May 21

Giuseppe Baini was an Italian Roman Catholic priest, musicologist and composer born in 1775. He is best known for his scholarly biography of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, which revived interest in Renaissance polyphony. As custodian of the Vatican archives, Baini edited and published critical editions of sacred music that influenced 19th-century liturgical practices. His own compositions, including motets and masses, reflected his deep understanding of counterpoint. Baini served as maestro di cappella at the Vatican, shaping the musical life of the Papal Chapel. His research and writings cemented his reputation as a key figure in the study of Western choral tradition.

Franz von Suppé was an Austrian composer and conductor born in 1819 who helped shape the genre of Viennese operetta. His popular overtures, such as those for The Light Cavalry and Poet and Peasant, remain staples in orchestral repertoire. Suppé served as conductor at theaters in Vienna where he produced over thirty stage works blending waltz rhythms, catchy melodies, and humorous plots. He studied at the Milan Conservatory and drew on Italian opera traditions. Suppé’s influence paved the way for later composers like Johann Strauss II. His music continues to charm audiences with its energy and melodic inventiveness.

Alexander Vertinsky was a seminal figure in early 20th-century Russian culture, famed for his poetic songs and theatrical performances. His darkly romantic ballads, often accompanied by distinctive costume and stagecraft, resonated with audiences across Europe. Initially performing in cabarets, he later appeared in silent films and on concert stages. Vertinsky's lyrics explored themes of love, loss, and existential longing, making him a forefather of singer-songwriters. He also wrote poetry and memoirs reflecting his tumultuous life, including exile periods following the Russian Revolution. His multifaceted artistry influenced generations of performers in Russia and beyond. Vertinsky passed away in 1957, leaving a rich legacy of music and literary works.

Born in 1911 in Akron, Ohio, Vaughn Monroe rose to fame as a smooth-voiced vocalist and talented trumpeter. He led the Vaughn Monroe Orchestra in the 1940s and 1950s, producing chart-topping songs like "Racing With the Moon" and "Ghost Riders in the Sky." Monroe was also a charismatic bandleader whose performances included elaborate stage shows and polished arrangements. In addition to his musical success, he appeared in films and television programs, showcasing his skills as an actor. His versatile career made him one of the most popular entertainers of the big band era. He passed away in 1973, leaving behind a legacy of timeless musical classics.

Paul Delph (1957-1996) was an American singer-songwriter and music producer. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, he released solo albums and contributed as a session musician to numerous records. Delph's production work helped shape the sound of emerging artists in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his emotive vocal style and inventive arrangements, he left a lasting impact on contemporary music. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 39.

Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) was a French-American sculptor, painter, and filmmaker renowned for her bold, colorful works. She gained fame with her 'Nanas' series—large-scale female figures celebrating femininity and empowerment. Saint Phalle collaborated with Jean Tinguely on kinetic sculptures and large-scale installations. Her art addressed social issues, blending playfulness with powerful commentary on gender and society. She left an enduring legacy as a trailblazing artist in contemporary art.

Deborah Berger (1956–2005) was an American outsider artist who created vibrant textile pieces and collages outside traditional art institutions. She began exploring art independently, developing a unique visual language that blended form and color in innovative ways. Berger's self-taught approach challenged conventional definitions of fine art and earned her posthumous recognition in outsider art exhibitions. Her work was characterized by abstract shapes, bold patterns, and an intuitive sense of composition. Though she worked away from mainstream galleries, her creations have inspired collectors and artists interested in the outsider art movement.

Katherine Dunham (1909–2006) was an influential American dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist renowned for integrating Caribbean and African dance traditions into modern dance. She earned a doctorate in anthropology, using her research to inform her choreography and establish the Dunham Technique. Dunham formed the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, which toured internationally and elevated the status of Black dance forms on the world stage. As an author, she published works on dance theory and cultural studies. Dunham also taught at universities, mentoring generations of dancers. Her groundbreaking fusion of scholarly research and artistry reshaped American dance and inspired countless performers.

Cherd Songsri (1931–2006) was a renowned Thai filmmaker celebrated for capturing the beauty and complexity of rural Thailand. His 1977 film Plae Kao (The Scar) remains a landmark in Thai cinema, showcasing his lyrical storytelling and rich visual style. Songsri wrote and produced many of his works, infusing them with cultural authenticity and emotional depth. He played a key role in the revival of Thai film during the 1970s and 1980s, mentoring emerging talent along the way. His films often explored themes of love, tradition, and social change in Thai society. Songsri's legacy endures through his contributions to the national film heritage and his influence on future generations of filmmakers.

Billy Walker (1929–2006) was an American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his smooth baritone voice and melodic guitar playing. Dubbed 'The Tall Texan', he recorded dozens of albums and charted multiple hits, including the classic 'Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young.' Walker was a featured performer at the Grand Ole Opry and toured extensively, earning acclaim for his heartfelt performances. He also founded his own record label, supporting emerging country artists. Walker's influence on the honky-tonk and traditional country genres remains significant. His enduring music continues to resonate with country music fans worldwide.

Eddie Blazonczyk (1941–2012) was an American polka musician, singer-songwriter, and founder of The Versatones. He pioneered the Chicago-style polka, blending traditional polka rhythms with elements of rock, country, and Latin music. Blazonczyk recorded more than 90 albums, earning multiple Grammy nominations for his innovative work. He led The Versatones on tours across North America, delighting audiences with his high-energy performances. In addition to his musical career, Blazonczyk nurtured the polka community by organizing festivals and showcases for young musicians. His contributions helped revitalize polka music and cemented his reputation as a driving force in the genre.

Born in 1922 in Webster Groves, Missouri, Frank Comstock became a sought-after trombonist and arranger. He worked extensively in Hollywood studios, contributing to film, television, and animation soundtracks. Comstock arranged music for iconic shows like 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show' and recorded numerous jazz albums. His versatile compositions blended big band, swing, and orchestral styles, earning him industry acclaim. He influenced generations of musicians before his death in 2013 at the age of 90.