Listeners will be intrigued and inspired by these true stories of 20th Century Americans whose gifts transformed the world. Journalists, musicians, scientists, poets, a computer genius, and a president – all of them struggled and went on to great achievements. Now Jim Weiss brings you their stories. Nellie Bly, the pioneering woman journalist whose breathtaking adventures literally took her around the world. Navy Admiral Grace Hopper, the quotable computer genius who led the way into the age of high technology. George Gershwin, who composed musical masterpieces, and his lyricist friend, E.Y. Harburg (The Wizard of Oz and more). Langston Hughes, whose belief in possibilities drove him to overcome racism and write immortal poetry. Charles Steinmetz, the scientific genius with a giant heart lodged in a body four feed tall. Harry Truman, whose boyhood readings in history later guided his own history-making decisions as President of the United States.  These stories will have you shaking your head in wonder at the vast (and vastly entertaining) variety of ways in which humans can strive for greatness.