March 09

Josef Mysliveček was born in 1737 in Prague and initially trained as a violin maker. He studied composition under Giuseppe Tartini in Italy and gained fame for his operatic works in Venice and Naples. Mysliveček composed over 25 operas, symphonies, and sacred music admired for melodic richness. His friendship with the young Mozart influenced Wolfgang Amadeus's early development. Known as Il Boemo, he combined Bohemian musical traditions with Italian style. Financial difficulties and health problems later overshadowed his career. Mysliveček died in 1781 in Rome, leaving an enduring musical legacy.

Born in Laeken, Belgium, Marsick trained at the Brussels Conservatory under prominent violin masters. He toured Europe as a concert soloist, acclaimed for his lyrical tone and expressive style. In 1882, he was appointed professor at the Paris Conservatoire, shaping generations of violinists. His students included Eugène Ysaÿe, Jacques Thibaud, and other leading performers of the era. Marsick composed violin concertos, chamber works, and pedagogical studies that enriched the repertoire. His legacy endures through his pupils and contributions to modern violin technique.

Born in London to a family of artists, Thornycroft studied at the Royal Academy Schools. He emerged as a pioneer of the New Sculpture movement with works emphasizing realism and dynamic form. His notable pieces include 'Teucer' (1881) and major public memorials of literary and historical figures. As president of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, he championed modern approaches to sculpture. Thornycroft also taught at the Slade School of Fine Art, influencing a new generation of sculptors. His body of work helped redefine British sculpture at the turn of the 20th century.

Samuel Barber was a leading American composer and pianist known for his lyrical melodies and emotional depth. His 'Adagio for Strings' remains one of the most performed American orchestral works. Barber won two Pulitzer Prizes and composed operas, songs, and piano concertos. He blended Romantic sensibilities with modern techniques to create a unique American sound. Barber's music continues to resonate in concert halls and film scores worldwide.

Clara Rockmore was an American musician who achieved fame as the preeminent theremin virtuoso. Earlier trained as a child violin prodigy, she turned to the theremin to explore electronic sound. Rockmore collaborated closely with inventor Léon Theremin to refine the instrument's playing technique. Her performances demonstrated the theremin's expressive potential long before synthesizers. Rockmore's artistry opened new frontiers in 20th-century electronic music.

Born on March 9, 1923 in Pau, France, Courrèges studied architecture before joining the fashion house of Balenciaga. In 1961, he launched his own label and introduced streamlined designs, bold colors, and geometric shapes. He popularized the mini-skirt, go-go boots, and unisex silhouettes, earning him the nickname 'Space Age designer'. His innovative use of materials like vinyl and metal accents revolutionized women's fashion during the Swinging Sixties. Courrèges's designs influenced decades of designers and have been featured in museum retrospectives worldwide. He passed away on January 22, 2016, leaving a legacy of modernism and innovation in haute couture.

Keely Smith was an influential singer and occasional actress who rose to fame in the 1950s alongside bandleader Louis Prima. Known for her cool, understated delivery, she scored hits with classics such as 'That Old Black Magic' and 'Pennies from Heaven.' Smith earned a Grammy Award in 1959 for her chart-topping recordings and captivated audiences with her charismatic stage presence. She appeared in films like 'Daddy Long Legs' and released over 20 albums across her career. Smith's duets with Prima helped define the sound of mid-century jazz-pop. She continued performing internationally for decades, leaving a legacy as one of America's most elegant vocalists.

Ornette Coleman was a groundbreaking musician whose avant-garde approach reshaped the landscape of jazz. He introduced the concept of 'harmolodics,' emphasizing collective improvisation and equality among instruments, with seminal albums like 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' (1959). Coleman's quartet recordings expanded the boundaries of harmony and rhythm, influencing generations of jazz and experimental musicians. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2007 for his album 'Sound Grammar,' one of the first jazz musicians to receive the honor. In addition to playing alto saxophone, he performed on trumpet and violin, showcasing his multi-instrumental talent. Coleman's legacy endures as a central figure in 20th-century music innovation.

Qayyum Chowdhury was a leading Bangladeshi painter celebrated for his colorful landscapes, abstract compositions, and evocative illustrations. As a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, he mentored generations of artists and helped shape modern art education in Bangladesh. Chowdhury's magazine cover designs, notably for Sher-e-Bangla and other publications, became iconic in the country's visual culture. He played key roles in national art institutions, including serving as chairman of the National Gallery Bangladesh. His work earned him prestigious awards like the Ekushey Padak for his lifetime contributions to the arts. Chowdhury's legacy endures in his enduring artworks and influence on Bangladeshi art movements.

Lloyd Price was a pioneering R&B vocalist whose energetic performances helped lay the groundwork for rock and roll. He achieved his first major success with 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' in 1952, which became one of the biggest R&B hits of the decade. Price followed up with other classics, including 'Stagger Lee' and the chart-topping 'Personality.' He co-founded the independent record label Double L Records, demonstrating business acumen alongside artistic talent. In recognition of his contributions to music, Price was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. His career spanned over six decades, during which he influenced countless artists across multiple genres.

Artt Frank was an American jazz drummer whose rhythmic drive and inventive solos graced recordings and stages worldwide. He gained acclaim for his work in the bebop and cool jazz scenes, performing with notable artists across several decades. Frank's dynamic style blended technical mastery with soulful expression, making him a sought-after collaborator. In addition to his musical career, he authored in-depth biographies that offered unique insights into the lives of jazz legends. His dual talents as a performer and writer significantly contributed to preserving jazz history. Through teaching and workshops, he inspired countless musicians to explore the art of drumming. Frank continued performing into his later years before passing away in 2024.

Mickey Gilley was an American singer-songwriter and pianist who helped popularize the 'Urban Cowboy' sound. He first gained attention in the 1950s, recording rockabilly hits before transitioning to country music stardom. Gilley's rich piano playing and smooth vocals produced chart-topping songs like 'Room Full of Roses' and 'Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time.' His nightclub in Pasadena, Texas, became the backdrop for the hit film Urban Cowboy, bringing country music to new audiences. Over his career, he sold millions of records and toured internationally. Honored with awards and induction into music halls of fame, Gilley influenced generations of country artists. He passed away in 2022.