February 19

Born in Modena in 1550, Orazio Vecchi became a leading composer of the late Renaissance. He is best known for his madrigal comedy 'L'Amfiparnaso', which blended theatrical storytelling with intricate vocal harmonies. Vecchi held musical posts in prominent Italian courts and churches, contributing significantly to both sacred and secular repertoires. His works influenced the development of ensemble singing and early Baroque forms. Through his experiments with text setting and dramatic structure, he expanded the expressive possibilities of vocal music. He died in 1605, leaving a lasting imprint on Renaissance composition.

Robert Fuchs was born in Graz in 1847 and studied music under Simon Sechter before joining the Vienna Conservatory faculty. He composed chamber works, symphonies, and songs known for their elegant craftsmanship and lyrical beauty. As a professor of music theory, Fuchs taught notable students including Gustav Mahler, Jean Sibelius, and Hugo Wolf. His teaching methods and compositions left a significant mark on the next generation of composers. Despite his quiet personality, his music enjoyed respect for its structural clarity and melodic charm. Fuchs died in Vienna in 1927, and his works continue to be revived by chamber ensembles and orchestras.

Born in 1898 in Scotland, John Grierson began his career as a film critic before turning to production and direction. He is widely regarded as the father of documentary film, having coined the term to describe non-fictional motion pictures. In the 1930s, Grierson founded the British Documentary Film Movement and produced influential works such as 'Drifters' and 'Night Mail'. He later led Canada's National Film Board, expanding documentary output during World War II to support the war effort. Grierson's theories emphasized the social function of film and the importance of realism in storytelling. His mentorship and organizational skills nurtured generations of filmmakers. Grierson’s contributions established documentary cinema as a powerful tool for education, propaganda, and artistic expression.

Born in Philadelphia in 1938, Lee Morgan displayed musical talent early and joined Dizzy Gillespie’s band at age 18. He became a leading figure in the hard bop movement, recording extensively for Blue Note Records. Morgan composed the iconic jazz standard 'The Sidewinder' in 1963, which became one of the label’s best-selling singles. Throughout the 1960s, he collaborated with musicians such as Art Blakey, John Coltrane, and Wayne Shorter, contributing to seminal recordings like 'Search for the New Land'. Known for his fiery technique and soulful tone, Morgan influenced generations of trumpet players. His life was tragically cut short in 1972 when he was shot during a performance in New York City. Despite his early death, Morgan’s recordings continue to inspire jazz artists and audiences worldwide.

Joseph Szigeti (1892-1973) was a Hungarian violinist celebrated for his refined musical intellect and clarity of tone. A protégé of Jenő Hubay, he debuted at the age of sixteen and quickly rose to international fame. He championed 20th-century composers, premiering works by Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály. Szigeti’s collaborations with Bartók influenced the composer’s violin repertoire. He emigrated to the United Kingdom and later the United States, where he made acclaimed recordings of Bach, Beethoven, and contemporary works. A dedicated teacher, he held positions at the Marlboro Music Festival and wrote influential essays on violin technique. His thoughtful approach and advocacy for new music left a lasting imprint on the violin world.

Bon Scott (1946-1980) was the charismatic lead singer of the hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his untimely death. Born in Scotland and raised in Australia, he joined the band and provided the gravelly vocals for classics like 'Highway to Hell' and 'The Jack'. Scott’s energetic stage presence and mischievous lyrics helped define AC/DC’s raw, unrestrained sound. His partnership with guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young yielded a string of successful albums. Scott’s hard-living lifestyle became legendary within rock circles. His death in 1980 at the age of 33 shocked fans worldwide, and the band paid tribute to his legacy with continued success under new vocalist Brian Johnson. Scott remains celebrated as one of rock’s greatest frontmen.

Derek Jarman (1942-1994) was an influential British filmmaker and artist whose experimental works challenged cinematic conventions. He studied at the Royal College of Art before directing provocative films like 'Sebastiane' (1976) and 'Caravaggio' (1986), noted for their striking visual style. Jarman was also an accomplished stage and production designer, working on theatre and ballet. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, he documented his experiences with AIDS in journals and documentaries, raising awareness during the epidemic. In his later years, he created a renowned wild garden at Prospect Cottage in Dungeness and published poetry and essays. Jarman’s fearless creativity and activism secured his legacy in art and queer culture.

Born Louis Marshall Jones in 1913, Grandpa Jones developed a folksy stage persona that endeared him to audiences nationwide. As a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he became celebrated for his witty songs and virtuosic banjo playing. Throughout a career spanning six decades, he recorded numerous albums blending country, gospel, and bluegrass. His signature yodel and playful charm earned him a Grammy Award and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He remains a beloved figure in American roots music.

Friedensreich Hundertwasser, born in 1928, adopted his unique name and rebelled against straight lines, creating art that embraced spirals, bright colors, and irregular forms. Originally from Vienna, he later moved to New Zealand, where he continued his environmental activism and experimental painting. He designed iconic buildings like the Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, blending architecture with nature. His writings and artworks emphasized ecological harmony and human creativity. Hundertwasser remains an iconic figure in modern art and environmental design.

Born in 1958, Liza 'N' Eliaz emerged as one of Europe's pioneering hardcore DJs, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her innovative sets combined hard-hitting beats with melodic flourishes, earning her a devoted following at raves and clubs across Belgium and beyond. She openly embraced her transgender identity, becoming an influential figure for LGBTQ+ representation in electronic music. Beyond her performances, she advocated for inclusivity and diversity in the dance community. Her untimely death in 2001 left a lasting impact on the hardcore scene.

Born in 1913, Charles Trenet revolutionized French popular music with his poetic lyrics and upbeat melodies, earning the nickname 'Le Fou Chantant' (The Singing Madman). His 1946 song 'La Mer' became an international standard, covered by artists worldwide, while classics like 'Boum!' captured postwar optimism. Trenet’s whimsical style and theatrical performances left an indelible mark on chanson. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he recorded over 1,000 songs and influenced generations of musicians. He was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque and remains a revered figure in French cultural history.

Born Donald Eugene Lytle in 1938, Johnny Paycheck became a defining figure in outlaw country music. After early stints as a backing musician, he found solo success in 1977 with his rebellious anthem 'Take This Job and Shove It,' which resonated with working-class audiences. Known for his raw vocals and honky-tonk style, Paycheck released a string of albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His career was marred by legal troubles, including a prison sentence for aggravated assault. Despite setbacks, he maintained a loyal fanbase and influenced later country artists with his unapologetic attitude.