May 07

Born on May 7, 1701, in Wahrenbrück, Graun began his musical career as a chorister in Dresden. He achieved fame at the court of Prussian King Frederick the Great as Kapellmeister and chief composer. Graun's operas, including 'Cesare e Cleopatra,' were celebrated for their expressive melodies and dramatic flair. He also composed notable sacred works, such as the 'Passion oratorios,' which influenced later German composers. His music blended Italian opera traditions with German counterpoint, creating a unique stylistic synthesis. Graun's court positions enabled him to mentor young musicians and shape Prussian musical life. He died in Berlin in 1759, leaving behind a legacy as one of the 18th century's foremost composers.

Born in Hamburg in 1833, Johannes Brahms showed musical promise as a pianist and composer. He composed four symphonies, two piano concertos, and numerous chamber works that balanced classical forms with Romantic expressiveness. Brahms maintained close friendships with Robert and Clara Schumann, who championed his music early in his career. He later accepted a lifelong appointment in Vienna, where he influenced a generation of composers. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, Brahms often destroyed works he deemed imperfect. He died in 1897, leaving a legacy of timeless masterpieces celebrated worldwide.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) was a seminal Russian composer of the Romantic era. He studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory and later taught at the Moscow Conservatory. Tchaikovsky's rich melodic idioms and orchestration brought him international acclaim. His ballets Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty remain cornerstones of the repertoire. He composed six symphonies, the famous 1812 Overture, and enduring concertos. Despite his success, he struggled with personal turmoil and criticism from conservative critics. Tchaikovsky's music continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its emotional depth.

Born in 1899, Gerrard studied at the Royal College of Art before embarking on a prolific sculpting career. He produced notable public works, including war memorials and commemorative statues across Britain. Appointed as a professor at the Royal College of Art, he mentored a generation of emerging sculptors. His work blended classical techniques with modern approaches, earning acclaim from peers and critics alike. Gerrard also authored several texts on sculptural theory and practice. His artistic legacy endures in both his creations and the many students he inspired.

Ishirō Honda began his career as an assistant director in the 1930s and made his directorial debut in 1954 with the acclaimed film Godzilla. He collaborated with special effects maestro Eiji Tsuburaya to produce groundbreaking monster movies that resonated with post-war audiences. Honda's films combined social commentary with spectacle, exploring themes like nuclear anxiety and human resilience. Over his career, he directed classics such as Mothra, King Kong vs. Godzilla, and The War of the Gargantuas. He also worked on documentaries and sponsored emerging filmmakers. Honda's influence on global science fiction and monster cinema remains profound.

Born in Borgo San Lorenzo, Bartolucci became one of the youngest conservatory directors in Italy before joining the Vatican's music service. Appointed Maestro di Cappella of the Sistine Chapel Choir in 1956, he revitalized Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony. Pope John Paul II elevated him to cardinal in 1994 in recognition of his contributions to sacred music. Bartolucci composed masses, motets, and choral works that blend tradition with personal devotion. He taught musicology and influenced generations of church musicians. His lifelong commitment to liturgical art shaped modern Catholic worship practices.

Teresa Brewer rose to fame in the mid-1950s with million-selling hits like 'Music! Music! Music!' and 'Till I Waltz Again with You'. She recorded across genres—from traditional pop to jazz, swing, and novelty songs—demonstrating remarkable versatility. Brewer appeared on popular radio and television variety shows and headlined at major venues worldwide. She collaborated with artists in country and R&B, expanding her musical reach. Even after her chart success waned, she continued recording and performing into the 1990s, leaving behind a rich catalog of American popular music.

Johnny Maestro rose to fame in the late 1950s as the smooth-voiced frontman for The Crests, delivering hits like 'Sixteen Candles'. After the group disbanded, he formed The Brooklyn Bridge, achieving success with the crossover hit 'The Worst That Could Happen'. Maestro's rich tenor and emotive style made him a beloved figure in early pop and doo-wop music. He continued performing and recording solo albums, preserving classic vocal group traditions. His career spanned more than five decades, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Maestro was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in recognition of his influence on American popular music. Even after his passing, his recordings remain staples on oldies radio and nostalgic playlists.

Terry Allen gained recognition in the 1970s as a pioneering figure in Texas country and alt-folk music. His albums, including 'Juarez' and 'Lubbock (On Everything)', combined storytelling, experimental sounds, and social commentary. Alongside his musical career, Allen produced visual art installations and exhibitions, exploring themes of identity and the American landscape. He collaborated with other artists on film scores and gallery projects, reflecting his multidisciplinary approach. Allen's work earned him awards in music and art, and he taught at art institutions. His influence is noted in both the indie music scene and contemporary art circles. Over five decades, he has maintained a cult following and continues to perform and exhibit new works.

Born on May 7, 1945, in Newbridge, County Kildare, Christy Moore co-founded the influential folk bands Planxty and Moving Hearts. His solo career features a repertoire of traditional Irish songs and original compositions that address social and political themes. Albums like "Prosperous" and "Ordinary Man" have cemented his reputation as a leading figure in Irish music. Known for his engaging stage presence and guitar work, Moore continues to tour internationally, inspiring audiences with his passion for folk traditions and powerful vocals.

Born on May 7, 1946, in Leland, Mississippi, Thelma Houston moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career. In 1976, her powerful rendition of "Don’t Leave Me This Way" topped the Billboard charts and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Beyond her signature hit, Houston has released numerous albums spanning soul, pop, and gospel, and has appeared in films and television shows. Her dynamic stage presence and vocal versatility have made her a beloved figure in music.

Born on May 7, 1946, in Palo Alto, California, Bill Kreutzmann formed the band that would become the Grateful Dead alongside Jerry Garcia in 1965. His innovative drumming and rhythmic collaborations helped define the band’s improvisational sound, making them a cornerstone of the 1960s counterculture. Kreutzmann has continued to perform with various Grateful Dead offshoots and tribute bands, sustaining his legacy as a pioneering figure in rock music.