July 02

Vincenzo Galilei (1520–1591) was an Italian lutenist, composer, and music theorist. He was a leading member of the Florentine Camerata, whose work influenced the birth of opera. Galilei conducted groundbreaking experiments in acoustics, studying the relationships between string tension and pitch. His treatises challenged medieval musical conventions and shaped the development of Renaissance music. He taught and influenced his son, Galileo Galilei, imparting a spirit of inquiry that bridged music and science. His contributions laid the groundwork for future explorations into the physics of sound.

Snooky Lanson (July 24, 1914 – July 2, 1990) was an American popular vocalist who gained national fame on NBC's 'Your Hit Parade'. His smooth baritone voice and charming stage presence made him a household name during the show's run. Lanson recorded several hit singles and performed in nightclubs and on radio broadcasts across the country. After television, he transitioned to concert halls and theatrical productions, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He remained active in entertainment until his later years, remembered as one of television's earliest crooners.

Ray Brown was born in 1926 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and emerged as one of jazz's most influential double bass players. He gained prominence in the mid-1940s playing with Dizzy Gillespie's Big Band and later with the Charlie Parker Quintet, helping to shape bebop. Brown formed a long-standing partnership with pianist Oscar Peterson, recording numerous acclaimed trio albums that showcased his impeccable timing and melodic bass lines. He also led his own groups and collaborated with legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, with whom he was married for a time. As a composer, Brown contributed jazz standards like 'Jazz Roulette' and 'Gravy Waltz'. He received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame. Brown continued performing and mentoring younger musicians until his death in 2002, leaving a lasting imprint on jazz history.

Norman Theodore Prescott was born in 1927 and initially worked as a composer for television programs.\nIn 1959, he co-founded Filmation Studios, where he produced and composed music for popular animated series.\nUnder his leadership, Filmation released iconic shows such as 'Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids', 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe', and 'She-Ra: Princess of Power'.\nHe was known for championing original story-driven animation and overseeing every aspect of production, from writing to music.\nPrescott's vision helped shape the landscape of Saturday morning cartoons in the 1960s and 1970s.\nHe passed away on July 2, 2005, leaving a legacy that continues to influence animators and producers today.

Beverly Sills began singing professionally in the 1940s as a child soloist.\nShe rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s with landmark performances in bel canto operas by Donizetti and Rossini.\nAfter retiring from the stage, she served as general director of the New York City Opera, championing new works and outreach programs.\nSills hosted television specials and educational programs, expanding public appreciation for opera.\nShe authored best-selling memoirs detailing her career and passion for the arts.\nHonored with the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts, she died on July 2, 2007.

Natasha Shneider began her career as a keyboardist in the Soviet rock scene before moving to the United States.\nAlongside musician Alain Johannes, she co-founded the alternative rock band Eleven, releasing critically acclaimed albums in the 1990s.\nShneider contributed vocals and keyboards to projects by Queens of the Stone Age and other artists, earning recognition in the rock community.\nShe also appeared on screen in films such as David Lynch's 'Lost Highway', showcasing her acting talent.\nHer soulful performances and eclectic collaborations left a lasting impression on music and film.\nShneider died on July 2, 2008, remembered for her creative spirit and artistic versatility.

Michael Cimino was born in 1939 and studied painting before turning to filmmaking. He wrote and directed 'The Deer Hunter' (1978), which earned five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Cimino. His follow-up film, 'Heaven's Gate' (1980), was renowned for its grand scale but struggled commercially, influencing how studios financed epic films. Cimino continued to direct and write for both film and television, though none matched his early success. He remained a controversial figure, admired for his artistic vision and criticized for his ambitious projects. Cimino's legacy endures through his groundbreaking work and its impact on Hollywood filmmaking.

Alan Longmuir co-founded the Bay City Rollers in Edinburgh in the early 1970s, serving as the band's original bassist and rhythm guitarist. His contributions helped propel the group to international fame with chart-topping hits like 'Bye, Bye, Baby' and 'Summerlove Sensation.' After departing in 1976, he rejoined the band in 1978 and continued to record and tour. Known for his melodic bass lines and affable stage presence, Longmuir remained involved in music through reunions and solo projects. His lasting impact on pop music culture was celebrated by fans worldwide until his death in 2018.