March 29

Johann Wilhelm Hässler, born in 1747 in Erfurt, was a celebrated German pianist noted for his technical mastery and expressive playing. He studied under Johann Christian Bach and toured extensively, performing before royal audiences in Europe. Hässler composed numerous piano sonatas, concertos, and chamber works that showcased his innovative keyboard writing. His performances were praised for their clarity and emotional depth, influencing the next generation of pianists. Later in life, he settled in Riga, where he continued to teach and compose until his death in 1822.

After studying in Munich, Rugendas joined Argentine and Brazilian expeditions under the influence of Alexander von Humboldt. He produced hundreds of sketches and paintings capturing indigenous peoples and tropical landscapes. His work provided Europe with a window into the diverse cultures and natural beauty of the New World. He published illustrated travelogues that influenced scientific and popular perceptions. Rugendas blended Romanticism with realism to depict social and environmental themes. His artistic legacy endures in major museums and collections around the world.

Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, Müller-Ury moved to the United States in 1884 and established himself in New York. He painted portraits of industrialists, politicians, and celebrities with meticulous detail and elegance. His works were exhibited at the National Academy of Design and received critical acclaim. Müller-Ury also created religious and allegorical paintings for churches across America. He was a charter member of the National Society of Portrait Painters. His art documents the Gilded Age and remains preserved in museums and private collections.

Lutyens studied at the Royal College of Art and was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. He designed iconic structures such as the Cenotaph in London and New Delhi's Viceroy's House. His work blends classical formality with innovative proportions and local materials. Lutyens collaborated with garden designer Gertrude Jekyll to create harmonious landscapes. He was knighted in 1918 for his contributions to architecture. His designs have left a lasting imprint on urban planning and memorial architecture worldwide.

William Walton rose to prominence with the rhythmic, modernist 'Façade: An Entertainment' in 1923. He composed major works such as the cantata 'Belshazzar's Feast' and the coronation march 'Crown Imperial'. Walton also scored films by directors like John Ford, blending dramatic narrative with innovative orchestration. His opera 'Troilus and Cressida' and symphonies reflect a lyrical style balanced with harmonic complexity. Knighted in 1951, Walton became a central figure in 20th-century British music.

Braguinha, born João de Barro, was a central figure in the development of Brazilian popular music in the 20th century. He collaborated with Pixinguinha and other luminaries at Rádio Mayrink Veiga, pioneering samba on radio. His compositions, including 'Carinhoso' and 'Pastorinha', have become standards of the Brazilian repertoire. Braguinha also worked as a producer and lyricist for films and musical revues. His playful lyrics and melodic inventiveness continue to influence musicians across genres.

Born Aubrey Wilson Mullican, Moon Mullican began performing on radio in the 1930s. He gained fame for his energetic piano style blending country, western swing, and early rockabilly influences. Mullican recorded hits like 'I'll Sail My Ship Alone' and 'Seven Nights to Rock' in the 1940s and 1950s. He toured extensively across the United States, influencing later rock and country musicians. Known for his flamboyant stage presence, he earned a devoted following in Texas and Nashville. He passed away in 1967, remembered as a key figure in the evolution of American roots music.

Born in 1918, Pearl Bailey rose to fame in the 1940s with her dynamic performances in nightclubs and on Broadway. She starred in musicals, television programs, and films, earning acclaim for her vibrant personality and soulful voice. Bailey became the first African American woman to host her own television variety show in the 1950s. She published an autobiography and actively supported civil rights and humanitarian causes. Over a career spanning five decades, she received multiple awards and honors before her death in 1990.

Ruby Murray was a popular Northern Irish vocalist who captivated audiences with her warm, vibrant voice during the 1950s. Her debut single became one of the fastest-selling records of the era, making her the first female British artist to have five Top 20 hits simultaneously. Murray's melodic ballads and radio broadcasts earned her widespread acclaim in the United Kingdom and Ireland. She toured extensively, performing sold-out shows and appearing on television programs like Sunday Night at the London Palladium. Despite her early success, Murray faced challenges later in life, including health issues and changing musical tastes. Her contribution to post-war popular music is celebrated by fans and historians alike. Murray's enduring legacy is marked by her record-breaking achievements and influence on future generations of female singers.

Richard Rodney Bennett was a versatile composer and pianist whose works spanned jazz, classical, and film music. Born in England, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music and later with Pierre Boulez and Gunther Schuller. Bennett scored over 50 films, including 'Murder on the Orient Express' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral,' earning Academy Award nominations. His concert repertoire encompassed orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal works, showcasing his mastery of diverse styles. As an educator, he taught composition and piano at various institutions, nurturing emerging talents. Bennett's influence extended through his recordings and public performances, blending modernist techniques with accessible melodies. Honoured with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, he remains a celebrated figure in contemporary music history. His legacy endures through his expansive body of work and contributions to both popular and art music.

Roberto Chabet was a pioneering Filipino painter and sculptor, widely recognized as the father of conceptual art in the Philippines. Born in 1937, he introduced experimental and minimalist approaches that challenged traditional art forms. He founded the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Department of Visual Communications and mentored generations of artists. Chabet’s works often explored the relationship between form, space, and perception, using found objects and unconventional materials. Throughout his career, he exhibited extensively in Asia, Europe, and the United States, influencing the regional art scene. His lasting legacy includes a rich body of conceptual works and significant contributions to art education. Chabet passed away in 2013, leaving behind a profound impact on contemporary art in Southeast Asia.

Born in 1940, Ray Davis lent his distinctive bass voice to influential funk ensembles such as The Parliaments and Parliament-Funkadelic. His rich, low tones anchored classics like “Flash Light” and “Give Up the Funk,” helping define the P-Funk sound. Over several decades, Davis toured worldwide, collaborating with bandleader George Clinton and fellow musicians. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, honoring his impact on funk and popular music. Beyond performance, Davis mentored emerging artists, leaving a legacy of innovation and musical excellence. He passed away in 2005, but his voice continues to resonate in the history of funk music.