Famous Alabamians

On Ausgust 19, 2007, FOX-54 in Huntsville hosted auditions to find the 2007 Alabama Idol. After 76 contestants sang for the judges, Byron Green of Florence was named the winner.

Since becoming the 2006 American Idol, Taylor Hicks has been bombarded with his fans, known as The Soul Patrol. Here's a personal diary of one Soul Patrol member and how she came to see her idol in person and what it meant to her.

If Taylor Hicks has taken American by storm with his stint on the "2006 American Idol" Fox television show, it has turned Alabama, and Birmingham especally, into a frenzy with fans of all age groups swooning and singing his praises.

Taylor Hicks has made quite a name for himself on "American Idol" in 2006. But what about the guys he left behind in Alabama while he flew out to Hollywood to become famous? When the former Taylor Hicks Band performed in Huntsville recently, I had the opportunity to meet them and ask a few questions.

Taylor Hicks came to national attention as the "gray-haired" blues singer on Fox's 5th season of "American Idol."

Vonetta Flowers was the first black athlete (male or female)--from any country--to ever win an Olympic Winter Games gold medal. In the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Vonetta and Jill Bakken drove USA to an Olympic gold medal, ending the United States' 46-year medal drought in bobsled. The 2-woman bobsled team's time was 1 minute 48 seconds.

Condoleezza Rice is without a doubt one of the most impressive women to come out of Alabama (I'm thinking Helen Keller would be the other one). How did she get to where she is now in American politics?

Bobby Jon Drinkard of Troy, Alabama was one of the two "Suvivors: Palau" tribe of Oolong. He was known for his hard work and good looks.

One of the most controversial judges in Alabama history is Judge Roy Moore, who grabbed the nation's attention over his fight to keep a copy of The Ten Commandments in his courtroom and later in the Alabama Judicial Building.

Take a pictorial tour with us of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama and learn the story behind this magnificent shrine of gold, marble, and cedar.

One of the most courageous women in American History was Helen Keller. Photos of "The Miracle Worker" which is performed on the grounds of Ivy Green, Helen's birthplace, every weekend in June and July.

Dr. Condoleezza Rice became the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the National Security Advisor, on January 22, 2001. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 14, 1954.

Hank was born in Mobile, Alabama and known as the "Home Run King" for the Atlanta Braves.

Country music group from Fort Payne, Alabama's site with information on their fan club, tour schedule, biographies, music, and industry awards.

Biographies of citizens of the state whose achievements gave them a leading role in the history of Alabama.

A teenage singer from Florence, Alabama who recorded "Fallen Star" in the late 1950's; appeared on Dick Clark Show, and became an Alabama Senator.

Best known as the lead actress in "Grace Under Fire," Mr. Showbiz's site gives a short bio and links to news articles. Eonline's site that includes a bio, film credits and news stories.

Official website of the Nat King Cole Society is still under construction but has music to listen to and are adding to the site frequently.

Archive maintained by the State of Alabama and is still under construction. Check by often to see the latest additions.

Actress and producer born in Birmingham, Alabama. Best known as producer of the Perry Mason Show.

Dr. Mae Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama and grew up in Chicago. She was the first African American women to fly in space.

Kate is best known as one of Charlie's Angels or for her other TV show, Scarecrow and Mrs. King. This site of the Birmingham native contains a bio, and list of films and movies.

Jones is known for such films as That Darn Cat and The Love Bug.

Short biography of Helen's life by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), which is a UK organization.

Inspirational quotes of Helen Keller.

Joe DiMaggio said Mays had the greatest throwing arm in baseball. Mays grew up in Westfield, Alabama.

Official website for the actor who played Gomer Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show. Contains a biography, tour schedule, photos, online store and fan club information.

The website of the Jesse Owens foundation has a bio on the Olympic Champion born in Alabama.

Known as the "best arm in baseball" in the Negro League, Satchel Paige was born in Mobile, Alabama

Paula is a national known comedian who jokes about everyday life and has written columns in many national magazines.

Born in Leighton, Alabama and recording in nearby Muscle Shoals, Percy Sledge will forever be associated with the song "When a Man Loves a Woman."

Site contains audio jukebox, band biography, video theatre, concert calendar, and photo gallery.

Known as "The First Lady of Country Music," Tammy was born in Red Bay, Alabama and is remembered best for her hit song, "Stand By Your Man."

Here's a story of how W.C. Handy got his start in music and some of the steps along the way to earning the title of "Father of the Blues."