Born in Athens, Georgia, Peyroux (pronounced "Peru") spent some time in a domestic violence shelter as a child.

CNN: Madeleine Peyroux looks deep inside

Born in Athens, Economou first came to America to attend MIT, where he received two masters of science, one in naval architecture and marine engineering, another in shipping and shipbuilding management.

FORBES: Curious George

George Sarrinikolaou, a Greek-born journalist, is no less personal in his tale of rediscovering Athens.

ECONOMIST: Athens