August 11

Joseph Schuster was born in Dresden in 1748 and trained as a cellist before turning to composition. He wrote operas for major theaters in Dresden and Vienna, blending Italian style with German sensibilities. Schuster's chamber music and orchestral works gained popularity for their melodic richness and formal clarity. He maintained friendships with leading composers and musicians of his era, collaborating on musical projects. His compositions were published widely and performed across Europe, contributing to the development of the Classical style. Schuster's legacy endures through his influence on chamber music traditions and early German opera.

Born in 1794 in New York, James Barton Longacre studied portrait painting before turning to engraving. He joined the United States Mint in 1824 and rose to the position of Chief Engraver in 1844. Longacre designed several enduring coin types, including the Indian Head cent and the Liberty Head double eagle. His works are praised for their artistic detail and technical precision, influencing American numismatic art. Longacre also engraved medals commemorating national events and figures. He held his Mint post for over two decades, leaving a legacy reflected in coinage still collected and studied by enthusiasts today.

Born in 1909, Yūji Koseki composed scores that became staples of Japanese popular culture. He wrote memorable melodies for films, radio programs, and public celebrations. His compositions, such as 'Hinomaru March' and 'Onchi Kōshinkyoku', resonated with audiences across generations. Koseki’s music blended Western orchestration with traditional Japanese elements. His prolific output helped shape the soundscape of mid-20th century Japan.

Morris Weiss was born in Philadelphia in 1915. He began his career drawing comic strips for newspapers and Timely Comics. Weiss is best known for his long-running strip 'Margie' which debuted in 1940. His illustrations also appeared in mainstream newspapers and magazines. In later years he taught cartooning and shared memories of Golden Age comics. Weiss authored several books and was recognized for his pioneering contributions. He continued to draw and write until his death in 2014 at age 99.

Johnny Claes was born in London in 1916 to a Belgian father and English mother. Before racing, he was an accomplished jazz trumpeter performing with top bands in Europe. After World War II he switched to motorsport and won several hill climbs and club races. Claes competed in ten Formula One World Championship Grands Prix from 1952 to 1954. He founded his own racing team to support young drivers. His racing career ended following a serious crash in 1955. Claes passed away in Brussels in 1956 but is remembered for his dual talents.

Mike Douglas was born Michael Delaney Dowd Jr. in Chicago in 1920. He began his career as a singer and recorded hits alongside guitarist Les Paul in the 1950s. In 1961 he launched 'The Mike Douglas Show', pioneering the daytime talk show format. Douglas welcomed a wide range of guests including politicians, actors, and musicians. He won multiple Emmy Awards and influenced the format of modern morning television. Douglas also recorded several albums and performed in Las Vegas lounges. He retired in the early 1980s and passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting legacy in TV.

Born in London and educated at Durham University. Specialized in harpsichord performance and early music interpretation. Conducted major ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and English Chamber Orchestra. Edited and arranged Baroque operas by Monteverdi and Cavalli for modern performance. Served as Music Director at Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Houston Grand Opera. Celebrated for bringing historical authenticity and vitality to forgotten repertoire.

Tamás Vásáry is a Hungarian pianist and conductor born in 1933 in Transylvania. He won the Geneva International Music Competition at age 14 and rose to prominence for his poetic piano playing in works by Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff. Vásáry has recorded extensively for major labels and received critical acclaim for his refined technique and expressive nuance. In the 1970s, he transitioned into conducting, serving as music director of the Northern Sinfonia and the Gävle Symphony Orchestra. He has led performances with leading ensembles across Europe and the United States. As an educator, he has given masterclasses at prestigious conservatories and mentored young artists. Vásáry continues to perform, conduct, and record, maintaining an active presence on the international concert stage.

Ronnie Dawson emerged from the Dallas rockabilly scene in the 1950s. He recorded energetic tracks like "Rockin' Bones" that earned him a cult following. After a period of obscurity, he was rediscovered in the late 1970s by rockabilly enthusiasts. Dawson's dynamic stage presence and passionate vocals inspired a new generation of performers. He toured internationally in the 1980s and 1990s, solidifying his legacy as a rockabilly pioneer.

John Ellison is an American-Canadian musician and songwriter. He gained prominence as a member of the soul group the Soul Brothers Six in the late 1960s. Ellison penned the enduring hit "Some Kind of Wonderful," which has been covered by artists across genres. After moving to Canada in the 1970s, he pursued a solo career with several album releases. His soulful performances and songwriting have influenced generations of R&B musicians. Ellison continues to perform and record, celebrating a career that spans over five decades.

Mike Hugg is an English drummer and keyboard player. He co-founded the beat group Manfred Mann in 1962 alongside Manfred Mann. As the band's vibraphonist and pianist, he helped create hits like "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Pretty Flamingo". Hugg's versatile musicianship and songwriting shaped the group's signature sound. After the band's success in the 1960s, he worked as a composer and session musician. His contributions have left a lasting mark on British pop and rock music.

Jim Kale is a Canadian bass guitarist and founding member of the rock band The Guess Who. He played on classic hits such as "American Woman" and "These Eyes" during the late 1960s. Kale's driving bass lines were central to the band's dynamic sound and success. After leaving the group in the early 1970s, he explored other musical projects and collaborations. In later years, he participated in reunion tours celebrating The Guess Who's legacy. His work has inspired bassists and contributed to the evolution of Canadian rock music.