August 16, 1915

Al Hibbler, a blind pop/jazz singer, was born in Como, Mississippi; some sources have reported that Hibbler was born in Tyro, Mississippi, while still others report he was born in Little Rock (Pulaski County), but he always claimed Como as his birthplace. Hibbler was the first African American to have a radio program in Little Rock. He was also the first blind entertainer to gain national prominence. He sang with the Duke Ellington Band for eight and a half years before he left to make five recordings as a solo artist that became Billboard pop hits. Hibbler was also a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.