June 27

Napoléon Coste was born in 1805 in Amondans, France. He studied under Fernando Sor and became one of the leading guitarists of his era. Coste composed over a hundred works for solo guitar, including etudes, fantasies, and concert pieces. His music blended virtuosic technique with Romantic expressiveness. Coste also published instructional methods that influenced generations of guitarists. He contributed significantly to the development of guitar techniques in the 19th century.

Born in 1869 as Mary Slattery, Kate Carew built a reputation for her lively caricatures in San Francisco newspapers before becoming a correspondent for New York publications. She interviewed and sketched leading artists, writers, and socialites of her era, bringing their personalities to life through her art. Carew's work appeared in major magazines and she broke ground as one of the few women in her field. Her engaging style and insightful profiles made her a pioneer of illustrated journalism.

Guilhermina Suggia was a pioneering Portuguese cellist who achieved international acclaim in the early 20th century. She studied under Carlo Alfredo Piatti and became one of the first women to gain recognition as a solo cellist. Suggia performed extensively across Europe and South America, known for her rich tone and virtuosic interpretations. She frequently collaborated with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles, inspiring a generation of musicians. In addition to performing, she taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London, mentoring future stars of the cello.

Paul Colin was a leading French illustrator and graphic designer of the Art Deco era. He gained fame for his iconic posters promoting jazz bands and performers such as Josephine Baker in 1920s Paris. Colin founded the Atelier Colin for commercial art and influenced modern advertising with his dynamic compositions and bold color palette. His works were exhibited internationally and remain highly sought after by collectors. Beyond posters, he collaborated on theatre set designs and publications, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century visual culture.

Vernon Watkins was a Welsh-American poet and painter whose work combined rich imagery with emotional depth. Born in 1906, Watkins moved between Wales and the United States, drawing inspiration from both landscapes and traditions. His poetry collections, such as 'The Ballad of the Mari Lwyd' and 'Selected Poems,' showcase his mastery of form and subtle symbolism. In addition to writing, Watkins created compelling paintings that reflected his literary themes. A contemporary and close friend of Dylan Thomas, he played a significant role in the 20th-century Anglo-Welsh literary renaissance. Watkins' dual talents in poetry and visual art continue to influence writers and artists exploring the interplay between word and image. His work remains a testament to the power of cross-cultural creativity.

Elton Britt was a pioneering American country music singer and guitarist known for his distinctive deep voice and yodeling skills. Born in 1913 in Mississippi, he rose to fame in the 1940s with his patriotic ballad 'There's a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere,' one of the first country songs to sell over a million copies. Over his career, he recorded more than 600 songs, spanning honky-tonk, gospel, and folk styles. Britt's dynamic performances on radio, television, and in concert helped bring country music into American living rooms. He influenced a generation of country artists with his upbeat showmanship and technical ability. His recordings remain staples of classic country playlists, reflecting his enduring impact on the genre. Britt continued touring and recording until his passing in 1972.

Philip Guston was a Canadian-born American artist whose groundbreaking career spanned abstract expressionism and figurative painting. Born in 1913, he initially gained acclaim for his thickly layered abstractions and contributions to the New York School. In the late 1960s, Guston made a radical shift toward cartoon-like figures and satirical imagery, challenging both critics and fellow artists. His late work, featuring hooded Klansmen and everyday objects, offered powerful commentary on politics and society. Guston taught at Boston University for many years, influencing generations of painters with his fearless approach. His retrospective exhibitions have sparked debates about the boundaries between abstraction and representation. Today, he is celebrated as a visionary who redefined modern art and provoked important conversations about morality and creativity. Guston's legacy endures through his impactful and often provocative body of work.

Robert Normann (1916–1998) was a Norwegian guitarist whose virtuosity and unique style earned him a place among jazz greats. Beginning his career in the 1930s, he experimented with electric guitar sounds and effects long before they became widespread. Normann performed with prominent European jazz ensembles and recorded both solo and collaborative works. His improvisational skill and melodic sensibility influenced generations of guitarists in Norway and beyond. Despite periods of relative obscurity, his recordings have been rediscovered and celebrated by modern jazz enthusiasts.

George Walker was born in Washington, D.C., and showed prodigious musical talent from an early age. He studied composition and piano at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and later at the Juilliard School, Columbia University, and Oxford University. Walker's eclectic body of work spans symphonies, chamber pieces, solo piano works, and choral music. In 1996, he became the first African American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for his "Piano Sonata No. 2 (for Black, Brown and Beige)." A dedicated educator, he taught at institutions such as American University, influencing generations of musicians. Walker's compositions are celebrated for their fusion of classical structures with elements of blues, jazz, and spirituals. He continued to compose and perform into his nineties, leaving a profound legacy upon his death in 2018.

Jacques Berthier was born in Auxerre, France, and studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He served as organist at the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, where he honed his improvisational skills. In 1959, Brother Roger of Taizé commissioned him to compose simple, meditative chants for the ecumenical community. Berthier wrote hundreds of songs in multiple languages, emphasizing accessibility and spiritual reflection. His music, characterized by repetitive structures and soothing melodies, has been adopted by churches around the world. Beyond Taizé, he composed organ works, choral pieces, and orchestral music, showcasing his versatility. Berthier's contributions continue to shape contemporary worship practices, and his chants remain central to Taizé services today.

Elmo Hope was born in New York City and became a prominent figure in the bebop scene of the 1940s and 1950s. Influenced by Bud Powell, he developed a distinctive style marked by complex harmonies and rhythmic innovation. Hope performed and recorded with leading jazz artists, including Howard McGhee, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane, and recorded several sessions for Blue Note and Riverside labels. As a composer, he contributed original pieces such as "Dee Dee" and "Roll On," which have become jazz standards. Despite his musical brilliance, Hope struggled with financial instability and health issues. He also mentored younger musicians, leaving an indelible impact on the jazz community. Hope's inventive approach continues to inspire pianists and composers, cementing his legacy in jazz history.

Born Jerome Solon Felder in Brooklyn, New York, Doc Pomus overcame childhood polio to pursue a career in music. By the 1950s, he had established himself as a talented lyricist, partnering with composer Mort Shuman to create hits for artists such as The Drifters, Ben E. King, and Elvis Presley. Among his most celebrated songs are "Save the Last Dance for Me," "This Magic Moment," and "Viva Las Vegas." Pomus's lyrics blended heartfelt emotion with rock and roll energy, helping to define the sound of early R&B and rock. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 for his songwriting achievements. Throughout his career, Pomus also performed as a blues singer, recording several albums. He died in 1991, leaving behind a timeless catalog of songs that continue to resonate.