Famous Mississippians Authors and Musicians William Faulkner I

Famous Mississippians: Authors and Musicians

William Faulkner ● I am considered one of America’s greatest writers. ● Many of my stories were based on the people, history, and the land of Mississippi. In 1949, I won the Nobel Prize for literature.

Eudora Welty ● Like Faulkner, I am also a Mississippi writer. ● I was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for my book, The Optimist’s Daughter.

Richard Wright ● In my most popular book, Native Son, I described the lives of African Americans in Chicago.

Tennessee Williams ● I was born in Columbus, Mississippi ● I was known around the world for plays about people from the South. ● Two of my best known plays are The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire.

Mississippi Writers ● William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Richard Wright, and Tennessee Williams are all Mississippi authors who wrote about life in the South.

Leontyne Price ● Born in Laurel, Mississippi, I was a famous opera singer who sang regularly at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. ● In 1964, President Johnson awarded me the Presidential Medal of Freedom for my service to our country.

Jimmie Rodgers ● Known as “The Father of Country Music. ” ● He recorded more than 100 songs including “Mississippi River Blues” and “Blue Yodel. ”

Elvis Presley ● Known as the “King of Rock and Roll. ” ● He was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Le. Ann Rimes ● At the age of 15, I won two Grammy awards for my hit single “Blue. ” ● I am a famous singer.

Charley Pride ● I carry on Mississippi’s country music tradition. ● I have sold more than 30 million records.

Special Awards and Their Meanings ● A Grammy is an award that the music industry presents to performers for the best music of each year. ● The Nobel Prize is an award for literature that is one of the highest honors for a writer. ● The Pulitzer Prize is an award for an achievement in American journalism, literature, or music.

Reflection Who is your favorite famous Mississippian and why?