(Fox News) – Iconic and celebrated American composer Cole
Porter was born on this day in history, June 9, 1891, into a
prestigious family in Peru, Indiana. 

His mother, Kate Cole Porter, was the daughter of wealthy
businessman J.O. Cole — and due to his upbringing, young
Cole Porter enjoyed a privileged childhood, according to
the Indiana Historical Society.

At the age of 6, Porter started playing both the violin and
piano — and became quite good at both instruments.  

Buddy Holly (Charles Hardin Holley)
(September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959)

CAMILE
BOHANNON

Irving Berlin
(May 11, 1888 – September 22, 1989)

Composer and lyricist Irving Berlin is widely
considered one of the greatest songwriters
in American history.

CAMILLE
BOHANNON

On this day in 1984 ~

Democratic presidential candidate Walter F. Mondale (right) named U.S. Rep.
Geraldine A. Ferraro of New York (left) to be his running mate. Ferraro was
the first woman to run for vice president on a major party ticket.

Walter Frederick "Fritz" Mondale turned 91 in January.

Geraldine Anne "Gerry" Ferraro (August 26, 1935 – March 26, 2011)

BRIAN THOMAS

During World War II on this  day in 1945, about 30,000 United States
Marines landed on and eventually captured the island of Iwo Jima 
from the Imperial Japanese Army.  

William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is 79-years-old today.

Singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive
Smokey Robinson was the founder and front man of the Motown
vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter
and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as
"The Five Chimes" until 1972 when he announced a retirement
from the group to focus on his role as Motown’s vice president,
but Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the
following year. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame in 1987.