Global InformationList of entertainers from Montana information
Montana /mɒnˈtænə/ is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name, derived from the Spanish word montaña (mountain). Montana has several nicknames, none official,[1] including: "The Treasure State" and "Big Sky Country", and slogans that include "Land of the Shining Mountains" and more recently, "The Last Best Place".[2][3] The state ranks fourth in area, but 44th in population, and accordingly has the third-lowest population density in the United States.[4] The economy is primarily based on services, with ranching, wheat farming, oil and coal mining in the east, and lumber, tourism, and hard rock mining in the west.[5] Millions of tourists annually visit Glacier National Park, the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and three of the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park.[6]
A number of Montanans have become notable for their involvement in acting, animation, directing, classical music, rock music, and opera. Actors include Gary Cooper, who won Academy Awards for Sergeant York (1942) and High Noon (1952), and Myrna Loy, who won a lifetime achievement Academy Award in 1991.[7][8] Martha Raye was an entertainer who was a strong supporter of, and much beloved by, members of the United States military.[9] Animator Brad Bird won Academy Awards for The Incredibles (2004) and Ratatouille (2007).[10][11] Director David Lynch has been nominated for four Academy Awards.[12] Jeff Ament is the bassist for Pearl Jam.[13] Soprano Judith Blegen is a member of New York's Metropolitan Opera.[14]
- ^ "Montana Code Annotated 2009 – Title 1, chapter 1, Part 5 "State Symbols – Official Designations"". State of Montana. Archived from the original on August 12, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
- ^ Shovers, Brian (2003). "Montana Episodes". Montana Department of Tourism. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved August 28, 2011.
- ^ Robbins, Jim (August 17, 2008). "In Montana, a Popular Expression Is Taken Off the Endangered List". The New York Times. Retrieved August 28, 2011.
- ^ "Montana's Population Projections: 1995–2025". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
- ^ "Montana". United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
- ^ Thackeray, Lorna (October 17, 2009). "National-park visitors boost Montana's tourism stats". Billings Gazette. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
- ^ "Gary Cooper Profile". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
- ^ Leider, Emily W. (2011). Myrna Loy: The Only Good Girl in Hollywood. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-520-25320-9.
- ^ "Martha Raye". Montana Kids. Montana Office of Tourism. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
- ^ Gaiser, Heidi (November 12, 2004). "Kalispell Native is the Superhero Behind 'The Incredibles'". Daily Inter Lake. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
- ^ "Brad Bird". Montana Kids. Montana Office of Tourism. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
- ^ "David Lynch". Montana Kids. Montana Office of Tourism. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
- ^ "Jeff Ament". Montana Kids. Montana Office of Tourism. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- ^ "Judith Blegen". Montana Kids. Montana Office of Tourism. Retrieved August 6, 2011.