April 23

Red Garland emerged as a defining voice in 1950s jazz with his signature block chord style and lyrical improvisation. After recording landmark albums as a leader, he joined the Miles Davis Quintet from 1955 to 1958, contributing to classics like Round About Midnight and Workin'. He led his own trio recordings that showcased his refined touch and creative interplay. Garland’s influence extended beyond performance as he inspired piano techniques that remain staples in jazz education. His extensive discography and melodic sensibility continue to resonate with jazz enthusiasts today.

Harold Arlen co-wrote more than 500 songs that became staples of the Great American Songbook. His composition 'Over the Rainbow', featured in The Wizard of Oz, earned an Academy Award and remains one of cinema’s most enduring melodies. Collaborating with lyricists like Ted Koehler and Yip Harburg, he crafted hits such as 'One for My Baby' and 'Let’s Fall in Love.' Arlen’s work spanned Broadway, film, and cabaret, showcasing his versatility and melodic inventiveness. His contributions have been recorded by generations of artists, cementing his status as a master of 20th-century popular music.

Johnny Thunders burst onto the music scene as the incendiary lead guitarist for the New York Dolls, blending glam rock flair with punk’s raw energy. After forming The Heartbreakers in 1975, his edgy riffs and rebellious persona influenced the emerging punk movement on both sides of the Atlantic. His solo career produced cult classics like So Alone, showcasing his soulful vocals and candid songwriting. Thunders’s turbulent personal life and battles with addiction added to his mythic status in rock lore. Despite his early death, his fearless style and musical legacy continue to inspire bands across genres.

Satyajit Ray introduced global audiences to Indian neorealism with his debut film Pather Panchali (1955), the first in the acclaimed Apu Trilogy. Over his career, he directed 36 features and documentaries, blending poetic imagery with deep empathy for his characters. Beyond directing, Ray wrote screenplays, composed musical scores, and illustrated his books, showcasing his multifaceted artistry. His films addressed social change, tradition, and human resilience with subtlety and grace. Awarded an honorary Academy Award in 1992 and a Knight of the Legion of Honor, Ray’s influence endures among filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide.

Born in 1920 on the island of Crete, Thanassis Skordalos became a master of the Cretan lyra. He composed and performed songs that blended folk melodies with poetic lyrics. Skordalos recorded numerous albums and performed across Greece and internationally. His emotive playing style and unique voice brought wider recognition to Cretan musical traditions. He influenced generations of musicians before his passing in 1998.

Born in France in 1910, Fernand Fonssagrives initially trained as a dancer before discovering photography. He moved to the United States in the 1940s, where he shot iconic fashion spreads for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. His elegant compositions and use of light set new standards for mid-century editorial photography. Fonssagrives married model Lisa Fonssagrives, often collaborating on artistic projects. He continued to produce acclaimed portrait and still-life work until his death in 2003.

Born in Toronto in 1917, Robert Farnon began his musical career as a trumpet player. After serving during World War II, he moved to London and became a leading arranger and composer. Farnon's work included film and television scores, alongside his signature lush orchestral pieces. He won several awards for his compositions, influencing the development of light music. Fondly remembered by fellow musicians, Farnon continued to conduct and compose until his death in 2005.

Born in Venice in 1927, Romano Scarpa became one of Italy's most influential Disney artists. He created original stories and characters for Topolino magazine, blending humor with adventure. Scarpa's vivid illustrations and storytelling introduced new talents to the Disney universe. His work inspired generations of comic artists and remains highly collectible today. He continued to produce beloved tales until his death in 2005.

Phil Walden began his career managing soul singer Otis Redding, helping to shape his signature sound and international success. In 1969, he co-founded Capricorn Records in Macon, Georgia, as a hub for emerging Southern rock bands such as The Allman Brothers Band and Marshall Tucker Band. Under his guidance, Capricorn became synonymous with the energetic blend of rock, blues, and country that defined the genre. After Capricorn’s collapse in the late 1970s, he launched new ventures and continued managing acts like Steve Winwood. Throughout his life, Walden was a passionate advocate for musical innovation and nurtured artists who would leave a lasting mark on American music.

Tom King co-founded The Outsiders in Cleveland and co-wrote their signature hit "Time Won't Let Me," which reached the top five on the Billboard charts. His guitar work and songwriting helped define the energetic sound of mid-1960s garage rock. Despite the band’s brief major-label success, King’s compositions influenced later generations of rock musicians. Beyond performance, he continued writing songs and mentoring young artists until his passing in 2011. His musical contributions remain a touchstone for enthusiasts of classic rock.

Billy Bryans was a versatile Canadian musician and record producer whose career spanned more than three decades. As the drummer for the influential band the Parachute Club, he helped craft their fusion of pop, reggae, and world music sounds. He co-produced hits like 'Rise Up', which became an anthem for social change in 1980s Canada. Bryans also worked as a session musician and producer for diverse artists across rock, jazz, and folk genres. A pioneer in Toronto's music scene, he championed multicultural collaborations and organized benefit concerts for charitable causes. His dedication to innovation and community engagement left a lasting mark on Canadian music.

Chris Ethridge was an American bassist and songwriter who played a key role in the development of country-rock music. He co-founded the Flying Burrito Brothers alongside Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, blending rock, country, and folk influences. His melodic bass lines underpinned the band's influential albums such as 'The Gilded Palace of Sin'. Before and after his time with the Burrito Brothers, Ethridge worked as a sought-after session musician, collaborating with artists like Leon Russell and Joe Cocker. His songwriting contributions helped shape the sound of 1960s and 1970s Americana. Ethridge's innovative approach to bass playing continues to inspire musicians in multiple genres.