March 19

Born in Schwabstedt in 1665, Bruhns studied under the renowned Dieterich Buxtehude in Lüneburg. He gained acclaim for his intricate organ preludes and choral music that blended expressive melodies with complex counterpoint. Despite his flourishing talent, his life was cut short at the age of 32. His surviving works, including three organ fantasias and several cantatas, exemplify the height of North German Baroque style. His innovations influenced subsequent generations of composers, leaving a lasting legacy in sacred and instrumental music.

Born in 1738 into a family of musicians, Hayes received his early training at the Chapel Royal where he became a chorister. In 1767 he was appointed organist of Magdalen College, Oxford, and later Master of the Children at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. He composed a wide range of music including glees, anthems, keyboard works, and oratorios that combined Italianate style with English choral tradition. Hayes was a pioneer in professionalizing church music, advocating for rigorous training of choristers and instrumentalists. His published collections and performances influenced the development of Georgian-era sacred music. He died in 1797, leaving a legacy as one of his generation’s leading English church composers.

Born in 1819, Hanon gained fame as a piano virtuoso and composer in 19th-century France. He is best remembered for 'The Virtuoso Pianist', a collection of exercises still used by students today. Hanon's method emphasized technical precision and finger strength, influencing piano pedagogy. His compositions and teaching materials have been translated into multiple languages. Hanon's legacy endures as a foundational figure in piano education worldwide.

Born in 1879, Emma Bell Miles drew inspiration from the rugged landscape and culture of the Appalachian region. She wrote essays, poetry, and stories that captured the traditions and daily experiences of mountain communities. As an artist, she created paintings and sketches reflecting the area's natural beauty and folk heritage. Miles's work provided early documentation of Appalachian folklore and crafts. Her interdisciplinary talents offered a unique portrait of rural American life at the turn of the century. Miles remains a significant figure in Appalachian literature and art history.

Paul Kossoff rose to fame as the lead guitarist of the British rock band Free, whose hit 'All Right Now' became an anthem of the 1970s. Known for his emotive vibrato and melodic solos, he influenced countless guitarists in blues-rock and hard rock genres. After Free disbanded, Kossoff formed the group Back Street Crawler and continued to record and tour. Despite struggles with health and substance abuse, his virtuosity remained evident in live performances and studio recordings. Kossoff's style combined technical skill with soulful expression, earning him a place among rock's celebrated guitarists. He died at the age of 25, but his recordings continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

Randy Rhoads was born in 1956 in Santa Monica, California, and began playing guitar at an early age. He co-founded the band Quiet Riot and later joined Ozzy Osbourne's solo project in 1979. Rhoads' innovative neoclassical guitar style shone on albums such as Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. His technical prowess and melodic sensibility earned him widespread acclaim in the heavy metal community. Tragically, he died in a plane crash in 1982 at the age of 25, cutting short a groundbreaking career. His influence endures, inspiring generations of guitarists and posthumous honors including hall of fame inductions.

Garry Winogrand was born in 1928 in New York City and became a leading figure in street photography. He documented everyday life across the United States, producing a vast archive of striking black-and-white images. Winogrand's work explored themes of social dynamics, gender, and the American dream during the 1950s and 1960s. He held major exhibitions at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and published influential photobooks. At the time of his death in 1984, thousands of rolls of film remained undeveloped, cementing his posthumous legacy.

Andrew Wood was born in 1966 in Columbus, Ohio, and became a central figure in Seattle's emerging grunge scene. He co-founded Malfunkshun before forming Mother Love Bone, whose 1990 album Apple garnered critical praise. Known for his charismatic stage presence and emotive vocals, Wood influenced the alternative rock genre. His untimely death from a drug overdose in 1990 led to the formation of the Temple of the Dog tribute project. Wood's legacy endures through his music and the impact he had on peers like Pearl Jam.

Alan Ridout was born in 1934 in London and studied composition at the Royal College of Music. He wrote over 200 works, including carols, chamber music, and organ pieces. Ridout taught at Bromley College and Worcester College, mentoring future generations of composers. His music is noted for its melodic clarity and accessibility, especially in liturgical contexts. He passed away in 1996, leaving a diverse catalog celebrated by performers and scholars.

Born in Rotterdam in 1904, de Kooning moved to the United States in 1926 and became a central member of the New York School. He gained fame for his 'Woman' series, which blended gestural abstraction with figurative forms. De Kooning taught at Black Mountain College, influencing a generation of abstract painters. His work bridged European modernism and American expressionism, earning him the National Medal of Arts in 1985. Despite health challenges in later years, he continued to paint prolifically until his death. De Kooning's legacy endures through his innovative approach to form, space, and color.

Born in 1926, Prechtl served in the German army during World War II before studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Nuremberg. He developed a unique style combining surreal elements with meticulous detail. Prechtl illustrated classics by Goethe, Kafka, and Bulgakov, and his work appeared regularly in publications such as Der Spiegel. He also designed posters and worked as a painter, earning awards for his versatility. His wartime experiences informed the depth and intensity of his art. Prechtl's illustrations remain celebrated for their imaginative power and technical mastery.

Kym Bonython was born in 1920 and began his career as a talented jazz drummer, performing in clubs across Australia. Transitioning to radio in the 1950s, he hosted popular shows that introduced audiences to rock 'n' roll, jazz fusion, and other cutting-edge genres. His charismatic on-air personality and keen ear for new talent made him a pivotal figure in the development of Australia's music scene. Beyond broadcasting, Bonython supported local artists and cultural events, fostering a vibrant creative community. He remained active behind the microphone for decades, mentoring young presenters and advocating for musical innovation. His legacy endures in the generations of musicians and broadcasters he helped inspire.