Louisiana Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

Links to histories and biographies of the famous people of Louisiana. Many famous people of Louisiana have made significant contributions to the history of our nation and the state of Louisiana. These famous Americans, famous entertainers, famous players, famous scientist, famous singers, famous statesmen, famous women, heroes, great explorers, and others Louisiana famous Americans have all made Louisiana their home. This list includes Louisiana historical figures, celebrities and those individuals of Louisiana who have influenced the lives of others.

• Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) Famous trumpet player and singer considered by many to one of the best jazz musicians ever; born in New Orleans.
• John James Audubon (1785 - 1851), naturalist and artist, some of whose paintings for Birds of America were done in Louisiana.
• Geoffrey Beene (1927 - ) Fashion designer; born in Haynesville.

• Truman Capote (1924 - 1984) Novelist made famous with Other Voices, Other Rooms and Breakfast at Tiffany's; born in New Orleans.

• Michael DeBakey (1908 - ) Doctor that developed the first artificial heart; born in Lake Charles.
• Antoine "F(1928 - ) Pianist, singer, and songwriter; born in New Orleans.
• Bryant Gumbel (1948 - ) TV newscaster; born in New Orleans.
• Al Hirt (1922 - 1999) Trumpeter; born in New Orleans.
• Mahalia Jackson (1912 - 1972) Gospel singer made famous with "Move On Up a Little," the first million-selling gospel record; born in New Orleans.
• Jerry Lee Lewis (1935- ) Singer and pianist famous for songs like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire"; born in Ferriday.
• Huey Newton (1942 - 1989) Black activist; born in Monroe.
• Cokie Roberts (1943 - ) Journalist; born in New Orleans.
• Kordell Stewart (1972 - ) Football player; born in New Orleans.

More Famous People of Louisiana

• Geoffrey Beene fashion designer, Haynesville
• Kitty Carlisle singer, actress, New Orleans
• Van Cliburn concert pianist, Shreveport
• Fats Domino musician, New Orleans
• Louis Moreau Gottschalk pianist, composer, New Orleans
• Lillian Hellman playwright, New Orleans
• Dorothy Lamour actress, New Orleans
• Huey P. Long politician, Winnfield
• Wynton Marsalis musician, New Orleans
• Jelly Roll Morton jazz musician, composer, New Orleans
• Huey Newton black activist, New Orleans
• Paul Prudhomme chef, Opelousas
• Ray Walston actor, New Orleans
• Edward Douglas White jurist, Lafourche Parish