Since 2009, http://openinglines.org gives you online access to the beginnings and origins of famous people. Often based on interviews with the person.
“We’ve researched the lives of many accomplished writers and artists, musicians and innovators, philosophers and politicians, to bring you the stories of how they got interested in their craft and the first attempts they made at pursuing it. Some may debate the veracity of one or another of these tales, but more than anything else, we simply hope to shed a little light on that moment when people decide to follow their passions and try to create something for the very first time. In most cases, these figures were struggling artists long before they were exceptional ones. So perhaps readers will find some inspiration in these stories to pursue their own passions.”
And clues to family relationship–theirs and yours. Family traditions often link your story to famous lives. Is the legend correct? Could you really be related? This very interesting site is a starting place. Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://arleneeakle.com
PS Take the plunge! Check it out. And stay tuned for more such sites.