September 02

Born in Florence around 1325, Landini lost his sight in childhood but became a master musician. He excelled as an organist, harpist, and singer, composing over 150 ballate that epitomized the sweet style of the Trecento. His works often employed the distinctive Landini cadence, influencing later composers. Beyond music, he wrote poetry and was active in Florentine cultural circles. Landini’s legacy endures as one of the most celebrated figures of late medieval music.

Born in 1548 in Meulebeke, van Mander studied painting in Italy, absorbing Mannerist influences. He produced religious altarpieces and portraits for churches and patrons upon his return to the Low Countries. In 1604, he published the 'Schilder-boeck', a pioneering biographical compendium of Northern European artists. The work preserved invaluable information on Renaissance masters and shaped art-historical writing. Van Mander also wrote poetry and taught notable painters in Haarlem, where he lived until his death in 1606.

Henri Rousseau was born in 1844 in Laval, France, and worked as a civil servant before turning to art in his 40s. Self-taught and largely overlooked by critics initially, he gained fame at the Salon des Indépendants for his vivid jungle scenes. His flat perspectives, sharp outlines, and unconventional compositions earned him the moniker "Le Douanier". Iconic works such as "The Sleeping Gypsy" and "The Dream" exemplify his imaginative, otherworldly vision. Rousseau's distinct style profoundly influenced modernists like Picasso and the Surrealists, cementing his place in art history.

Born in 1908, Russ Columbo rose to fame as one of the first popular crooners of the radio era. His smooth voice and violin skills won him a devoted audience across America. Columbo appeared in Hollywood films and recorded hit songs that captured the spirit of the 1930s. He was admired for his elegant style and onstage charm, earning nicknames like "Elegant Romantic." Tragically, his career was cut short in 1934 by a fatal accident. Despite his brief life, his influence on popular music and performance endures.

Born in 1884 in New Orleans, Alcide Nunez was a pioneer of jazz clarinet. As a member of the Original Dixieland Jass Band, he participated in the first commercially released jazz recordings. His lively and inventive playing style helped define the sound of early jazz. Nunez's performances bridged the cultural music traditions of New Orleans and wider American audiences. He influenced generations of clarinetists with his spirited technique. His contributions remain a cornerstone in the history of jazz.

Born in 1877 in Maine, Marsden Hartley emerged as a central figure in American modernism. He studied under influential artists and spent formative years in Europe, absorbing avant-garde movements. Hartley blended visual art with literary expression, publishing poetry alongside abstract paintings. His vivid palettes and geometric forms explored themes of identity, landscape, and mysticism. During World War I, he created powerful works responding to the conflict's emotional impact. Hartley's innovative spirit paved the way for later generations of American artists and writers.

Born on May 17, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas, Dewey Redman emerged as a leading voice in the free jazz movement. He collaborated extensively with Ornette Coleman and formed the collective Old and New Dreams with fellow Coleman alumni. Redman also played with pianist Keith Jarrett's American Quartet, contributing to landmark recordings. Beyond ensemble work, he released acclaimed solo albums on the ECM label, displaying his rich tone and adventurous improvisation. As a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, he influenced a new generation of musicians. His son, saxophonist Joshua Redman, carried on the family legacy. Dewey Redman passed away on September 2, 2006, leaving a profound impact on modern jazz.

Born on November 15, 1916, in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, José Cuauhtémoc 'Bill' Melendez moved to the United States and joined Walt Disney Studios, working on films like Dumbo. He later directed animation at Warner Bros. before establishing Bill Melendez Productions. Beginning with A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965, he produced and animated over 40 Peanuts television specials, masterminding the beloved style and timing of the franchise. Melendez also provided the distinctive vocal effects for Snoopy and Woodstock. His work earned multiple Emmy Awards and an Academy Award nomination. He remained active in animation for decades, influencing generations of artists before his death on September 2, 2008, leaving behind an enduring legacy in television animation.

Born in 1966, Mark Abrahamian pursued a career as a guitarist in various bands and recording projects. He was known for his versatile playing style and dedication to performance. Throughout his career, he collaborated with musicians in regional and national acts, leaving his mark on live shows and studio recordings. Abrahamian’s passion for the guitar inspired fellow artists and audiences alike. He passed away on September 2, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of musical influence.

Jack Boucher (1931–2012) served as a chief photographer for the Historic American Buildings Survey and numerous preservation projects. Over five decades, he captured thousands of images that helped record and protect America’s architectural heritage. His work combined technical skill with artistic vision, earning recognition from preservationists and historians. Boucher’s photographs have been featured in exhibitions, books, and archives nationwide. He passed away on September 2, 2012, leaving a visual legacy of the nation’s historic sites.

Born in London in 1941, John C. Marshall developed a passion for jazz guitar at an early age. He performed extensively across Europe, collaborating with prominent jazz ensembles and solo artists. Marshall released numerous albums showcasing his inventive improvisations and songwriting skills. He also taught masterclasses, influencing a generation of young guitarists. Marshall passed away on September 2, 2012, leaving behind a rich musical legacy in jazz.

Born in Portugal in 1941, Emmanuel Nunes studied under modernist composers and developed a distinctive compositional voice. He moved to France, where he taught composition at leading conservatories and universities. Nunes’s works, characterized by complex structures and innovative timbres, premiered at major festivals worldwide. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to contemporary music. Nunes passed away on September 2, 2012, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century classical music.