September 13

Born in 1594 in Modena, Manelli became a leading figure in Rome’s musical academies. He mastered the theorbo, bringing new expressive possibilities to continuo playing. His collaborations with librettists yielded some of the first public operas in Venice, including L’Andromeda. Manelli’s innovative styles influenced the emerging Baroque idiom across Italy. He died in 1667, leaving behind a repertoire that bridged Renaissance tradition and Baroque spectacle.

Born Clara Wieck in Leipzig in 1819, she was acclaimed as a child prodigy piano performer. She married composer Robert Schumann and championed his works throughout her career. Clara toured extensively across Europe, earning praise for her expressive and nuanced playing. She composed piano pieces and a piano concerto, balancing performance with composition. After her husband's death, she remained a leading figure in European musical life until she died in 1896.

Born in Vienna in 1874, Arnold Schoenberg emerged as a leading figure in early 20th-century music, moving from late-Romantic styles to atonality. In 1923, he devised the twelve-tone serial method, reshaping compositional practice and influencing generations of composers. Schoenberg also painted and wrote theoretical works on harmony. Facing rising anti-Semitism, he emigrated to the United States in 1933, teaching at the University of Southern California and UCLA. He continued composing groundbreaking works until his death in 1951.

Amelie Beese was the first German woman to earn a pilot's license, achieving this milestone in 1911 and breaking gender barriers in early aviation. Born in Berlin in 1886, she trained under Anthony Fokker in the Netherlands before returning to Germany to teach flying techniques. After World War I, Beese shifted her creative talents to sculpture, studying at the Berlin Academy of Arts. Her works, often reflecting themes of flight and freedom, were exhibited in several European galleries. Beese's dual legacy as an aviatrix and an artist continues to inspire both pilots and sculptors alike.

Larry Shields was an American clarinetist who helped popularize early jazz as a founding member of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Born in 1893 in New Orleans, he performed on what are considered the first commercially released jazz recordings in 1917. His lively, improvisational style influenced subsequent generations of jazz reed players and helped define the genre's sound. Shields toured extensively in Europe and the United States, introducing jazz to international audiences. His recordings remain essential listening for fans and historians of early jazz music.

Roger Désormière studied at the Paris Conservatoire before embarking on a career that would shape modern French orchestral music. He held key conducting posts at the Paris Opera and founded ensembles dedicated to new works. Désormière premiered compositions by Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc, and Messiaen, earning a reputation for clarity and sensitivity. As a composer, he contributed film scores and chamber pieces reflecting his deep musical insight. Throughout his career, he made pioneering recordings that remain benchmarks for twentieth-century repertoire. His advocacy for living composers ensured his place as a central figure in France's cultural life.

Born Leon Brown Berry in Wheeling, West Virginia, Chu Berry initially studied piano before mastering the tenor saxophone. He gained prominence with McKinney’s Cotton Pickers and later joined Fletcher Henderson’s orchestra, where his fluid technique and rich tone stood out. Berry’s solos on tracks like "Christopher Columbus" made him a favorite among fellow musicians and fans. He recorded extensively as a leader and sideman, influencing future saxophone greats such as Charlie Parker. In 1941, his life was cut short by a tragic car accident, but his pioneering style left an enduring mark on jazz history.

Bill Monroe grew up in Kentucky, where he absorbed traditional Appalachian music and culture from a young age. In 1938, he formed the Blue Grass Boys, laying the foundation for the bluegrass genre that bears his name. Monroe's high-pitched vocals, fast mandolin picking, and innovative musical arrangements inspired countless musicians. He popularized bluegrass through performances on radio shows like the Grand Ole Opry and barn dances across the South. Songs like 'Blue Moon of Kentucky' became standards, bridging country, folk, and jazz influences. For decades, Monroe toured, recorded, and mentored future stars, ensuring the genre's growth and preservation. His legacy endures as bluegrass remains a vibrant part of American musical heritage.

Born in London, Leonard Feather was drawn to jazz from an early age and learned piano as a child. He moved to the United States in the 1940s, performing with notable jazz ensembles and recording as a bandleader. Feather's compositions and arrangements became standards in the jazz repertoire, reflecting his deep musicality. As a writer for DownBeat and other publications, he shaped public perceptions of jazz through reviews and profiles. He produced landmark albums, bringing together celebrated artists and fostering new talent in the genre. Feather also authored books on jazz history, cementing his role as a key chronicler of the music's development. His multifaceted career bridged performance, scholarship, and journalism, leaving an enduring influence on jazz culture.

Born in 1917, Robert Ward balanced his military service with a prolific career in music composition. He composed works that blended classical traditions with American themes. In addition to composing, he dedicated time to educating aspiring musicians at various institutions. Ward's dual legacy in military service and music education set him apart as a multifaceted figure. He was honored by both military organizations and musical societies for his contributions. Until his death in 2013, he continued to compose, teach, and inspire the next generation of artists.

Born in 1918, Ray Charles overcame early challenges to become a pioneering figure in American music. He blended gospel, blues, and jazz to create a distinctive sound that influenced countless artists. Over his career, he recorded numerous hits that topped the charts and won critical acclaim. Charles was renowned for his dynamic performances and charismatic stage presence. He collaborated with a wide range of musicians, breaking stylistic and racial barriers. His contributions earned him multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Until his passing in 2015, his music continued to inspire listeners around the world.

Born in 1918, Dick Haymes gained fame for his velvety singing style and charismatic performances. He starred in popular films and recorded hit songs that became standards of the era. His collaborations with top orchestras made him a sought-after vocalist during the golden age of Hollywood. Haymes's rich voice and elegant stage presence endeared him to audiences worldwide. Despite personal challenges, he maintained a dedicated following through live performances and recordings. His contributions to film and music left a lasting mark on American entertainment.