May 13

Horace Coignet was active in the musical life of Lyon, composing operatic and instrumental works. He wrote several violin concertos and chamber pieces that enjoyed popularity in provincial French salons. As a skilled violinist, he performed regularly in the city’s orchestras and contributed to the development of regional musical institutions. His compositions blend Galant style elegance with early Classical simplicity.

Louis Léopold Robert studied under Jacques-Louis David and became known for paintings depicting Italian peasantry and landscapes. His works, such as “Return from the Fête in the Borromean Islands,” exhibit a blend of Neoclassicism and Romanticism. He traveled extensively in Italy, capturing local customs with vivid detail. Despite critical acclaim, personal tragedy led to his untimely death by suicide in 1835, cutting short a promising career.

Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900) was a distinguished English composer whose partnership with dramatist W.S. Gilbert produced fourteen acclaimed comic operas, including 'H.M.S. Pinafore' and 'The Pirates of Penzance.' Born in Lambeth, London, he showed prodigious talent, studying at the Royal Academy of Music and Leipzig Conservatory. Sullivan also composed serious orchestral and choral works, such as 'The Golden Legend' and music for Shakespeare’s 'The Tempest.' Knighted in 1883, he became a leading figure in Victorian musical life, influencing the development of operetta and musical theatre. His melodic gift and wit continue to enchant audiences worldwide.

Georges Braque was a leading French artist born in 1882 whose innovations reshaped modern art. Initially influenced by Fauvism, he developed a close partnership with Pablo Picasso to pioneer Cubism in the early 20th century. Braque's experimental approach to form and perspective challenged traditional representation and introduced fragmented planes and muted color palettes. He expanded Cubist principles through still lifes, landscapes, and collage, influencing generations of artists. After serving in World War I, he continued to evolve his style with textured surfaces and abstract motifs. Braque's work is celebrated for its intellectual depth and lasting impact on the trajectory of 20th-century art.

Born in 1909 in Los Angeles, California. Served as the choral director and arranger for major MGM musicals during Hollywood’s golden age. His work included contributions to classics such as 'Ziegfeld Follies' and 'The Wizard of Oz'. Composed original music for films and collaborated with top composers and lyricists of his time. As a conductor, he led studio orchestras and vocal groups in both film and television productions. Recognized for his versatility in melding choral textures with orchestral arrangements. Passed away in 1992, remembered for shaping the sound of mid-20th-century film music.

Born in Homestead, Pennsylvania, in 1911. Rose to prominence in 1937 with her unique swing arrangement of 'Loch Lomond'. Recorded with top jazz orchestras and collaborated with pianist Claude Thornhill. Appeared on Broadway and in films, showcasing her talents as both singer and actress. Known for her elegant phrasing and ability to blend jazz tradition with popular standards. Enjoyed a revival in the 1950s and continued performing internationally into the 1980s. Passed away in 1987, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz vocal genre.

Born in Toronto in 1912 and moved to New York City in the 1940s. Became a key figure in the development of cool jazz and modal jazz. Best known for his collaborations with Miles Davis on albums such as 'Miles Ahead' and 'Sketches of Spain'. His orchestral approach blended jazz improvisation with classical influences. Led his own celebrated ensembles and influenced generations of arrangers and composers. Awarded multiple Grammy Awards for his innovative work. Died in 1988, remembered as one of the most influential jazz arrangers of the 20th century.

Born in 1913 in Lancashire, England. Trained in musical theatre and made his stage debut in the West End. Appeared in films such as 'The Yellow Balloon' and 'The Quatermass Xperiment'. Featured in popular TV series including 'Dad's Army' and 'Crossroads'. Known for his versatility across drama, comedy, and musical performances. Continued to perform on stage and screen until his later years. Died in 1989, leaving a diverse legacy in British entertainment.

Born in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, in 1914. Formed the duo Johnnie & Jack with his musical partner Jack Anglin in 1938. Achieved hits like 'Poison Love' and 'Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight' on the Grand Ole Opry. Wrote songs that became standards for other country artists. Married fellow country star Kitty Wells, forging a legendary musical partnership. Continued touring and recording into the 1990s, preserving classic country traditions. Passed away in 2011, remembered for his contributions to mid-century country music.

Born Ottmar Aicher in Ulm, Germany, in 1922. Co-founded the Ulm School of Design after World War II, shaping modern design education. Developed the iconic corporate identity and logo for Lufthansa in the 1960s. Designed the pictogram system and visual concept for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Advocated for clarity, functionality, and social responsibility in design. Authored influential writings on visual communication and design theory. Passed away in 1991, leaving a monumental influence on graphic design worldwide.

Ritchie Valens rose to fame in 1958 as one of the first successful Mexican-American rock 'n' roll artists. His energetic guitar playing and heartfelt vocals brought hits like Donna and La Bamba to the top of the charts. Valens's fusion of Chicano and rock elements laid the groundwork for future Latin rock musicians. Tragically, his career was cut short at age 17 in the 1959 plane crash memorialized as the Day the Music Died. Despite his brief career, he recorded a dozen songs that have endured as classics of early rock music. Valens's legacy continues to inspire artists across genres and generations.

Mary Wells became Motown's first female superstar with her 1964 hit My Guy, which topped the Billboard charts for two weeks. She signed with the label at age 17 and quickly became known for her smooth, soulful voice. Wells's hits such as You Beat Me to the Punch and Two Lovers helped define the Motown sound of the 1960s. Her success paved the way for future female soul artists at the historic Detroit studio. After leaving Motown, she recorded for other labels, though never recaptured her early chart dominance. Wells's contributions to soul music earned her a lasting place in music history before her death in 1992.