Did you know today is National Dessert Day? In celebration of all things tasty, here is a bit of fun Illinois history.

Evanston, or as some locals would say, “Chicago's Godly neighbor, Heavenston," was home to the first Ice Cream Sundae. Originally known as the “Ice Cream Sunday,” the spelling was later changed to “Sundae” after residents complained about the dessert being named after the Sabbath.

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Looking for places in Chicagoland to satisfy your dessert cravings?
Learn more about the Illinois connection to the origins of the Ice Cream Sundae

Stanley Mazor was born on October 22, 1941, in Chicago. Mazor started his studies with a keen interest for helicopter design and construction. He became interested in computers and took a position as a professor’s assistant.

In 1969, Mazor joined the newly formed Intel Corporation to invent the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004.

Microprocessors are the “brains” of computers and other household electronic devices. The original Intel 4004 wasn’t powerful, however. It was primarily used to complete simple mathematical operations in a calculator.

Just like microwaves and telephones, electronic devices with microprocessors have become a part of our everyday lives.  Over the last 40 years, microprocessors have evolved into smaller and more affordable devices that make our daily tasks easier.

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Read more on the invention of the Microprocessor on PBS

John Prine was born in Maywood on October 10, 1946. He is a prolific singer and songwriter and is renowned as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. His songs have been covered by music icons such as Johnny Cash and Bonnie Raitt.

Before his success as a musician, Prine served in the military, stationed in Germany, as well as worked at the U.S. Postal Service. It was Kris Kristofferson who found Prine at an open mic night at a bar in Chicago, which jump-started his career.

John Prine’s self-titled album was released in 1971 on Atlantic Records. Since then, he has released 25 albums. His 2006 album Fair & Square won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

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Visit the official John Prine website and learn more about this folk legend

The 2016 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame include several musical talents with ties to Illinois.

Jazz and rock band Chicago released their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, in 1969. Throughout the 70s and 80s, the band gained popularity and followers with their unique blend of rock and roll and jazz elements.

New wave band Cheap Trick, known to many as one of the most influential new wave bands of the 1980s, was formed in Rockford in the 1970s. Since their formation, they have released 16 studio albums, with their most recent album, The Latest, being released in 2009.

Chaka Khan was born in Chicago in 1953 and began her musical career with the group Rufus in the 70s. Some of Khan’s more favorite hits include “Tell Me Something Good” (as a member of Rufus), “I’m Every Women,” and “Ain’t Nobody.” Khan has won 10 Grammy Awards and has been nominated for numerous American Music Awards. 

While born in Milwaukee in the 1940s, Steve Miller moved to Chicago after college, surrounding himself with the top blues talent of the day, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Buddy Guy. Miller formed The Steve Miller Band in 1966 and the group has released 18 albums to date.

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Read more about the 2016 nominees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

If the film Bridesmaids left you in stitches then you’ve experienced the comedic prowess of Melissa McCarthy.

McCarthy was born on August 26, 1970 in Plainfield. She graduated from Joliet Catholic Academy before moving to New York to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. While in New York, she appeared in numerous notable clubs and trained at The Actor’s Studio.

Eventually, McCarthy moved to Los Angeles, where she took part in the sketch comedy theater The Groundlings. She was a staple of the main stage with The Groundlings while also playing various film roles.

Her breakout role came as Sookie St. James in the television show Gilmore Girls. In 2010, she landed a starring role in the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly, for which she received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Her most notable role came as Megan in the 2011 film Bridesmaids, which netted her nominations for an Academy Award, a Screen Actor’s Guild Award and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award. Since Bridesmaids, McCarthy has starred in numerous films with actors and actresses like Jason Bateman, Sandra Bullock and Paul Rudd. She married fellow Bridesmaids actor Ben Falcone in 2005.

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Read more about Melissa McCarthy on IMDb