Born on December 21

American mountaineer and businessman (1929–2015), Richard Bass was the first person to climb the Seven Summits — the highest peak on each continent. He reached the summit of Everest on April 30, 1985, at the age of 55, becoming the oldest climber to have done so at the time.

An American avant-garde composer and guitarist, Frank Zappa is one of the most original figures in rock and experimental music of the 20th century. Founder of the band The Mothers of Invention, he blended rock, jazz, contemporary classical music, and satirical humor.

Burkinabè officer and revolutionary, president of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987. A figure of Pan-Africanism and anti-imperialism, he renamed Upper Volta “Burkina Faso” (“land of upright people”) and led radical reforms before being assassinated during a coup d'état.

American athlete specializing in sprinting, nicknamed “Flo-Jo.” She still holds the world records in the 100 m and 200 m set in 1988, and was one of the fastest and most high-profile sprinters in history.