September 06

Arthur Rackham was born in 1867 in London and became one of the foremost book illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration. He employed delicate pen-and-ink lines with subtle watercolor washes to bring fairy tales and myths to life. Rackham’s notable works include illustrations for 'Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens,' 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,' and Grimm’s Fairy Tales. His imaginative compositions and atmospheric settings influenced generations of artists and illustrators. Over his career, he produced hundreds of illustrations for publishers like Heinemann and Macmillan. He passed away in 1939, leaving a rich legacy in children’s literature and art.

Born in 1916, Lee Jung-seob studied art in Japan before returning to Korea. He developed a dynamic style combining bold brushwork with emotional symbolism, as seen in his famous "White Ox" series. Living through the Korean War, his paintings often reflected themes of hardship, hope, and familial love. Despite personal struggles and financial hardship, he produced a prolific body of work that shaped Korean modernism. His unique vision and resilience have made him a beloved figure in Korea's artistic heritage. Lee passed away in 1956, leaving a lasting influence on generations of artists.

Hanns Eisler was born in 1898 in Leipzig and studied composition under Arnold Schoenberg. He became the principal musical collaborator of playwright Bertolt Brecht, composing enduring works such as the 'Kleine Dreigroschenmusik' and numerous politically charged songs. Eisler also pioneered film scoring techniques in both Europe and Hollywood, contributing music to films like Hangmen Also Die!. After returning to Germany post-World War II, he played a leading role in shaping the musical life of the East German state. His innovative approach fused modernist composition with social and political engagement, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century music. Eisler passed away in 1962, remembered as a bold composer who bridged art and activism.

Tom Wilson was a pioneering record producer who helped shape the sound of the 1960s music scene. He worked at Columbia Records, producing seminal Bob Dylan albums like 'Bringing It All Back Home' and 'Highway 61 Revisited'. Wilson also produced Simon & Garfunkel's breakthrough hit 'The Sound of Silence', blending folk sensibilities with electric instrumentation. His innovative techniques introduced rock elements into folk music, influencing subsequent generations of artists. In the late 1960s, he produced early recordings for The Velvet Underground and Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. Wilson was known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment in the studio. His legacy endures in his lasting impact on popular music production.

Ronald Binge was an English composer and arranger celebrated for his work in the light music genre. He joined the Mantovani Orchestra in 1946, becoming its principal arranger and developing the 'cascading strings' technique. Binge composed the famous 'Elizabethan Serenade' in 1951, which became an international hit. His piece 'Sailing By' remains an iconic theme for BBC Radio 4's late-night schedule. Beyond these melodies, he arranged numerous film scores and orchestral works throughout the mid-20th century. Binge's lush textures and melodic sensibility helped define post-war orchestral pop music. His contributions have left a lasting impression on both radio and concert audiences.

Ernest Tubb was a foundational figure in American country music who popularized the honky-tonk style. His 1941 hit 'Walking the Floor Over You' became one of the genre's earliest million-selling singles. Tubb formed the Texas Troubadours band, which became a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry for decades. His distinctive vocals and guitar work influenced generations of country musicians. Tubb opened Ernest Tubb's Record Shop in Nashville, cementing his role in the music industry. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1965, recognizing his lasting impact. Tubb's career spanned over forty years, shaping the sound and traditions of honky-tonk music.

Franco Ferrara was a renowned Italian conductor and educator known for his interpretive skill and teaching prowess. He studied under composer Ildebrando Pizzetti before beginning his conducting career in the 1930s. Ferrara held professorships at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome and the Salzburg Mozarteum. His students included legendary conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, and Zubin Mehta. Although he composed orchestral and chamber works, Ferrara's true legacy lies in his educational influence. He developed innovative techniques in phrasing and musical expression that shaped modern conducting pedagogy. Ferrara's impact is felt worldwide through the achievements of his distinguished protégés.

Tom Fogerty was the rhythm guitarist and co-founder of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), a seminal rock band of the late 1960s. Alongside his brother John Fogerty, he helped craft CCR's swamp rock sound on hits like 'Proud Mary' and 'Bad Moon Rising'. Fogerty departed the band in 1971 to pursue a solo career, releasing albums that showcased his songwriting. Despite being overshadowed by his brother's prominence, his steady rhythm playing was integral to the band's groove. He collaborated on various projects, including contributing to John Fogerty's early solo work. After years away from the spotlight, he remained connected to the music community through occasional performances. Fogerty died in 1990 from complications of AIDS, leaving a lasting influence on rock music history.

Nicholas "Nicky" Hopkins (1944-1994) was a classically trained English pianist who became one of the most sought-after session musicians of the rock era. He contributed iconic piano parts to albums by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Kinks, and many others, adding melodic depth to countless hits. Hopkins' expressive style and technical skill made him a favorite collaborator among leading artists of the 1960s and 1970s. Despite a lifelong struggle with health issues, he maintained a prolific recording career. His piano work remains integral to the sound of classic rock and pop recordings.

Max Kaminsky (1908-1994) was an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader who gained recognition in the 1920s and 1930s. He played with notable ensembles before forming his own big band, recording for major labels. In the post-war years, Kaminsky embraced traditional Dixieland jazz and toured internationally, promoting the genre's revival. Beyond performance, he taught music and mentored young musicians. His warm tone and lyrical improvisation left a lasting legacy in American jazz history.

Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998) was a visionary Japanese filmmaker whose innovative storytelling and cinematic techniques transformed world cinema. Over a career spanning five decades, he directed classics such as "Rashomon," which introduced Japanese cinema to the West, and "Seven Samurai," a landmark epic that inspired countless adaptations. Kurosawa collaborated frequently with actor Toshiro Mifune and composer Fumio Hayasaka to create unforgettable films. He received international awards, including an Academy Honorary Award, and influenced directors from George Lucas to Martin Scorsese. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of global film history.

Ric Segreto (1952-1998) was an American-Filipino singer-songwriter who became a beloved figure in the Philippine music scene with hits like "Kahit Konting Pagtingin". Born in Hawaii, he moved to the Philippines and released several successful albums blending pop and smooth soul. Besides music, Segreto appeared in television shows and pursued journalism, writing articles that showcased his storytelling flair. His warm voice and heartfelt lyrics earned him a devoted fan base. His untimely death in 1998 cut short a multifaceted career that bridged cultures and media.