May 13

Born in 1659 in Bologna, Pistocchi gained fame as a virtuoso castrato singer.\nHe performed at major Italian courts and worked with leading composers.\nIn 1686, he founded a singing school and an opera troupe in Dresden.\nHe composed numerous cantatas, arias, and the opera 'Il Leandro'.\nHis works blend lyrical melodies with dramatic Baroque expression.\nHe taught and influenced a generation of singers until his death in 1726.

Born in 1895 in New Orleans, George 'Tubby' Hall emerged as a key figure in the development of early jazz drumming. He moved to Chicago in the 1920s and played with leading bands, including those of King Oliver and Jimmie Noone. Hall's innovative use of cymbals and snare techniques helped shape modern jazz rhythm sections. He recorded with notable artists such as Jelly Roll Morton, further cementing his influence on recorded jazz. Known for his dynamic style and steady swing, Hall mentored younger drummers in the jazz community. He died in 1945, leaving behind a powerful rhythmic legacy.

Franz Kline (1910–1962) was a central figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. He gained fame for his large-scale black and white canvases characterized by dynamic, gestural strokes. Born in Pennsylvania, he studied design before moving to New York in 1950 to pursue painting full-time. Kline was associated with the New York School and exhibited alongside artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. His work challenged traditional notions of composition and influenced generations of modern artists. Today, Kline's paintings are celebrated for their raw energy and minimalist yet dramatic aesthetic.

Born in 1905, Bob Wills was a pioneering figure in Western swing music. He founded and fronted the Texas Playboys, blending country, jazz, and blues into a danceable style. Wills scored hits like 'San Antonio Rose' that became standards of American music. He also appeared in several Hollywood films, showcasing his charismatic stage presence. Over his career, Wills influenced generations of country and rock musicians. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968 and remains a legend of Western swing.

Born in 1929, Chet Baker emerged as a leading figure in West Coast jazz during the 1950s. His soft, melodic trumpet playing and intimate singing on tracks like 'My Funny Valentine' captivated audiences. Baker’s understated approach contrasted with the era’s more aggressive jazz styles and earned him critical acclaim. Despite personal struggles, he recorded numerous albums that influenced generations of musicians. His collaborations with Gerry Mulligan and others remain landmarks of the cool jazz movement. Baker’s legacy endures as one of jazz’s most poetic and enduring voices.

Born in 1909, Frederic Edmond McWilliam studied in Belfast and London before developing a unique sculptural style. His work blended surrealism with humanist themes, resulting in abstract yet expressive figures. McWilliam created notable public sculptures across Europe, including war memorials and civic landmarks. He served as a mentor and professor, teaching at institutions such as Goldsmiths College in London. McWilliam’s contributions expanded the possibilities of twentieth-century sculpture. He passed away in 1992, leaving a legacy of innovative and evocative art in bronze.

Eddie Barclay was a legendary French record producer and entrepreneur. He founded Barclay Records in 1953, becoming a major force in the music industry. Barclay promoted artists like Édith Piaf, Jacques Brel, and Dalida, shaping Chanson Française. He embraced rock, jazz, and pop, signing international acts and diversifying his label's catalog. Known for his flamboyant personality and passion for innovation in recording techniques. Barclay's influence endures in the development of modern French popular music.

Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1949, he co-founded the band Heatwave in the early 1970s. He became known for his smooth, soulful voice on chart-topping hits like 'Always and Forever' and 'Boogie Nights'. After a serious car accident in 1979, he devoted himself to gospel music and Christian ministry. He released several solo gospel albums and wrote on themes of faith and recovery. Wilder's dynamic stage presence and versatile vocals left a lasting impact on funk and R&B music. His legacy endures through Heatwave's timeless recordings.

Born in 1933, he studied art at the University of Southern California and the University of Utah. De Staebler became known for his fragmented human figures exploring themes of decay and renewal. He taught sculpture and drawing at San Francisco State University for decades. His works have been exhibited in major museums and public spaces across the United States. Drawing inspiration from ancient myths and natural forms, he crafted resonant, tactile pieces. De Staebler's legacy endures through his influential teaching and innovative contributions to contemporary sculpture.

Born in 1942, Ricker developed a passion for jazz that shaped his filmmaking career. He directed and produced documentaries on iconic musicians such as Cannonball Adderley and Thelonious Monk. His film 'Cannonball Adderley: The Soul of Jazz' earned acclaim for its insightful portrayal of the artist. Ricker combined archival footage, interviews, and narrative storytelling to capture music's essence. His work contributed to preserving the legacy of jazz and blues artists for new audiences. Ricker's films remain essential records of 20th-century American music history.

Donald "Duck" Dunn (1941–2012) was an American bass guitarist and producer best known as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, the house band for Stax Records. His distinctive bass lines powered classics such as "Green Onions" and shaped the sound of Southern soul. Dunn co-wrote hits like "Time Is Tight" and collaborated with artists including Otis Redding and Eric Clapton. In 1992, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He continued to influence musicians through solo projects and teaching until his passing in 2012.

Jagdish Mali (1954–2013) was an Indian photographer celebrated for his striking fashion and celebrity portraits in leading magazines such as Filmfare. He captured memorable images of Bollywood icons, blending artistry with glamour. Mali also worked on cinematography for select film projects, showcasing his versatility behind the camera. Despite professional acclaim, he faced personal challenges later in life that impacted his career. His work continues to influence contemporary Indian visual media and is featured in retrospectives and exhibitions.