January 26

Born in 1732, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach was trained by his father, Johann Sebastian Bach, and served as chamber musician at the court of Bückeburg. He composed symphonies, concertos, and chamber works that blended Baroque traditions with emerging Classical styles. His keyboard compositions and liturgical music gained popularity among German courts. Bach’s correspondence reveals his engagement with contemporary musical developments and his influence on regional tastes. He remained at Bückeburg until his death in 1795, leaving a body of work that bridges two musical eras.

Théodore Géricault was born in Rouen, France, in 1791. A pioneer of the Romantic movement, he rejected classical conventions in favor of intense emotion and realism. His 1819 painting The Raft of the Medusa shocked the art world with its raw depiction of shipwreck survivors. Géricault studied anatomy by dissecting corpses to achieve striking realism in his figures. He also excelled in lithography and portrayed subjects ranging from circus performers to equestrian portraits. His bold vision influenced generations of Romantic artists before his early death at age 32.

Wilhelmine Schröder-Devrient was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1804. She gained fame for her powerful voice and expressive acting, captivating audiences across Europe. She created the role of Leonore in Beethoven’s Fidelio and inspired Richard Wagner with her intense stage presence. Schröder-Devrient’s interpretations brought new emotional depth to operatic performance. Her career included acclaimed appearances at the Paris Opera and the Karlsruhe Court Opera. She retired in 1844 but remained a revered figure, influencing generations of sopranos.

Jeanne Hébuterne studied art in Paris and developed a delicate, modernist style of portraiture and design. She was the muse and fiancée of sculptor Amedeo Modigliani, whose sudden death in 1920 deeply affected her. Pregnant and grief-stricken, Hébuterne tragically took her own life the day after losing her partner. Although her life was brief, her surviving works and letters offer a poignant glimpse into the early 20th-century art world.

Grace Moore was a Tennessee-born soprano who rose to fame with her lyrical voice and charismatic stage presence. She debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1934 and quickly became one of its most popular stars. Moore transitioned to Hollywood in the 1930s, starring in musicals such as One Night of Love and I'll Take Romance, and earned an Academy Award nomination. Known as the Tennessee Nightingale, she bridged the worlds of opera and cinema. Tragically, her life was cut short in a plane crash during a USO tour in 1947, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence.

Born Jonathan David Clarke in 1914, Kenny Clarke revolutionized jazz percussion with his innovative ride cymbal technique. As a founding member of the Modern Jazz Quartet, he played a key role in the development of bebop in the 1940s. Clarke's loose, propulsive drumming style freed improvisations and influenced generations of drummers. He co-led influential ensembles in New York and later moved to Paris, where he continued to record and perform. Clarke's contributions extended to composition and bandleading, leaving a lasting imprint on jazz evolution. He died on January 26, 1985, remembered as one of the most important drummers in jazz history.

Henry Lewis began his career as a bassist with the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera ensembles. In 1968, he was appointed conductor of the New Jersey Symphony, becoming the first African-American to lead a major American orchestra. He later served as music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Lewis championed American composers and expanded orchestral repertoires through innovative programming. He was dedicated to music education, conducting workshops and mentoring young musicians nationwide. His pioneering leadership opened doors for generations of minority artists in classical music.

Kathleen Hale began her career as a journalist and artist for various British publications. In 1938, she introduced 'Orlando the Marmalade Cat', a mischievous feline hero who enchanted young readers. Hale went on to write and illustrate over a dozen Orlando books, blending whimsical watercolor art with charming narratives. Her work captured the curiosity and imagination of children across generations. She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1976 for her services to children's literature. Hale's legacy endures through her enduring characters and pioneering illustration style.

Viktor Schreckengost (1906–2008) was a pioneering American industrial designer and sculptor whose career spanned over seven decades. He gained fame for his Art Deco pottery and dinnerware, including the iconic Jazz Bowl produced by Hall China. Schreckengost also designed toys, vehicles, and ceramics for major manufacturers like Ohio Art. As a long-time instructor at the Cleveland Institute of Art, he influenced generations of designers and artists. His work bridged the gap between fine art and mass production, earning him the title 'dean of American industrial design.' Schreckengost's legacy endures in the modern design world.

Charlie Louvin (1927–2011) was an American country singer-songwriter and guitarist best known as one half of the Louvin Brothers duo with his brother Ira. Their close harmonies and songs like 'Cash on the Barrelhead' and 'When I Stop Dreaming' influenced generations of country, folk, and rock artists. After the duo disbanded, Louvin recorded solo albums and collaborated with musicians such as Emmylou Harris. His music was noted for its gospel inflections and emotional depth. Louvin's legacy endures through tributes by contemporary artists and his role in shaping the sound of American roots music.

Cleven "Goodie" Goudeau was born in 1932 and began his career as a pioneering cartoonist for major magazines, including Playboy and Ebony. He founded Goodie Cards, creating greeting cards that celebrated African American culture and humor. His bold, expressive style and sharp wit earned him a dedicated following and paved the way for future generations of Black cartoonists. Goudeau also worked as an art director, influencing visual trends in publishing and advertising. His legacy is remembered for challenging stereotypes and broadening representation in the arts.