Here are some more great Arkansans (besides me, of course):
- Lou Brock (b. 1939)- This El Dorado native is considered the greatest base stealer of his era. After three seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Brock joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 and fueled their World Series victory. During his 19-year career, the outfielder stole an unprecedented 938 bases, a record that stood until 1991. Brock earned the Roberto Clemente and the Jackie Robinson Awards, among others. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1985.
- Paul "Bear" Bryant (1913-1983) - Born in Moro Bottom and raised in Fordyce, Bryant picked up his nickname when, as a youth, he wrestled a bear at the Fordyce Theater. He was the head coach of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide from 1958-1983 and became the winningest college football coach with 323 victories and six national championships. Five weeks after retiring as head coach, he died of a heart attack.
- Johnny Cash (b. 1932) - This "Man in Black" has been an established country music star for decades. He is a native of Kingsland and married to singer June Carter. The Hall of Famer is known for such hits as "A Boy Named Sue," "Orange Blossom Special," and "I Walk the Line." He had his own TV series "The Johnny Cash Show" (ABC, 1969-71) and "Johnny Cash and Friends" (CBS, 1976). He also starred in the movie "Gunfight" (1970). His daughter, Roseanne, has also become a popular country singer.
- Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean (aka Jerome Herman Dean) (1911-1974) - Born in Lucas, this Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher won 150 games, mostly for the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the Gas House Gang. In 1934 he won 30 games, a record that went unbroken for 34 years. He was a hero and role model for many poor, rural Arkansas youngsters during the Depression. He later he became a popular sportscaster and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.
- Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821-1877) - This Confederate general is considered a military genius by modern scholars and tacticians. After the war, Forrest contracted with railroad companies in Memphis and Little Rock to lay tracks linking the two cities.
- John Grisham (b. 1955) - Lawyer and best-selling author of such books as The Firm, The Pelican Brief,The Client and The Chamber. He is the publisher of The Oxford American, a monthly that publishes articles and essays based on the South. Several of his books have been made into movies. Grisham was born in Jonesboro and has lived in various towns throughout Northeast Arkansas.
- Scott Joplin (1868-1917) - Composer from Texarkana who is noted for his ragtime music. Billed as the "King of Ragtime", he wrote "The Entertainer" in 1902 which was later revived in the score of "The Sting" (1973).
- Brooks Robinson (b. 1937) - Retired professional baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles (1955-77). Robinson, a native of Little Rock, won 16 Gold Glove Awards, more than anyone else in the sport. He was named the American League's MVP in 1964. Known for his fielding, he is considered by many as the best third baseman to ever play the game. He was inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame in 1978 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.