March 15

Born in 1666 in Fürstenwalde, George Bähr began his career as a carpenter before studying architecture. He was appointed city architect of Dresden in 1705, where he envisioned a church that would stand as a symbol of Protestant faith. Bähr's masterpiece, the Dresden Frauenkirche, was constructed between 1726 and 1743, featuring a distinctive stone dome that became an engineering marvel. His baroque style combined functionality with grandeur, influencing German ecclesiastical architecture. Although he passed away in 1738 before the church's completion, his vision endured through his apprentices. Bähr's work remains celebrated as a landmark of architectural history.

Eduard Strauss was an Austrian composer and conductor, the youngest son of Johann Strauss I and brother of Johann Strauss II. He led the Strauss Orchestra after his brothers and specialized in composing waltzes, polkas, and galops. His notable works include the 'Pizzicato Polka' and the 'Republican Polka'. Strauss played a key role in shaping Viennese dance music during the Belle Époque. He documented his family's musical heritage and directed the orchestra on European tours. Eduard Strauss's lively compositions continue to be celebrated in concert halls worldwide.

Karl Davydov was born in 1838 into a musical family in Russia. He became known as the czar of cellists for his extraordinary technique and expressive performances. In 1863, he joined the Imperial Court Orchestra in St. Petersburg and later taught at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Davydov composed several cello concertos and études that remain central to the repertoire today. His work as a conductor and teacher influenced generations of musicians across Europe. He also toured internationally, bringing Russian cello artistry to a wider audience. His contributions helped elevate the cello to a prominent solo instrument in classical music.

Born in 1886 in Copenhagen, Wegener studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Paris in 1904. She gained fame for her elegant Art Deco posters, book illustrations, and portraits, often featuring glamorous women in vibrant colors. Wegener's style blended sensuality with stylized forms, making her a celebrated figure in Parisian art circles. She also depicted transgender subjects, inspired by her spouse Lili Elbe. Her work was exhibited internationally and influenced decorative arts. Wegener died in 1940, leaving a legacy of bold and innovative design.

Born Sara Hedberg in Karlstad, Sweden, Zarah Leander relocated to Germany in 1936 and quickly became one of UFA studio's biggest box office draws. Her deep contralto voice and commanding screen presence made her a star of films produced during the 1930s and 1940s. Despite the turbulent political climate, she maintained her popularity throughout World War II before returning to Sweden in 1943. After the war, she revived her career with concert tours across Europe and acclaimed recordings that showcased her distinctive vocal style. Leander's legacy endures as a symbol of 1930s and 1940s European cinema and music, celebrated for her influential contributions to both art forms.

Samuel John Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas, where he learned guitar in his youth, drawing on country blues and gospel traditions. He first recorded in the late 1940s, developing a raw, improvisational style and emotive vocals that set him apart. Over his long career, Hopkins released hundreds of recordings for labels like Aladdin, Imperial, and Prestige, influencing blues and rock musicians for decades. His distinctive fingerpicking and storytelling lyrics can be heard in classics such as Mojo Hand and Coffee Blues. Hopkins toured extensively in America and Europe until his death in 1982, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest blues artists of the 20th century.

Harry James began his career with dance bands before joining Benny Goodman's orchestra in 1939, where his trumpet solos earned widespread acclaim. Later that year, he formed his own band, producing hits like You Made Me Love You and Trumpet Blues and Cantabile that defined the big band sound. His ensembles showcased vocal talents such as Frank Sinatra, helping the young singer to national prominence. James also appeared in films like Private Buckaroo and Two Girls and a Sailor, demonstrating his versatility as a performer. Known for his dynamic technique and showmanship, Harry James left an enduring mark on jazz and popular music until his death in 1983.

Ben Johnston (1926-2019) was an American composer and academic celebrated for his pioneering use of just intonation and microtonality. A student of Henry Cowell and Elliott Carter, Johnston developed a notation system to accurately represent extended tonal intervals. His chamber, vocal, and instrumental works challenged conventional Western tuning and influenced contemporary music theory. As a professor at the University of Illinois, he mentored emerging composers and wrote extensively on tuning systems. Johnston received commissions from leading ensembles and his innovative approach reshaped modern compositional practices.

Carl Smith (1927-2010) was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known as one of country music's top stars in the 1950s. His smooth baritone and lively picking style produced hits like "Hey Good Lookin'" and "You Are the Champion." Smith was instrumental in developing the honky-tonk sound and influenced generations of country artists. He won consecutive awards as the Academy of Country Music's Top Male Vocalist and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Smith's enduring recordings and dynamic performances helped shape the genre's golden age.

Bob Wilber (1928-2019) was an American jazz musician celebrated for his mastery of clarinet and soprano saxophone in the swing and Dixieland traditions. A protégé of Sidney Bechet, Wilber co-founded the Bechet Legacy Band and led the Soprano Summit with Kenny Davern, reviving interest in early jazz forms. He recorded extensively and performed worldwide, sharing his deep knowledge of jazz history. As an educator, Wilber taught at institutions like Yale and mentored young musicians. His dedication to preserving classic jazz styles made him a beloved figure among enthusiasts and peers alike.

Arif Mardin began his career at Atlantic Records in the 1960s, working with artists like Aretha Franklin and the Rascals. Over five decades, he produced Grammy-winning albums for the Bee Gees, Norah Jones, Chaka Khan and many others. His versatile approach blended diverse genres, fostering breakthroughs in soul, jazz and disco. Mardin earned numerous Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His influence extended globally, bridging musical traditions and pushing production boundaries. Mardin’s innovative techniques helped define the sound of modern popular music.

Howard Greenfield collaborated closely with composer Neil Sedaka, writing chart-topping songs like 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do' and 'Calendar Girl.' He was a key figure in the Brill Building era of songwriting in New York City. Greenfield’s lyrical style combined catchy hooks with relatable storytelling, influencing generations of pop songwriters. He earned multiple ASCAP awards and saw his songs covered by artists from the Beatles to Dionne Warwick. Later, he wrote for television musicals and theatrical productions. Greenfield’s contributions helped define the sound of 1960s pop music.