May 14

Fanny Mendelssohn, born in 1805, was a gifted pianist and composer of the Romantic era. A sister of Felix Mendelssohn, she composed over 450 works, including songs and piano pieces. Her cycle "Das Jahr" captures the moods of each month with lyrical richness. Despite societal constraints, she organized musical salons, influencing Berlin’s cultural scene. Her music has been rediscovered and cherished for its emotional depth and craftsmanship.

Yasuo Kuniyoshi (1893–1953) was a Japanese-born painter, photographer, and educator who became a central figure in American modern art. After emigrating to the U.S., he studied at the Art Students League in New York under John Sloan. Kuniyoshi's paintings, known for their whimsical figures and bold color palettes, drew on folk art and Japanese woodblock traditions. In the 1930s, he gained acclaim through solo exhibitions and served as president of the National Academy of Design. He also documented 1920s New York life through street photography, capturing the city's energy and spirit. His innovative fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions influenced countless artists in the mid-20th century.

Marie Vassilieff (1884–1957) moved from Russia to Paris to study art and became a central figure in the early 20th-century avant-garde. In 1912 she opened the Vassilieff Studio, a creative hub that attracted artists like Modigliani and Chagall. Her work blended Cubist and Fauvist styles, and she was known for colorful paintings and woodcut caricatures. During World War I, she organized fundraisers and exhibitions to support struggling artists. Vassilieff's artistic vision and vibrant salon contributed to the dynamism of Montparnasse. She died in 1957, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in modern art.

Sidney Bechet (1897–1959) emerged from New Orleans as a pioneering jazz musician known for his powerful clarinet tone and masterful soprano saxophone. He made some of the earliest jazz recordings in Europe in the 1920s and influenced musicians across continents. Bechet composed classics like "Petite Fleur" and captivated audiences with his improvisational flair. Despite personal struggles, he continued performing in nightclubs and concert halls until his death. His passionate style helped shape the sound of modern jazz and inspired generations of improvisers.

Lucrezia Bori (1887–1960) hailed from Barcelona and captured audiences with her lyrical voice and dramatic interpretations. She debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in 1920 and became one of its leading sopranos for over twenty years. Beyond her performances, Bori organized radio broadcasts and war bond drives during World War II, raising significant funds for the Allies. After retiring from the stage, she co-founded the Columbus Opera Theatre in 1946 to support emerging artists. She passed away in 1960, remembered for her artistry and dedication to the operatic community.

Keith Relf (1943-1976) was an English singer-songwriter, harmonica player, and record producer best known as the frontman of The Yardbirds. His dynamic vocals and blues-infused harmonica helped define the band's pioneering sound and launch the careers of guitarists like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Relf co-wrote hits such as 'For Your Love' and 'Heart Full of Soul', contributing greatly to the British Invasion. After The Yardbirds disbanded, he formed the folk-rock group Renaissance and worked as a producer and session musician. Relf's influence on rock and blues music has been acknowledged by musicians worldwide. His untimely death at age 33 cut short a promising career, but his musical legacy endures.

Boris Parsadanian was a distinguished composer and violinist who bridged Armenian musical heritage with Estonian traditions. Born in Soviet Armenia, he studied violin and composition at the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan. In 1951 he relocated to Estonia where he became a leading figure in the country's musical life. Parsadanian composed symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral works noted for their emotional depth and colorful orchestration. His compositions often drew upon Armenian folk melodies while reflecting contemporary classical styles. He taught at the Tallinn Conservatory and mentored a generation of Estonian composers. His music remains celebrated for its unique fusion of cultural influences and expressive power.

Frank Sinatra was an iconic American vocalist and actor whose career spanned over five decades. Nicknamed Ol' Blue Eyes, he rose to fame in the 1940s with hits like Fly Me to the Moon and My Way. As a member of the Rat Pack, he became a cultural symbol of cool and sophistication. Sinatra won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for From Here to Eternity and earned multiple Grammy Awards for his recordings. He headlined legendary performances on stages worldwide and in Las Vegas, shaping modern popular music and entertainment. His influence endures through his timeless recordings and contributions to film and popular culture.

Jimmy Martin began performing in his teens and joined Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in 1945, helping to define the bluegrass sound with his powerful voice and rhythmic guitar. He launched a successful solo career in 1955, recording hits like 'Mr. Family Man' and 'Fat and Greasy'. Known for his dynamic stage presence and vocal improvisations, Martin influenced generations of bluegrass musicians. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1991. Martin continued to tour and record into his later years, solidifying his legacy as one of the genre's most impactful figures.

Lew Anderson started his career as a jazz musician, playing saxophone and leading bands in the 1950s. He joined the cast of 'Captain Kangaroo' in 1960, creating the beloved character Mr. Green Jeans and charming young audiences for over two decades. Anderson's musical talents often contributed to the show's live performances and recordings. Beyond television, he continued performing and teaching music, earning respect in jazz circles. His warm persona and dual talents made him a memorable presence in both entertainment and music education.

Mary Scheier collaborated with her husband Carl to create modernist ceramic sculptures that blended functional pottery with abstract forms. She taught at institutions such as Ohio State University, mentoring students in ceramic arts and fostering creative experimentation. Scheier's work was featured in major museum collections and exhibitions across the United States. Her teaching philosophy emphasized the interplay of form, texture, and narrative in clay. Through both her art and pedagogy, she helped elevate ceramics to a respected medium in fine art circles.

Morvin Simon (1944-2014) was a New Zealand scholar and composer whose work blended academic research with musical creation. He studied Māori history and oral traditions, publishing articles that documented ancestral narratives. As a composer, he created waiata and theatrical works that incorporated Māori language and themes. Simon conducted choirs and kapa haka groups, bringing indigenous performance arts to national stages. He taught cultural studies at universities and workshops, mentoring students in both history and music. His interdisciplinary approach strengthened the preservation of Māori culture and inspired new generations of artists and scholars.