September 19

Born in 1865 in New York, Eugene studied art and embraced photography as a means of creative expression. He became a central figure in the pictorialist movement, blending soft-focus techniques and painterly effects. In 1904, he moved to Germany and later taught at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, influencing a generation of photographers. Eugene’s prints often featured romantic motifs, allegorical scenes, and careful composition. His work appeared in major exhibitions across Europe and North America, helping to elevate photography to fine art. He died in 1936, leaving a legacy as a pioneer who bridged American and European photographic traditions.

Born in 1867 in London, Rackham trained as a draughtsman before turning to book illustration. He rose to fame with his work on editions of 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens', blending delicate line work with muted watercolors. Throughout his career, he collaborated with leading authors to illustrate works like 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' and 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'. Rackham’s imaginative style, characterized by gnarled trees and whimsical creatures, influenced generations of artists and animators. His prints were widely reproduced, making his images synonymous with early 20th-century fantasy art. He continued illustrating until his death in 1939, leaving a rich body of enduring work.

Born in 1871 in Switzerland, Ruple emigrated to the United States where he developed a reputation as a skilled portraitist. His works captured notable figures of his era with attention to detail and expressive realism. Ruple also painted large-scale historical and allegorical compositions for public buildings and private patrons. He exhibited widely and received commissions for murals that illustrated early American history. Throughout his career, he blended European academic traditions with the emerging American art scene. He died in 1938, leaving behind a diverse body of paintings that reflect turn-of-the-century taste and technique.

Born in 1887 in Texas, Austin moved to Chicago where she became a leading figure in the city’s vibrant music community. She led her own all-female band at the Lincoln Gardens and wrote compositions for legendary performers like Ma Rainey. Austin’s blues-infused piano style and arrangements helped shape the sound of Chicago jazz during the 1920s. She worked as an accompanist, composer, and arranger, breaking barriers for women in a male-dominated industry. Despite limited recordings, her influence persisted through the musicians she mentored. Austin continued performing until the 1940s and passed away in 1972, leaving a pioneering legacy in American music.

Kurt Sanderling was born to a Jewish family in East Prussia and fled the Nazis in the 1930s. He became a prominent conductor in the Soviet Union, leading the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1960, he returned to East Germany to serve as Principal Conductor of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. Sanderling championed works by Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and contemporary composers. He held prestigious posts in Dresden and Berlin and made acclaimed recordings worldwide. Known for his deep musical insight and commitment to new music, he remained active until his death in 2011.

Helen Ward (1913–1998) was an American jazz singer best known for her work with the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Born in New York City, she rose to prominence in the 1930s as one of the leading voices of the swing movement. Her warm contralto and clear tone made classics such as 'All of Me' and 'Blue Skies' enduring favorites. Ward's career spanned several decades, during which she recorded extensively and performed at top venues. Beyond her musical achievements, she championed jazz education and inspired generations of singers.

Germán Valdés (1915–1973), popularly known as 'Tin Tan', was a Mexican actor, singer, and film producer celebrated for his charismatic humor and pachuco persona. He starred in over a hundred films during the 1940s and 1950s, blending Mexican folk rhythms with American jazz influences. Valdés became an icon of the pachuco culture through his playful bilingual performances and signature zoot-suit style. As a producer, he shaped Mexican cinema's Golden Age by supporting emerging talents and innovative projects. His enduring legacy lives on in Latin American popular culture, where 'Tin Tan' remains a symbol of mid-century flair and comedic genius.

Pablita Velarde (1918–2006) was a Native American artist from the Santa Clara Pueblo renowned for her vivid watercolor paintings. She pioneered the Studio Style of Pueblo painting under the mentorship of Dorothy Dunn, capturing ceremonies, daily life, and landscapes with delicate detail. Her artwork was exhibited across the United States and internationally, bringing indigenous perspectives to a wider audience. Velarde committed herself to preserving Pueblo cultural heritage, later teaching painting techniques to students at her home studio. Her influence endures among contemporary Native American artists who draw inspiration from her dedication to tradition and innovation.

William 'Billy' Ward (1921–2002) was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and bandleader who found fame in the early 1950s. He formed Billy Ward and His Dominoes, a pioneering group that blended rhythm and blues with gospel and pop influences. Their unexpected hit 'Rock and Roll Waltz' topped charts and showcased Ward's knack for crossover appeal. Under his leadership, the Dominoes also launched the career of Jackie Wilson and influenced the formation of future vocal harmony groups. Ward's dynamic performances and polished arrangements helped bridge musical genres during a transformative era in American popular music.

Helen Carter performed and recorded as part of the Carter Sisters alongside her mother Maybelle and sister June. She contributed to the bluegrass and gospel genres with her clear vocal harmonies and original compositions. The group appeared on radio programs such as the Grand Ole Opry and later hosted their own television show. Carter also worked behind the scenes as a songwriter and arranger, influencing country music's development. Her dedication helped preserve the legacy of the Carter Family for future generations.

Born Nicholas Macioci in 1927, Nick Massi co-founded the legendary pop group the Four Seasons. As the group's bass vocalist and arranger, he helped shape hits like Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, and Walk Like a Man. His smooth low tones provided the harmonic foundation that became a trademark of the group’s sound. Massi toured extensively during the 1960s and early 1970s before retiring from performing in 1975. He remained a cherished figure in music history until his death in 2000.

Muhal Richard Abrams emerged as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz, co-founding Chicago’s AACM in 1965. Born in 1930, his work blurred the lines between composition and improvisation, influencing generations of musicians. Abrams released numerous albums showcasing his eclectic style, blending classical structures with free jazz. Beyond performance, he was a dedicated educator, mentoring young artists at institutions like the University of Chicago. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship and other accolades for his contributions to contemporary music. Abrams continued performing and composing until his death in 2017, leaving a profound impact on modern jazz.