September 12

Jan van der Heyden was a master of architectural painting, capturing the intricate canals and streets of Amsterdam with precision. Beyond his artistry, he engineered improvements in street lighting and co-invented early fire engines, transforming urban safety. His illustrated topographical views set standards for clarity and detail in landscape art. Van der Heyden’s dual talents bridged art and technology, making him a singular figure of the Dutch Golden Age. He died on September 12, 1712.

Jean-Philippe Rameau became the leading French composer of his era, writing pioneering operas such as “Hippolyte et Aricie” and “Les Indes galantes.” His 1722 “Traité de l’harmonie” introduced a systematic approach to chord functions that underpins modern tonal music. Rameau served as organist at Versailles and held court appointments, winning acclaim for both his theoretical writings and dramatic works. His fusion of rich orchestration and innovative harmony influenced composers across Europe. Rameau died on September 12, 1764, leaving a profound musical legacy.

Federico Moreno Torroba was a Spanish composer and conductor, renowned for his contributions to the zarzuela genre. He composed over 50 stage works blending traditional Spanish music with classical orchestration. Torroba also wrote solo pieces for classical guitar, including the famous Sonatina. He led several Spanish orchestras and supported young musicians through his teaching. Torroba's style emphasized melody, rhythm, and national identity. His works remain staples in Spanish concert repertoire. Born in Madrid, he lived through key periods of Spain's cultural evolution and helped preserve its musical heritage.

Jacques Henri Lartigue was a French photographer and painter celebrated for his fleeting images of early 20th-century leisure and innovation. He began photographing family life on snapshots that later revealed his talent for capturing motion and light. Lartigue's early images of automobiles, airplanes, and fashionable society anticipated the artistic potential of candid photography. He exhibited widely from the 1960s onward, gaining recognition as a major figure in photographic art. In addition to his books of photographs, Lartigue painted landscapes and portraits, reflecting his lifelong engagement with visual composition. His work offers a vivid window into the optimism and style of the Belle Époque and beyond.

Born in 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Stanley Turrentine began playing saxophone in his teens, quickly developing a rich, blues-inflected tone. He recorded seminal albums for Blue Note Records in the 1960s, collaborating with organist Jimmy Smith and forging the sound of soul-jazz. Turrentine's 1970s albums, such as 'Sugar', achieved crossover success, blending funk, R&B, and jazz over accessible grooves. As a bandleader, he toured extensively, leading ensembles that showcased his warm improvisational style. Over a career spanning five decades, Turrentine left an indelible mark on modern jazz, influencing generations of saxophonists.

Born in 1932 in Arkansas, Johnny Cash rose to fame with hits like I Walk the Line and Ring of Fire. His Tennessee Three band and signature all-black attire earned him the nickname Man in Black. Cash's music blended country, rockabilly, blues, and gospel, and he became a cultural icon over five decades. He recorded landmark albums at Folsom Prison and San Quentin, championing the voices of the marginalized. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, he remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Born in 1934 in Tennessee, Bobby Byrd co-founded the vocal group The Famous Flames with James Brown, contributing to hits like Please, Please, Please. His songwriting and energetic stage presence helped shape the early soul sound. Byrd wrote and produced for Brown, and later founded People Records, launching careers of funk legends like the J.B.'s. His work behind the scenes was vital to the evolution of funk music in the 1960s and 70s. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Byrd's legacy endures in the grooves of modern R&B and funk.

Born in 1910 in Paris, Willy Ronis began his career documenting everyday life for publications like Regards and Life magazine. His warm, poetic photographs captured street scenes, domestic interiors, and laborers with empathy and artistic flair. Ronis was a leading figure in the humanist photography movement, alongside contemporaries such as Henri Cartier-Bresson. His iconic images, including Le Nu Provençal and Sunday at Le Bougival, remain emblematic of 20th-century French photography. Over a career spanning seven decades, Ronis held numerous exhibitions worldwide and influenced generations of photographers.

John 'Yogi' Gustafson was an English singer-songwriter and bass player born in Liverpool in 1942. He rose to fame in the 1960s as a member of bands like The Big Three and Quatermass. Gustafson later joined Roxy Music and the Ian Gillan Band, contributing to their signature sound. Renowned for his melodic bass lines and distinctive vocals, he influenced progressive rock and hard rock genres. Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists such as Lulu, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Deep Purple. He passed away on September 12, 2014, leaving a legacy as one of rock's most respected bassists.

Joe Sample was born in Houston, Texas, in 1939. He co-founded The Jazz Crusaders (later The Crusaders) in the early 1960s, blending jazz, soul, and funk. Sample's soulful piano style and innovative compositions earned him acclaim in the jazz world. He worked as a session musician with artists like Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, and Miles Davis. Across a career spanning over five decades, he released numerous solo albums showcasing his fusion sound. He passed away on September 12, 2014, leaving a lasting influence on contemporary jazz and fusion music.