June 03

Wolf Huber was a leading figure of the Danube school, born in 1485. He served at the court of Passau, producing expressive landscapes and detailed woodcuts. As an architect, he contributed to the design of ecclesiastical and secular buildings. His work is characterized by dramatic lighting, atmospheric depth, and refined composition. Huber's artistic legacy influenced generations of Central European artists.

Born in 1834, Julius Reubke studied piano and composition under Franz Liszt in Weimar. At just 24, he composed the celebrated "Sonata on the 94th Psalm" for organ, showcasing his dramatic style. Reubke's work blends rich harmonic language with bold thematic development characteristic of the Romantic era. He also wrote piano transcriptions and original works that reveal his technical command and expressive depth. Reubke's career was cut short by tuberculosis; he died in 1858, leaving a small but impactful oeuvre.

Born in Paris, he showed prodigious musical talent from a young age. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome at 19 for his compositions. His opera Carmen premiered in 1875 to mixed reviews but later achieved lasting acclaim. Bizet's music is celebrated for its melodic inventiveness and dramatic flair. He died suddenly at the age of 36, just days after the premiere of Carmen, cementing his legacy as a master composer.

He studied law before dedicating himself to natural sciences and music. In botany, he conducted extensive research on Alpine flora and published several monographs. He is most famous for compiling the first comprehensive chronological catalogue of Mozart's compositions, now known as the Köchel catalogue. As a publisher, he produced critical editions of classical works and promoted musical scholarship. His rigorous approach to classification has had a lasting impact on musicology and taxonomy in botany.

Born in Gummersbach, he trained under prominent artists of the Düsseldorf school. He gained acclaim for his realistic depictions of European cathedrals and historic buildings. His work often featured intricate architectural perspectives rendered with precise line work. He illustrated books and periodicals, bringing historical and architectural subjects to a wider audience. He left a legacy as one of the 19th century's leading architectural painters.

He was born into a musical family in Vienna and took over his father's orchestra. He composed over 500 works, including famous waltzes like 'The Blue Danube' and operettas such as 'Die Fledermaus.' His music captured the elegance and spirit of 19th-century Viennese society. Strauss popularized the Viennese waltz across Europe and the Americas through extensive tours. His legacy endures as one of the most influential composers of light classical music.

Born in 1906 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ozzie Nelson began his career as a jazz musician. He formed the Ozzie Nelson Orchestra and achieved success as a bandleader in the 1930s. In 1944, he and his family debuted on radio in 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.' The show moved to television in 1952, becoming one of the longest-running sitcoms in US history. Nelson served as producer, director, and songwriter for the series, crafting its wholesome appeal. He continued performing music and making TV appearances until his death in 1975.

Felix de Weldon was born in 1907 in Vienna, Austria, and studied sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts before emigrating to the United States in 1937. He achieved fame with his monumental design for the Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, unveiled in 1954 to honor U.S. Marines. Throughout his career, de Weldon crafted over 1,500 public monuments and portraits, blending classical technique with a modern sensibility. His works can be found in cities worldwide, reflecting his versatility and creative vision. Beyond sculpture, he was also a dedicated teacher and advocate for public art. He passed away on June 3, 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of monumental sculpture.

Koko Taylor was born in 1928 in Shelby County, Tennessee, and her singing talent emerged in local blues clubs before she moved to Chicago in the 1950s. She recorded the hit single 'Wang Dang Doodle' in 1966, which became a blues standard and introduced her to a wider audience. Taylor's gritty vocals and commanding delivery earned her multiple Grammy nominations and the title 'Queen of the Blues'. She toured internationally, performing at major music festivals and influencing generations of blues and rock artists. Beyond her recordings, she was celebrated for her energetic live performances and dedication to preserving traditional blues. Koko Taylor passed away on June 3, 2009, leaving an indelible mark on American music.

Born in Burbank, California, Andrew Gold was the son of film composer Ernest Gold. He rose to fame in the 1970s with his solo hit "Lonely Boy," which reached the Top 10 in the U.S. Gold was also a sought-after session musician, collaborating with artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne. In 1978, he co-wrote and performed the theme song for The Golden Girls, "Thank You for Being a Friend." He released several studio albums showcasing his talent as a multi-instrumentalist. Gold's work spanned genres from pop and rock to jazz-influenced arrangements. He continued to record and tour until his untimely death in 2011.