March 11

Born around 1550, Emilio de’ Cavalieri trained as an organist in Florence and later moved to Rome where he served in prominent musical positions. He is best known for his 1600 work Rappresentatione di Anima et di Corpo, considered by many scholars to be one of the first operas or oratorios. Cavalieri introduced expressive monodic singing and instrumental scenography, blending drama with sacred music. He held the title of Maestro di Cappella to Cardinal Cinzio Aldobrandini and worked on elaborate church festivities. His innovations in vocal and instrumental technique influenced the transition from Renaissance to Baroque styles. Cavalieri died in 1602, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in dramatic sacred music.

Born in 1543 in Viterbo, Nanino moved to Rome where he became one of the most influential figures in the development of madrigal composition. He served as maestro di cappella at various Roman churches and taught a generation of composers, including his brother Giovanni Bernardino. Nanino’s works feature expressive text setting and intricate counterpoint characteristic of the late Renaissance style. He published several books of madrigals and sacred music that were widely circulated across Europe. As a teacher, he fostered the talents of musicians who would carry forward the Roman musical tradition into the Baroque era. Nanino died in 1607, leaving a significant imprint on both composition and music education.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1738, Benjamin West moved to London in 1763 and quickly gained fame for his large-scale historical paintings. He was appointed historical painter to King George III and played a key role in shaping royal taste. As the second president of the Royal Academy, West mentored many young artists and helped establish the institution's prestige. His works often depicted dramatic biblical and classical scenes with innovative composition and light. West also published essays on artistic theory, influencing generations of painters on both sides of the Atlantic. He remained a central figure in the art world until his death in 1820.

Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau was born in Bielefeld in 1888 and became a pioneer of German Expressionist cinema. He directed influential films such as 'Nosferatu' (1922) and 'The Last Laugh' (1924), noted for their innovative visuals. In 1927 he moved to Hollywood, where 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans' earned him an Academy Award for Unique and Artistic Production. Murnau's mastery of camera movement and lighting techniques shaped modern filmmaking language. His work bridged European and American cinema, leaving a profound legacy on narrative and visual style. Murnau died in a car accident in Santa Barbara on March 11, 1931.

She debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1901 and became one of its leading stars for over a decade. Farrar was acclaimed for her dramatic intensity and clear, expressive vocal style in roles like Carmen and Madama Butterfly. In the 1910s, she transitioned to silent films, starring in several Biograph Company productions. Her crossover success made her one of the first opera singers to gain widespread popular fame. She retired from performance in the 1920s and remained a mentor to emerging artists.

Born in Egypt in 1939 and raised in France, Claude François rose to fame in the 1960s as a leading figure in French pop music. He founded his own production company and managed a string of hit singles, including the original version of 'Comme d'habitude', later made famous worldwide as 'My Way'. Known for his energetic stage presence and distinctive dance style, he became an icon of French entertainment. François was also a pioneer in music video production, influencing the future of performance art. His sudden death in 1978 at age 39 shocked the nation and cemented his legacy as one of France’s greatest pop legends.

Born in 1911 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Sonny Terry overcame the challenge of impaired vision to become a master of blues harmonica. His distinctive rhythmic style and chattering vocals made him a celebrated figure in folk and blues circles. Terry’s long-standing partnership with guitarist Brownie McGhee produced numerous recordings and electrifying live performances. He appeared in several films and worked with folklorist Alan Lomax in documenting traditional blues. Terry’s legacy endures as a cornerstone of American roots music; he passed away in 1986, revered by musicians worldwide.

Myfanwy Talog became a household name in Wales for her roles in popular TV series such as 'The Life and Times of David Lloyd George'. Born in 1945, she also lent her voice to animated productions and released music albums showcasing her rich singing talent. Talog was admired for her versatility on stage and screen, bringing humor and warmth to every role. A breast cancer advocate, she spoke openly about her battle after diagnosis. Talog passed away in 1995, leaving a legacy celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.

Jimmy Greenspoon (1948–2015) was an American musician whose keyboard work helped define the sound of the 1960s and 70s rock scene. As a founding member of Three Dog Night, he contributed to hits like "Joy to the World" and "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)". His soulful playing and songwriting talent added depth to the band's harmonies and arrangements. Greenspoon later performed with various artists and led his own groups, showcasing his versatility across genres. His enduring passion for music and stage presence left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Ray Campi (1934–2021) began his musical career in the 1950s as a session bassist for Sun Records, playing alongside rockabilly legends like Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. He formed his own band and released hits such as "Bonnie Lou" and "Everybody's Rockin'", helping to define the energetic rockabilly sound. After a period away from the spotlight, Campi re-emerged in the 1970s rock revival scene, touring internationally and influencing younger musicians. Known for his charismatic stage presence and distinctive double bass style, he earned a devoted following in Europe and the U.S. His advocacy for the roots of rock ’n’ roll cemented his reputation as a bridge between generations of music fans.

Takis Mousafiris (1936–2021) was a prolific Greek composer whose melodic songwriting became a staple of the country's pop and folk scenes. For over fifty years, he penned songs for leading artists, blending traditional Greek motifs with contemporary arrangements. His compositions topped the charts and remain beloved classics, performed across generations. Mousafiris also scored films and television programs, demonstrating his versatility across media. His work played a vital role in preserving Greek musical heritage while pushing its boundaries.

Born in 1930 in Wellington, Clive Revill began his acting career on the British stage. He gained acclaim for his performances in musicals and dramas in London's West End. Revill transitioned to film and television, appearing in both British and American productions. He earned a Tony Award nomination in the 1960s for his work on Broadway. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a rare combination of acting and vocal talent. He lent his voice to animated characters and appeared in popular television series. He passed away on March 11, 2025, leaving behind a body of work that influenced generations of performers.