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Common Pleas CourthouseCape GirardeauThe 1854 Common Pleas Courthouse, which once hosted Indian councils and held captive Confederate soldiers, overlooks the Mississippi River and downtown Cape Girardeau.View Destination |
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EntertainmentWalt Disney Charlie Parker Burt Bacharach Fontella Bass Chuck Berry Sheryl Crow Jay McShann Josephine Baker Dick Van Dyke Ginger Rogers Jean Harlow Betty Grable Count Basie Pat Metheny Coleman Hawkins Virginia Mayo Walt Disney, Marceline Raised in Marceline, Walt Disney made his imagination a reality. Though he only spent a few years in Marceline, the town had a profound impact on the young Walt. In fact, Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland is modeled after Main Street in Marceline. Once Disney finished his schooling in Kansas City, he began an art studio that produced the original “Alice’s Wonderland” film. When the studio failed, Disney joined his brother in Los Angeles and began creating cartoons of his own, taking the rights to “Alice” with him. His cartoons of a famous mouse turned into movies, theme parks and an empire that began with the imagination of a boy from Missouri. About Marceline – Marceline’s most famous resident, Walt Disney, once said, “To tell the truth, more things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since - or are likely to in the future.” Once you arrive in Marceline, it’s easy to see how Disney was so inspired by this charming town in northwest Missouri. Marceline, a town of approximately 2,500 people, is located three miles south of State Highway 36 on Highway 5. Visitors may stay at the historic Uptown Theatre Bed and Breakfast, which is still an operating movie house. Disney premiered his film The Great Locomotive Chase here in 1956. Learn more about Disney at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum or visit the Walt Disney Dreaming Tree and Barn located next to his boyhood home. For more information on Marceline, please visit Marceline Chamber of Commerce. About Kansas City - Kansas City has everything you'd expect to find in a bustling metropolitan area - world-class hotels, dynamite shopping, top-notch museums, professional sports and great places to eat! From the world-famous Kansas City barbecue to the legendary jazz music at 18th and Vine and more, Kansas City serves up delicious flavors, sights and sounds to delight any visitor. For more information on Kansas City, please visit the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association . Charlie Parker, Kansas City Charlie “Bird” Parker was one of the most important and influential saxophonists and jazz players of the 1940s. As a child, Parker moved with his family to Kansas City and its flourishing scene of jazz, blues and gospel music. Parker’s talent as a saxophonist developed largely during his time as a professional musician in Kansas City, from 1935 – 1939. About Kansas City - Kansas City has everything you’d expect to find in a bustling metropolitan area – world-class hotels, dynamite shopping, top-notch museums, professional sports and great places to eat! From the world-famous Kansas City barbecue to the legendary jazz music at 18th and Vine and more, Kansas City serves up delicious flavors, sights and sounds to delight any visitor. For more information on Kansas City, please visit the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association. Burt Bacharach, Kansas City Burt Freeman Bacharach was born in Kansas City on May 12, 1928. In a career that has spanned more than four decades, Burt Bacharach established himself as one of the most accomplished composers of the 20th century. He has written numerous songs for films, including the classic “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Bacharach’s other unforgettable songs include “What the World Needs Now is Love,” “Magic Moments” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’.” About Kansas City - Kansas City has everything you’d expect to find in a bustling metropolitan area – world-class hotels, dynamite shopping, top-notch museums, professional sports and great places to eat! From the world-famous Kansas City barbecue to the legendary jazz music at 18th and Vine and more, Kansas City serves up delicious flavors, sights and sounds to delight any visitor. For more information on Kansas City, please visit the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association. Fontella Bass, St. Louis Born in St. Louis on July 3, 1940,Fontella Bass was a gospel and R and B recording artist. The daughter of gospel luminary Martha Bass, Fontella toured as keyboard player and singer with the Little Milton band during the early ‘60s. Her signature song, “Rescue Me,” brought Fontella Bass tremendous success with an R and B number-one song and a Top 20 hit in the United States and the United Kingdom. About St. Louis – St. Louis truly is the Gateway to the West, combining history and culture from different heritages to create this modern metropolis. Home of many legendary places and events, St. Louis offers professional sports, arts, entertainment, shopping and fine dining for every visitor. Take a trip to St. Louis’s different neighborhoods for an escape to rich history, from Soulard to Laclede’s Landing, the Loop to the Hill and Kirkwood to Clayton; each one has something different to offer. For more information, please visit the Convention and Visitors Commission of St. Louis. Chuck Berry, St. Louis Legendary rock ‘n’ roll star Chuck Berry was born in St. Louis on Oct. 18, 1926. His success was born from his ability to observe an audience and adjust his performance based on the audience’s reaction. His hit songs, “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene” and “Memphis” became anthems for an integrated American youth and popular culture. His unique musicianship would later influence The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. About St. Louis – St. Louis truly is the Gateway to the West, combining history and culture from different heritages to create this modern metropolis. Home of many legendary places and events, St. Louis offers professional sports, arts, entertainment, shopping and fine dining for every visitor. Take a trip to St. Louis’s different neighborhoods for an escape to rich history, from Soulard to Laclede’s Landing, the Loop to the Hill and Kirkwood to Clayton; each one has something different to offer. For more information, please visit the Convention and Visitors Commission of St. Louis. Sheryl Crow, Kennett Singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow was born in Kennett on Feb. 11, 1962. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1980 and from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1984. She began her post-college career as an elementary school music teacher but soon left for Los Angeles to become a professional musician. She worked as a back-up singer and wrote songs for commercials until 1993, when Crow released her hit song, “All I Wanna Do.” The song earned Crow three Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She continues to write and record award-winning records. About Kennett — In 1845, Kennett became the first county seat in the bootheel of Missouri. Known for cotton, soybean and livestock farming, Kennett has a distinctly southern feel. The newly opened Sheryl Crow Aquatic Center is just the beginning of Kennett’s downtown revitalization project that began this year. For more information about Kennett, please visit the Kennett Chamber of Commerce. Jay McShann , Kansas City Largely self-taught as a pianist, Jay McShannis noted for his percussive piano playing, which draws on elements of the blues and boogie-woogie. He played throughout the Midwest as a young artist before settling in Kansas City in 1936. In late 1939 he formed a big band, which in the following year performed at the Century Room and Fairyland Park in Kansas City, and from 1941 he made recordings for Decca that featured the blues singing of Walter Brown. About Kansas City - Kansas City has everything you’d expect to find in a bustling metropolitan area – world-class hotels, dynamite shopping, top-notch museums, professional sports and great places to eat! From the world-famous Kansas City barbecue to the legendary jazz music at 18th and Vine and more, Kansas City serves up delicious flavors, sights and sounds to delight any visitor. For more information on Kansas City, please visit the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association. Josephine Baker, Kansas City Freda J. McDonald, known to the world as Josephine Baker, was born June 3, 1906, in St. Louis. She began her life of music at age 8, and by age 15, she left her hometown to be a professional singer. In 1921, Baker was a chorus girl in the Broadway hit, “Shuffle Along.” By the summer of 1925, she left for Paris with the promise of the grand salary of $250 per week. In Paris, Baker performed at the Folie Bergere and later opened her own nightclub on the rue Fontaine. For the next 50 years, she continued to perform in films, concerts, revues and television programs. Her participation in the French underground during World War II earned her the Legion of Honor medal from the French government. Josephine Baker died in Paris on April 12, 1975. About Kansas City - Kansas City has everything you’d expect to find in a bustling metropolitan area – world-class hotels, dynamite shopping, top-notch museums, professional sports and great places to eat! From the world-famous Kansas City barbecue to the legendary jazz music at 18th and Vine and more, Kansas City serves up delicious flavors, sights and sounds to delight any visitor. For more information on Kansas City, please visit the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association. Dick Van Dyke, West Plains Born in West Plains, entertainer Dick Van Dyke was inspired to enter show business by repeated viewings of Laurel and Hardy comedies. He began his career as a radio announcer for local station WDAN, and later as half of a record-pantomime act called The Merry Mutes. In 1960, Van Dyke starred in the musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie,” winning a Tony Award for his portrayal of mother-dominated songwriter Albert Peterson. In 1961, he was cast as comedy writer Rob Petrie on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” which after a shaky start lasted five seasons and earned Van Dyke three Emmy Awards. His best-known films include “Mary Poppins,” “Lt. Robin Crusoe” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” About West Plains - Located in the “Heart of the Ozarks,” West Plains is a charming town immersed in Missouri’s natural beauty. West Plains is surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest, the Current River and several smaller lakes. Other area attractions include the many Ozark Mills, some still working, the Motor Speedway and the Avenue Theatre. For more information on West Plains, please visit West Plains. Ginger Rogers, Independence Virginia Katherine McMath was born on July 16, 1911, in Independence. Her nickname, “Ginger,” originated from her younger cousin Helen who pronounced “Virginia” as “Ginja.” People who knew her best often said that she could dance before she could walk. Her grace and the magic she and co-star Fred Astaire generated on screen has never been equaled. About Independence – Visit Independence and be instantly struck by the hometown atmosphere. Hometown of President Truman, the history of Independence dates back to pioneer times and the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Independence has a wide variety of attractions to offer visitors, including tours of historic mansions, paths of pioneer trails and historic jail cells. For more information about visiting Independence, please visit the Independence Tourism Department. Jean Harlow, Kansas City Jean Harlow began her life in Kansas City as Harlean Carpenter, the daughter of a dentist. At the age of 16 she eloped with a 23-year-old businessman, Charles McGrew, and moved to Los Angeles to look for work in films. Having landed only bit parts, walk-ons and extra work, Harlow adopted her mother’s maiden name just before her big break – starring in Howard Hughes’ WWI epic remake, “Hell’s Angels.” Realizing her potential, Hughes based much of the publicity for the film around her, before selling her contract to MGM for $60,000. With her checkered romantic history, strong screen image and early death, Harlow became the archetype of the American screen sex symbol and the blueprint that many stars, including Marilyn Monroe, would later emulate. About Kansas City - Kansas City has everything you’d expect to find in a bustling metropolitan area – world-class hotels, dynamite shopping, top-notch museums, professional sports and great places to eat! From the world-famous Kansas City barbecue to the legendary jazz music at 18th and Vine and more, Kansas City serves up delicious flavors, sights and sounds to delight any visitor. For more information on Kansas City, please visit the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association. Betty Grable, St. Louis Born Elizabeth Ruth Grable in St. Louis in 1916, Betty Grable was groomed for stardom by her mother from an early age. As a child she attended dancing lessons, as well as learning the saxophone and singing, and at 13, Grable was chosen for the chorus in “Let’s Go Places.” During her lifetime, she would become one of the most prolific singing actresses of her time, starring in more than 100 films, including “Pin Up Girl” and “How To Marry A Millionaire.” In 1943, Twentieth Century Fox had Grable’s legs insured with Lloyd’s of London for the record amount of $1.25 million. Count Basie, St. Louis and Kansas City William “Count” Basie was born in Red Bank, N.J., but was strongly connected to Kansas City throughout his career as a jazz musician. In 1927, Basie became stranded in Kansas City when his tour bus broke down. He stayed in town playing organ at the Eblon Theater and soon joined bassist Walter Page’s Blue Devils band. Basie left the Blue Devils early in 1929 to play with other bands in the area, and later that year he climbed his way into the top band in the territory, the Bennie Moten band. During a 60-plus-year career, Basie helped to establish jazz as a serious art form – not just in clubs but in theaters and concert halls as well. About St. Louis – St. Louis truly is the Gateway to the West, combining history and culture from different heritages to create this modern metropolis. Home of many legendary places and events, St. Louis offers professional sports, arts, entertainment, shopping and fine dining for every visitor. Take a trip to St. Louis’s different neighborhoods for an escape to rich history, from Soulard to Laclede’s Landing, the Loop to the Hill and Kirkwood to Clayton; each one has something different to offer. For more information, please visit the Convention and Visitors Commission of St. Louis. Pat Metheny, Lee’s Summit Pat Metheny was born in 1954 in Lee’s Summit and became one of the most recognizable guitarists from the 1980s music scene. His albums with the Pat Metheny Group stretch the boundaries of jazz and gave Metheny the freedom to record various types of music. About Lee’s Summit- Just outside of Kansas City lies Lee’s Summit, a budding Missouri community filled with historic charm. Visit the Historic Depot of the Missouri Pacific built in the early 1900’s. History buffs also are encouraged to stroll through Missouri Town 1855, a living history village/museum that portrays life in the 1800’s town replica. For family fun, spend the day at Paradise Park, an “edutainment” center, dedicated to interactive learning through discovery and play. Lee’s Summit is also home to beautiful Powell Gardens. For more information please visit Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce . Coleman Hawkins, St. Joseph Coleman Hawkins was born on Nov. 21, 1904, in St. Joseph. As one of jazz music’s all-time preeminent instrumental voices, he transformed the tenor saxophone from a comic novelty into a glamorous instrument of jazz. He is still regarded as one of the greatest tenor saxophonists and had an encyclopedic knowledge of chords and harmonies. About St. Joseph- St. Joseph is really where the west began. Travel back in time to the town where the Pony Express was born and where famous outlaw Jesse James met his end. History comes alive with various historic buildings, museums, art and more throughout this city in northwest Missouri. For more information please visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau of St. Joseph. Virginia Mayo, St. Louis Virginia Clara Jones was born in St. Louis on Nov. 20, 1920. The Jones family had a strong heritage in St. Louis – Virginia’s great-great-great grandfather served in the American Revolution and later founded the city of East St. Louis, Ill., directly across the Mississippi River from its namesake. Virginia began dancing at the age of six and performed in the St. Louis Municipal Opera after graduating from high school. She was spotted by an MGM talent scout, and began her acting career in 1943 with a small part in “Jack London.” Her career includes movies such as “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “White Heat,” and “She’s Working Her Way Through College.” About St. Louis - St. Louis truly is the Gateway to the West, combining history and culture from different heritages to create this modern metropolis. Home of many legendary places and events, St. Louis offers professional sports, arts, entertainment, shopping and fine dining for every visitor. Take a trip to St. Louis’s different neighborhoods for an escape to rich history, from Soulard to Laclede’s Landing, the Loop to the Hill and Kirkwood to Clayton; each one has something different to offer. For more information on Kansas City, please visit the Convention and Visitors Commission of St. Louis. |
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