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Famous People from Michigan
Home » Michigan » Michigan Overview and History » Famous People from Michigan• A former automaker, Berry Gordy Jr., would pave the way for one of Detroit's famous contribution in the 20th century - Motown. Founded in 1958 with an $800 family loan, the upstart record company would introduce many famous musicians to the world. They include Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, Michael Jackson, the Temptations and Diana Ross - many of whom grew up in Detroit.
• Gerald R. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and became the 38th President of the United States.
• Thomas Edison, who grew up in Port Huron, invented the incandescent light bulb in 1879.
• Henry Ford hand-built his first car in 1896, while Ransom E. Olds founded the first auto company in Michigan in 1897. Ford's first production car was the 1908 Model T, which sold for $950. By 1912, Michigan led the nation in auto production and Detroit became known as the "Motor City."
• Other famous Detroit natives or residents include actor and comedian Tim Allen, film director and produce Francis Ford Coppola, activist Rosa Parks, singer Aretha Franklin, pilot Charles Lindbergh, actress and singer Madonna, actor Tom Selleck, actor and comedian Robin Williams, musician Eminem, and singer Ted Nugent.
Sources:
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0859622.html
http://www.theus50.com/michigan/
http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20829-54118--,00.html
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