May 25

Johann Baptist Singenberger was a Swiss composer and music educator born in 1848. He emigrated to the United States and became influential in church music as a teacher and publisher. Singenberger founded a major Catholic music publishing house that distributed liturgical music across America. He trained choir directors and organists, shaping the standards of sacred music performance. His contributions left a lasting mark on American church music until his death in 1924.

Mathilde Verne was a celebrated English pianist renowned for her interpretative depth and technical mastery. A protégé of Clara Schumann, she became an ardent advocate for the music of Johannes Brahms. She enjoyed a distinguished concert career across Europe and the United Kingdom. As a dedicated educator at the Royal College of Music, she shaped the talents of future pianists. Verne premiered works by contemporary composers and promoted modern piano repertoire. Her teaching and performances left a lasting impact on British musical life.

Ernest "Pop" Stoneman was one of the first stars of recorded country music, rising to prominence in the late 1920s with storytelling songs that captured public imagination. Born in Galax, Virginia, he recorded over 200 tracks and collaborated with notable musicians of the era. After facing personal tragedies and the economic downturn of the Great Depression, he experienced a career revival during the 1960s folk and country revival movement. In 1967, he won a Grammy for Best Folk Recording, further cementing his influence on Americana. Posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, his legacy endures in the roots of modern country music.

Often celebrated as the national poet of Bangladesh, Nazrul Islam served in the British Indian Army during World War I before turning to literature and music. He penned hundreds of poems, essays, and songs (known as Nazrul Geeti) that championed freedom, equality, and communal harmony. His 1922 poem "Bidrohi" (The Rebel) became an anthem for anti-colonial resistance across South Asia. A masterful flute player, he blended classical and folk traditions in his compositions, leaving a lasting musical legacy. Nazrul's work inspired progressive movements and remains a cornerstone of Bengali literature and culture.

Hal David teamed with composer Burt Bacharach to create chart-topping songs such as Walk On By and Raindrops Keep Fallin on My Head. Their work earned multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. David’s lyrics were celebrated for their wit, emotion, and sophistication, influencing generations of songwriters. He wrote songs for films, television shows, and numerous recording artists over several decades. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of his music and the standards he set in songwriting.

Kitty Kallen rose to fame as a big band vocalist during World War II, singing with orchestras led by Freddy Martin and Harry James. Her solo career produced the No. 1 hit 'Little Things Mean a Lot' in 1954, which became her signature song. Kallen’s smooth, emotive voice made her a favorite on radio, television variety shows, and nightclub stages. She collaborated with top arrangers and songwriters, contributing to the pop and traditional pop genres. After retiring in the late 1960s, she occasionally returned for special performances and was honored for her contributions to American music.

Born in 1925 in Boulogne-Billancourt, he studied at France's leading film school, IDHEC. He gained acclaim with La Gifle (1974), a coming-of-age drama starring Lino Ventura. His most iconic work, La Boum (1980), launched Sophie Marceau to international stardom and captured the teenage experience. His films often explored family relationships and social themes with warmth and humor. He received several César Award nominations and left a lasting impact on French popular cinema before his death in 2012.

Born in 1926 in London, he studied at the Royal Academy Schools and became known for his meticulous figurative and portrait paintings. His work was showcased in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition dozens of times, earning critical praise. Elected a Royal Academician in 1992, he later served as Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools, influencing art education for a generation. His paintings are held in major collections, including the National Portrait Gallery and the British Museum. He remained active in the art community until his death in 2015, leaving a profound legacy in British art.

David Wynne was born in Caterham, Surrey, in 1926. He studied at Goldsmiths and the Slade School of Fine Art before establishing himself as a leading British sculptor. Wynne's work includes celebrated public pieces such as 'Boy with a Dolphin' on London's South Bank and portrait sculptures of cultural figures. In addition to his sculptures, he produced paintings and drawings that reflected his interest in form and expression. His public artworks and gallery pieces across the UK demonstrate his enduring influence on modern British art.

Norman Petty was born in Clovis, New Mexico, in 1927. As a pianist and songwriter, he founded Norman Petty Studios, where he produced and recorded hits for Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and other early rock and roll stars. Petty co-wrote songs and developed distinctive production techniques that defined the era's sound. His studio's work helped launch the careers of multiple artists and influenced popular music in the 1950s and 1960s. Beyond producing, Petty maintained a solo career and is remembered as a pioneer in music production.

Beverly Sills was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1929 and rose to international fame for her versatile soprano roles. She became a leading figure at the New York City Opera, starring in productions of works by Donizetti, Strauss, and Massenet. Sills was celebrated for her vocal agility, dramatic presence, and commitment to expanding opera's audience. After retiring from performance, she served as general manager of the New York City Opera and later chaired the Lincoln Center Festival. Her advocacy for the arts and engaging personality made her one of the most beloved cultural icons in American classical music.

Tom T. Hall was born in 1936 and became one of country music's most respected songwriters and performers. He wrote more than 350 songs, including chart-toppers such as "Harper Valley PTA," "I Love," and "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died." His storytelling lyrics earned him the nickname 'The Storyteller'. Hall was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Over his six-decade career, he influenced countless artists with his folk-infused melodies and honest narratives. Hall continued to record and tour until his passing in 2021.