Author: Rick Sebak
Mon River, Wider than a Mile: Henri Mancini's Surprising Roots
The locally bred (but Cleveland-born) composer Henry Mancini’s biggest hit wasn’t named after the Monongahela — but his ties to the region run deep.
Sweet Memories of East Liberty's Neighborhood Jazz Legend
Erroll Garner, one of the most beloved, influential and swinging pianists of the 20th century, was born June 15, 1921, at 212 N. St. Clair St. in East Liberty.
He was the Mon Valley's Founding Father
Albert Gallatin was 19 years old in 1780, but his youth didn’t deter him from emigrating from Geneva, Switzerland, to the newly declared independent nation of American states.
A Famous Socialite’s Pittsburgh Connection
When she arrived in 1917, Perle Mesta wasn’t crazy about Pittsburgh.
The Westmoreland Reporter Who “Invented the Interview”
Anne Royall grew up just outside Pittsburgh but didn’t see it until she was a renowned journalist.
Johnny Mathis Is Coming for a Sleepover
Three sisters from Ambridge became such devoted fans of the crooner Johnny Mathis that they eventually welcomed him as a houseguest.
The Future French President's Big Mistake in Pittsburgh
The future French president was generally a fan of Pittsburgh but made one poor decision during a 2006 visit.
A Unique Honor for the King of Dukes
Duquesne basketball legend Chuck Cooper broke the NBA’s color line in 1950; next year, he’s getting a posthumous, one-of-a-kind honor at his former campus.
George S. Kaufman's Sensational Scandal
The Pittsburgh-born playwright made tabloid headlines in the 1930s. (it didn’t slow him down a bit.)
This Brit Fell in Love with Pittsburgh's Dirt
During the Civil War, a British writer was enchanted by Pittsburgh’s dirt and soot.
5 Best Pittsburgh-Area Diners Where You Could See Rick Sebak
Sebak is the foremost expert on the diners of the Pittsburgh region — he made the documentary “Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants” in 1993 and has been frequenting local greasy spoons ever since. We asked him to share his picks for the area’s five best.
Remembering Some of Mister Rogers' Famous Houseguests
A world renowned French pantomime artist, an astronaut, a TV news anchor and a beloved chef are among the notable visitors to Mister Rogers' neighborhood.
The Famous People Who Visited WQED in its First 65 Years
The parade of prominent people started early and continues today.
Scrapbooks Share Pittsburgh's Subterranean Secrets
Beneath a longstanding Strip District church, visitors could once descend into catacombs.
What Brought Walt Disney to Pittsburgh
A futuristic attraction at the Allegheny County Fair drew a curious Walt Disney to Pittsburgh — and had a lasting impact on modern transportation.
Our 50 Years: Why I Hate Nostalgia
Enjoying memories is fun – but a far cry from pining for the past.
Theirs was a Starry-Eyed Pittsburgh Romance
John Brashear dedicated his life to science — and his wife, Phoebe.
The Pittsburgh Connection to “Good Morning Vietnam”
Robin Williams’ character in the hit movie was based on an accomplished Pittsburgh DJ.
Rick Sebak Introduces You to Pittsburgh's Circus King
Multi-talented performer Dan Rice may be “the most famous man you've never heard of.”
Rick Sebak Details the Town Named for Eleanor
The First Lady's many area trips endeared her to the region — and one community in particular.
Czechoslovakia was Forged in Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak details how the establishment of the European nation began with a meeting Downtown.
Remembering Bruno Sammartino: “The Italian Superman”
The storied grappler captured the imagination — and the hearts — of generations of Pittsburghers.
