January 27 is the anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg in 1756. Wolfgang, arguably one of the most gifted composers in the history of music, was a child protege and a troubled adult. His partying, drinking, and self-destructive behavior remind us that celebrities acting badly did not begin with Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.
Yet, all could be forgiven after listening to just a few bars of his music. Perhaps his greatest work was his “Requiem,” completed just before his death at age 35. Listen below:

Edgar Allan Poe, born on this day in 1809, is widely considered to be the father of the modern mystery novel. Poe was a troubled man, whose parents died when he was young. He was frequently in debt, moved around often–from Boston to Richmond to Philadelphia to Baltimore–and married his 13-year-old cousin, which was scandalous even in those days. His wife, Virginia, died a scant eleven years later of TB. Poe, himself, died young–at age 40–from complications of his alcoholism.
Yet, from this troubled life, emerged an astoundingly original body of work. Among his writings are the dark, lyrical poem …read more

Ben Franklin was born on January 17 in 1706. He was a fascinating, and quirky, man with a myriad of interests. In his 84 years, he:

Invented the lightening rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove
Formed the first lending library and fire department in America
Wrote and published Poor Richard’s Almanack and the Pennsylvania Gazette
Served in the Second Continental Congress
Signed the Declaration of Independence
Served as the first Postmaster General
Served as US Ambassador to France
(public domain photo)