May 11

Johann Gottfried Bernhard Bach was the second son of composer Johann Sebastian Bach. He studied keyboard performance under his father's tutelage. He served as the organist at Mühlhausen's Blasiikirche early in his brief career. Despite his musical pedigree, he struggled with health issues that limited his performances. He died at the age of 23, leaving no known compositions. His life remains less documented than his famous siblings.

Jan van Gilse was born in 1881 in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and studied music in Leipzig and Berlin. He composed symphonies, choral works, and operas, blending Romantic traditions with early modernist influences. As a conductor, van Gilse championed contemporary Dutch composers and led orchestras including the Utrecht Municipal Orchestra. During World War II, he became involved in the Dutch resistance against Nazi occupation. His Third Symphony and the oratorio Laetatus sum are celebrated highlights of the Dutch symphonic repertoire. He died in 1944 after being arrested by the Gestapo. Today, his music is rediscovered by performers seeking early 20th-century Dutch classics.

Irving Berlin was born Israel Beilin in 1888 in Tyumen, Russia, and emigrated to the United States in 1893. He began his career writing for Tin Pan Alley in New York City, eventually publishing over 1,500 songs. His timeless melodies include standards such as White Christmas, the best-selling single of all time, and patriotic anthems like God Bless America. Berlin also wrote scores for Broadway shows including Annie Get Your Gun and Hollywood films. Known for his catchy tunes and evocative lyrics, he influenced American popular music throughout the 20th century. He continued composing well into his later years and lived to 101, celebrating a century of songwriting excellence. Berlin remains one of the most successful and enduring composers in American history.

Paul Nash was born in 1889 in London and became a leading figure in British modern art. His experiences as an official war artist during both World Wars profoundly influenced his vision of landscape and conflict. Nash's works often feature abstracted terrain, desolate battlefields, and surreal natural forms. He experimented with surrealism, symbolism, and Cubism, creating a unique style that blended realism and dreamlike elements. In addition to painting, Nash produced prints, etchings, and poetry reflecting his fascination with nature. His landscape Totes Meer and other pieces remain celebrated examples of wartime art. Nash's legacy endures in major collections such as the Tate Britain and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Born in Woodville, Mississippi in 1895, William Grant Still was a pioneering figure in American classical music. He studied at Oberlin Conservatory and the Chicago Musical College before forging a career in Los Angeles and New York. His Symphony No. 1 'Afro-American' was the first by an African-American composer performed by a major orchestra. Still wrote five symphonies, ballets, operas, and film scores, blending blues, spirituals, and classical forms. He conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic and worked tirelessly to open doors for composers of color, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Born in 1896, Josip Štolcer-Slavenski studied under Alexander von Zemlinsky in Vienna before returning to Zagreb to teach and compose. He was a pioneer of Croatian modernism, incorporating folk motifs alongside atonal and experimental techniques. Štolcer-Slavenski wrote orchestral works, chamber music, and choral pieces that challenged traditional forms and inspired a new generation. As a professor at the Zagreb Academy of Music, he influenced countless students and contributed to the growth of musicology in Croatia. His bold, imaginative style remains celebrated for its innovation and cultural resonance.

Born in New York City in 1901, Gladys Rockmore Davis studied at Cooper Union and the Art Students League. Her vibrant canvas embraced portraiture, still life, and genre scenes marked by bold brushwork and rich color. During World War II, she served as a combat artist, documenting military life and supporting the war effort. Davis exhibited at the National Academy of Design and influenced students through her teaching. Her artistic legacy endures in major museum collections and the generations she inspired.

Born in Figueres, Spain in 1904, Salvador Dalí trained at the San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid. He became a leading figure of Surrealism, creating masterpieces like 'The Persistence of Memory' with its melting clocks and otherworldly landscapes. Dalí collaborated with filmmakers, writers, and fashion designers, expanding his artistry into film, sculpture, and photography. His eccentric public appearances and mustached persona made him a global celebrity. Dalí’s Teatro-Museo in Figueres stands as a testament to his boundless creativity and enduring influence in the art world.

Valentino Garavani is an Italian designer whose eponymous brand, Valentino, revolutionized haute couture with timeless elegance and signature red gowns. He launched his first collection in 1960 and quickly became a favorite among royalty and celebrities worldwide. Garavani's meticulous craftsmanship and luxurious designs solidified his status as a fashion icon. He led his fashion house for nearly five decades before retiring in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy in couture. His creations continue to influence contemporary designers and captivate fashion enthusiasts globally.

Eric Burdon rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead vocalist of the British band The Animals, delivering soulful hits like 'House of the Rising Sun' and 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.' His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence helped define the British Invasion sound. After leaving The Animals, he formed Eric Burdon & The Animals, exploring psychedelic rock and funk influences. Burdon's solo career spanned several decades, marked by collaborations and social activism. His contributions to rock music have earned him recognition as a pioneering singer-songwriter in the genre.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Trucks was a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. His solid, driving rhythm underpinned the band's dual-drummer sound on classics like "Ramblin' Man" and "Melissa." He remained with the band through its many reunions and anchored its percussion section for over four decades. Outside of the Allman Brothers, Trucks explored jazz and world music collaborations. He passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy as one of rock's most influential drummers.