September 20

Born in 1593, Gottfried Scheidt was the younger brother of the more famous Samuel Scheidt. He served as court organist in Halle and composed organ preludes, chorale settings, and sacred music. His works reflect the stylistic transition between early and high Baroque traditions. He published collections of organ compositions that influenced German liturgical music. As a teacher, he trained numerous students who spread his musical approach. Despite being overshadowed by his brother, his contributions remain valued by organists. Scheidt's music continues to be performed in historic Baroque repertoire.

Giuseppe Matteo Alberti was born in Bologna in 1685 and became a prominent violinist and composer in the Italian Baroque tradition. He served as a musician at the Basilica of San Petronio and the Accademia Filarmonica. Alberti composed concertos, sonatas, and instrumental works that blended lively melodies with intricate counterpoint. His music influenced the transition towards early classical styles in the 18th century. Although less widely known today, his works remain a testament to the rich musical heritage of Baroque Italy.

Benjamin Franklin White was born in Massachusetts in 1800 and became an influential figure in American sacred music. A proponent of shape-note singing, he compiled and published The Sacred Harp in 1844, a tunebook that shaped American hymnody. White traveled throughout the South organizing singing schools and promoting communal worship through music. His compositions and editorial work helped preserve traditional folk tunes and spiritual songs for future generations. He died in Alabama in 1879, leaving a lasting legacy in community singing traditions across the United States.

William H. Illingworth emigrated from England to the United States and became a prominent photographer in the late 19th century. He joined the 1874 Custer Expedition, documenting landscapes, military life, and Native American communities. His sharp portraits and views of the Black Hills region provided invaluable visual records of the American frontier. Illingworth operated portrait studios in New York and Pennsylvania, capturing images of notable figures and everyday citizens. His photographs remain important historical documents, reflecting the cultural and social dynamics of his era. He continued to photograph until his death in 1893, leaving behind a rich visual legacy.

Born in 1880, Ildebrando Pizzetti was a leading figure in early 20th-century Italian music, celebrated for his innovative operas and sacred works. Trained at the Milan Conservatory, he blended traditional melodies with modern harmonies, earning acclaim for pieces like Fedora and Assassinio nella cattedrale. As a respected musicologist, Pizzetti authored seminal texts on Renaissance music and its performance practice. He held teaching positions at the Bologna and Rome conservatories, influencing generations of composers. His contributions to both composition and scholarship cemented his legacy in Italy's rich musical heritage.

Chico Hamilton formed his influential quintet in the 1950s, blending cool jazz with chamber music elements. He collaborated with jazz greats like Charles Mingus and Gerry Mulligan early in his career. Hamilton was known for his understated drumming style and innovative use of cello and flute in jazz ensembles. He recorded over 30 albums as a leader, exploring diverse jazz and world music traditions. His work expanded the possibilities of small-group jazz and influenced drummers for decades to come.

Gogi Grant was born Margaret Audrey Gildersleeve in 1924. She rose to fame with her million-selling single "The Wayward Wind" in 1956. The song topped the Billboard charts and became her signature tune. She recorded for RCA Victor and appeared on television variety shows. Though her chart success waned by the 1960s, she continued performing live. Grant made occasional comebacks and recorded new material into later decades. She passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of classic pop performances.

Jackie Paris was born in 1924 and became active in the jazz scene as a teenager. He worked with leading artists such as Benny Goodman and Charlie Parker. Paris was known for his smooth baritone voice and skilled guitar accompaniment. Throughout his career, he recorded several acclaimed albums and toured internationally. He also performed on Broadway and appeared in film soundtracks. Paris remained a respected figure in jazz until his death in 2004.

James Bernard was born in 1925 in London and studied at the Royal College of Music. He became the principal composer for Hammer Film Productions in the late 1950s. His dramatic and innovative scores for films such as "Dracula" and "The Curse of Frankenstein" defined the studio's sound. Bernard's use of powerful orchestration and haunting melodies influenced generations of film composers. In addition to film, he wrote concert works and chamber music. He passed away in 2001, leaving a legacy as one of Britain's foremost horror composers.

Colette Bonheur was born in 1927 in Montreal, Canada, into a musical family. She began her singing career performing in local clubs and on Canadian radio. Bonheur's repertoire spanned pop, jazz, and chanson, showcasing her versatile vocal style. She released several popular singles and toured throughout Quebec and Ontario. Her emotive performances earned her acclaim in the Canadian music scene. Bonheur's life was tragically cut short in 1966, but she remains remembered for her contributions to Quebec's cultural heritage.

Sir John Dankworth was born in 1927 in Woodford, Essex, and studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He rose to prominence in the 1950s as a leading figure in British modern jazz. Dankworth formed the Dankworth Seven and later the John Dankworth Orchestra, touring internationally. He composed film and television scores, including the theme for the BBC series "The Avengers". Dankworth championed jazz education and co-founded the Wavendon Allmusic Plan. He was knighted in 2006 for his services to music and passed away in 2010.

Red Mitchell was born in 1927 in New York City and began playing bass in his teens. He became known for his melodic approach to the double bass and harmonic innovation. Mitchell collaborated with jazz greats including Ornette Coleman, Billie Holiday, and the Modern Jazz Quartet. He composed original works and led his own ensembles, recording extensively as a bandleader. A talented poet, he published several volumes of verse reflecting on music and life. Mitchell spent his later years living in Sweden before his death in 1992, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz.