September 24

Born near Reichenau Island around 1013, Hermann became a monk at the Benedictine abbey. Despite suffering from a lifelong disability, he produced influential works in music theory and composed liturgical chants. His treatise on the computus advanced the calculation of Easter dates. As an astronomer, he recorded celestial observations and promoted the use of the astrolabe. He also wrote on arithmetic and geometry, bridging classical and medieval thought. Hermann’s interdisciplinary scholarship left a lasting impact on monastic learning in the High Middle Ages.

Born around 1547, Manuel Mendes became a leading figure in Portuguese Renaissance polyphony. He taught at the cathedral school of Évora, mentoring notable composers like Duarte Lobo and Filipe de Magalhães. Mendes's works include masses, motets, and hymns written in the Palestrina style, celebrated for their clarity and expressive depth. His pedagogical approach shaped the golden age of Iberian liturgical music. He remained active until his death in 1605, leaving a lasting legacy in sacred music traditions.

Born in Alcáçovas in 1565, Duarte Lobo emerged as one of the foremost composers of the Iberian Renaissance. A student of Manuel Mendes, he composed masses, motets, and psalms that blended expressive counterpoint with serene solemnity. Lobo held prestigious posts in Évora and later at the royal chapel in Madrid under Philip III and Philip IV. His published collections circulated widely across Europe, influencing generations of composers. He devoted his life to sacred music until his death in 1646, leaving an enduring imprint on Catholic liturgical traditions.

Born in London in 1751, John Keyse Sherwin studied drawing before turning to engraving at the Royal Academy of Arts. He won acclaim for his mezzotint reproductions of works by Sir Joshua Reynolds and other leading painters. Sherwin's prints adorned books and literary works, including editions of Milton and Thomson, celebrated for their technical precision and expressive detail. His innovative approach elevated engraving as an art form in late 18th-century Britain. Sherwin remained dedicated to his craft until his untimely death in 1790, securing his place in the history of British printmaking.

Born in 1817 in Yorkshire, Branwell Brontë showed early talent in watercolour painting and verse. He exhibited works in London galleries and wrote personal poems reflecting Romantic themes. Struggling with debt and addiction later in life, his artistic output declined. He formed a close creative partnership with his sisters but lived in their shadows. His work offers insight into the Brontë family's dynamics and the challenges faced by a 19th-century artist battling inner demons.

Patrick Gilmore was born near Galway in 1829 and emigrated to the United States during the Irish Potato Famine. He served as a bandmaster during the American Civil War before organizing the celebrated National Peace Jubilee in 1869. Gilmore composed popular tunes like "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and expanded the size and scope of military and civilian bands. Known as the "Father of the American Band", he shaped concert traditions and festival music. His innovations laid the groundwork for modern wind ensembles.

Philip Gbeho, born in 1904, was a pioneering figure in Ghanaian music, composing the melody for the country's national anthem God Bless Our Homeland Ghana. Educated in music theory and composition, he served as head of the music department at Achimota College and mentored generations of Ghanaian musicians. Gbeho's works blended traditional African rhythms with Western classical forms, fostering a new national musical identity. He directed the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation's music ensemble, promoting local composers and performances. Beyond composing, Gbeho authored instructional texts on music and organized choral workshops throughout West Africa. His dedication to music education earned him recognition as one of Ghana's cultural icons. Gbeho passed away in 1976, leaving a musical legacy integral to Ghana's heritage.

Theodor Luts, born in 1896 in Estonia, emerged as one of the country's first filmmakers, directing the silent drama Noored Kotkad (Young Eagles) in 1927. A skilled cinematographer, he captured striking visuals and innovative camera techniques that advanced Estonian cinema. After World War II, Luts emigrated to Brazil, where he worked as a producer and cinematographer, contributing to the development of the Brazilian film industry. He also taught film techniques to aspiring directors and camera operators, influencing a new generation of filmmakers. Luts's work blended European silent-era artistry with South American storytelling sensibilities. Over his four-decade career, he directed and photographed numerous feature films and documentaries. He passed away in 1980, leaving a legacy that bridged two continents' cinematic traditions.

Ian Stuart Donaldson was an English musician and founding member of the rock band Skrewdriver. Born in 1957, he started his career in the punk scene before forming Skrewdriver in the late 1970s. Under his leadership, the band gained notoriety for its hard rock sound and eventually for its association with nationalist politics. His songwriting and guitar work influenced parts of the underground rock and metal scenes in the UK. Despite controversy, his musical style left a lasting impact on certain subcultures and inspired tribute acts. Donaldson died in a car accident on 24 September 1993 at the age of 36.

Barry Bishop was an American mountaineer, photographer, and scholar recognized for adventurous spirit and academic achievements. Born in 1932, he earned a doctorate in geology before joining the 1963 American expedition that made the first U.S. ascent of Mount Everest. As a National Geographic photographer, his striking mountain landscapes brought remote peaks to a global audience. He published scholarly articles on geology and led further expeditions to the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. Bishop’s blend of scientific inquiry and exploration inspired generations of climbers and researchers alike. He died on 24 September 1994, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering climbs and influential photographs.

Zeki Müren was a Turkish singer, songwriter, and actor who became a symbol of Turkish classical music. Born in 1931, he released dozens of albums and composed many beloved songs blending traditional and contemporary styles. His charismatic stage presence and theatrical costumes earned him the nickname “Sun of Art.” Müren broke social norms with his gender-bending fashion and became a pioneering figure in Turkish popular culture. He also appeared in films and worked as a music educator, shaping future generations of performers. Zeki Müren passed away on 24 September 1996, leaving an enduring legacy in Turkish art and music.

Jeff Moss was an American composer and television writer famed for his contributions to children’s programming. Born in 1942, he joined the original Sesame Street creative team, penning classics like “Rubber Duckie” and “I Love Trash.” His musical talents also shaped the theme and songs for Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock series. Moss won three Emmy Awards for his innovative lyrics and compositions that blended humor with education. He later authored books and taught at universities, influencing countless aspiring songwriters. Jeff Moss died on 24 September 1998, remembered for enriching children’s media with his timeless songs.