(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, Pharaoh Sanders, Gene Chandler, and serving as musical director for the vocal R & B group, After 7.

 (1880-1971) – Born in Little Rock, Max Anderson grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas 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. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronco_Billy_Anderson

 (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. www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net

 (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,” “The Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “The Dalton Gang,” “Red Hot and Blue” and “Tickle Me” with Elvis Presley. She co-starred opposite many of Hollywood’s leading men: James Stewart, Tyrone Power, Rock Hudson, Charlton Heston, Tony Curtis, Dennis Hopper and John Wayne. Her stage credits include starring roles in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” “The Glass Managerie,” “Butterflies are Free,” “Auntie Mame” and “Driving Miss Daisy.” She received a Dramalogue Award in 1989 for her performance in “Long Days’ Journey into Night.” www.julieadams.biz

 (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 McEntire, 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. www.ktoslin.net

 (b. 1940) – Pharaoh 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.” www.pharoahsanders.net

(1924-2006) – 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. www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net

 (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. www.enwikipedia.org/wiki/Skeets_McDonald

 (b. 1958) – Award-winning gospel singer, composer and author, Paris’ roots go deep into Arkansas soil where her great grandparents served as ministers. She later lived in Fayetteville. She is known as today’s “modern-day hymn writer” and has had 22 number one hits. Some of her hits include “Where I Stand,” “A Heart That Knows You,” “God is in Control,” and “The Time is Now.” www.twilaparis.com 

 (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 in 1952 performed the role of Porgy in “Porgy and Bess” on Broadway. In 1974, Warfield joined the music faculty of the University of Illinois at Champagne, but continued to tour as much as possible. www.williamwarfield.org