (1961-67) and the U.S. House of Representatives (1967-73). He also served two terms as governor (1975-79) and 18 years as a U.S. Senator, retiring in 1996. Pryor was born in Camden.
Joseph T. Robinson (1872 - 1937) - Born near Lonoke, Robinson became one of Congress' great leaders and the first Arkansan on a national ticket. Robinson served as Congressman (1902-12), Governor (1913), U.S. Senator (1918-37), Senate minority leader (1923), Democratic nominee for Vice-President (1928) and Senate majority leader (1933-37).
Winthrop Rockefeller (1912 - 1973) - Though born in New York City, Rockefeller adopted Petit Jean Mountain as his home following World War II. Rockefeller became the first Republican elected governor of Arkansas since the Civil War. A member of one of the nation's wealthiest families, he served as governor of Arkansas from 1967-1971. During his tenure, he obtained approval of the first statewide minimum wage law and helped outlaw casino gambling in the state.
Famous People from Arkansas - Business Leaders
William T. Dillard (1914 - 2002) - The founder of one of the nation's most successful retail chains, Dillards Department Stores. He was born in Mineral Springs, the son of a country store owner. After graduating from the University of Arkansas and earning an M.A. from Columbia, Dillard gained experience in retail at Sears before opening his own department store in 1938. In 1960 he began his growth with the purchase of Tulsa's financially troubled Brown-Dunkin. Today headquartered in Little Rock, Dillards is one of the largest major department store chains in the country.
J.B. Hunt (b. 1927) - Born near Heber Springs, he and his wife founded J.B. Hunt Transport Services at Lowell. Their company has grown into America's largest full-truckload carrier. Named Arkansan of the Year in 1990, this trucking tycoon was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement in 1983.
John H. Johnson (1918 - 2005) - Arkansas City native and publisher who founded Negro Digest in 1942, followed by Ebony and Jet magazines. He now heads the most powerful African-American publishing company in the United States. He was awarded the "Medal of Freedom" by President Clinton on September 9, 1996.
Paul Klipsch (1904 - 2002) - A resident of Hope for his adult life, he was the inventor of Klipsch speakers, which are regarded among the tops in the field by audio buffs. Member of the Audio Hall of Fame, the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame.
Jack Stephens (1923-2005) Born on a farm near Prattsville during the Great Depression; became of the countrys major power brokers through Stephens, Inc., the largest trading company outside of Wall Street, located in Little Rock. A quiet, unassuming man, he donated millions of dollars to worthy causes, including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences campus, the Delta Project, the U.S. Naval Academy, First Tee of Arkansas, and others. His personal art collection, of which he donated a portion of to the Arkansas Arts Center, has been recognized as one of the most important art collections in the country. He served as chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, overseeing The Masters golf tournament.
Don Tyson (b. 1930) - He is the former chairman of the board of Tyson Foods, Inc., the largest poultry processing company in the country. He also served as CEO for Eagle Distributing Inc. and several other businesses. Tyson lives in Springdale where his corporation is headquartered.
Sam Walton (1918 - 1992) - Newport native who founded Wal-Mart Stores. Once listed as the richest man in America by Forbes Magazine, Walton opened his first Wal-Mart in 1962 in Bentonville. When he died in April 1992, the chain of stores numbered more than 1,600 in 32 states and annual sales surpassed $44 billion. The Wal-Mart chain is the fastest growing retailer in the country.
Kemmons Wilson (1913 - 2003) - This Osceola native founded and opened the first Holiday Inn in 1952 in Memphis. In 1953 he formed Holiday Inns of America and served as chairman and chief executive officer until 1979. His hotel concept has made the Holiday Inn chain the world's largest motor-hotel system. Since retiring, he developed the world's largest time-share establishment, Orange Lake Country Club, which is located near Disney World.
Forrest Wood (b. 1933) - Born and raised in Flippin, he founded Wood Manufacturing Company and designed the Ranger Boat, America's No. 1 bass boat. While fishing in bass tournaments, he met notable fishermen such as Bill Dance and Roland Martin.
Famous Arkansas People - Architecture
E. Fay Jones (1921 - 2004) - Born in Pine Bluff and raised in El Dorado, this University of Arkansas architecture professor designed artisan-built houses that incorporated organic design and native materials. He was designated by the American Institute of Architects in 1989 as one of the world's greatest contemporary architects. His Arkansas projects include Thorncrown Chapel near Eureka Springs, The Faubus House in Huntsville, and the Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista. He was awarded the Rome Prize Fellowship in Architecture for 1980-81 and the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal by President Bush in 1991.
Edward Durell Stone (1902 - 1978) - Born in Fayetteville and schooled at the University of Arkansas and Harvard, this internationally-known architect designed the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the General Motors Building in New York. Closer to home, Stone also designed Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis and the Pine Bluff Convention Center.