September 26

Claude Le Jeune (1530–1600) was a leading composer of the late Renaissance in France, associated with the Huguenot movement. He pioneered the style of musique mesurée à l’antique, setting French poetry to music with rhythmic innovation. Le Jeune contributed numerous psalm settings, chansons, and instrumental pieces, influencing the development of French Baroque music. His works were widely circulated and performed at royal courts across Europe. Despite facing religious tensions, he maintained royal patronage and left a lasting legacy on French musical tradition.

William Billings was one of the first composers born in the American colonies and became the leading figure in early American choral music. He authored The New-England Psalm-Singer (1770), the first book of music entirely composed by an American. Billings taught singing schools across New England, educating thousands in congregational singing. His best-known tune, 'Chester,' became an unofficial anthem of the American Revolution. Despite financial struggles, his innovative harmonies and energetic style influenced generations of American composers. Billings’ work laid the foundation for a distinct American musical tradition.

Born in Tennessee in 1894, Bessie Smith rose from poverty to become a leading blues vocalist of the 1920s. Her recordings for Columbia Records popularized the classic female blues style. Smith's hits included "Downhearted Blues" and "St. Louis Blues." She made appearances in early sound films, showcasing her dramatic talent. Smith's raw emotional delivery influenced generations of jazz and blues artists. She toured extensively, breaking racial barriers in segregated venues. Her life was cut short by a car accident in 1937, cementing her legend in American music.

Born in 1881 in what is now Romania, Béla Bartók was a pioneering composer and virtuoso pianist. He collaborated with ethnomusicologist Zoltán Kodály to collect and study Eastern European folk music. Bartók's works, such as Concerto for Orchestra and Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, revolutionized modern classical music. His unique harmonic language fused folk melodies with contemporary techniques. He taught piano and composition at the Budapest Academy of Music. Fleeing fascism, Bartók emigrated to the United States in 1940 and continued composing. He died in New York in 1945, leaving a monumental impact on 20th-century music.

Born in Yixing in 1895, Xu Beihong studied art in Japan and France and brought Western realism to Chinese ink painting. He is best known for his expressive depictions of horses and birds that blended vigorous brushwork with emotional depth. As president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, he reshaped art curriculum and mentored a generation of modern Chinese artists. He advocated for art as a tool for cultural strength during turbulent political times, laying the groundwork for national artistic identity. His bold style and teaching legacy cemented his status as a founding figure in 20th-century Chinese art.

Born in 1878, Ussisoo studied applied arts in Riga and became a leading figure in Estonian design movements. He founded workshops that combined functional simplicity with national folk motifs, laying the foundation for a unique design identity. As an instructor at the Tallinn Art Industrial School, he mentored numerous designers and promoted craftsmanship across Estonia. His exhibitions throughout the Russian Empire showcased innovative use of indigenous woods and minimalist aesthetics. Ussisoo’s writings on applied arts and his dedication to education helped solidify Estonia’s decorative arts tradition during a period of cultural revival.

Władysław Kędra (1918–1968) was a Polish concert pianist celebrated for his interpretations of Chopin's compositions. Born in Krotoszyn, Poland, he studied at the Warsaw Conservatory before emerging as a leading pianist in the mid-20th century. Although his career was interrupted by World War II, he resumed performing and recording in the post-war years. He was praised for both his technical precision and emotional depth in performance. In addition to his concert career, Kędra mentored young pianists through masterclasses and teaching engagements. His recordings remain valued for their expressive clarity and musical insight.

Anna Magnani (1908–1973) was an Italian stage and screen actress celebrated for her raw intensity and emotional authenticity. She rose to international fame with her Academy Award-winning performance in "The Rose Tattoo" and her role in Roberto Rossellini's "Rome, Open City". Magnani's portrayals of strong, complex women set a new standard for realism in film. She also showcased her singing talent in theatrical productions and recordings. Known for her charismatic presence and outspoken personality, Magnani left an indelible mark on both European and Hollywood filmmaking. Her legacy endures as a symbol of passionate artistry.

He was born in 1920 in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and began his career in Bengali music circles in the late 1930s. Hemanta Kumar rose to prominence with his rich baritone voice and went on to compose music for both Bengali and Hindi films, producing hits like “Ganga Amar Maa” and “Yaad Na Jaaye.” He played a pivotal role in shaping the golden age of Bollywood playback singing and film scoring. As a producer, he championed new talent and innovative musical styles through his own record label. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Music Direction. Hemanta Kumar’s songs remain beloved classics, and his influence continues to resonate in Indian music today. He passed away in 1989, leaving a legacy of enduring melodies.

He was born in 1919 in Glasgow, Kentucky, and studied music and English at Western Kentucky University. Vaughn began his career as a musician in the late 1940s but gained fame in the 1950s as the musical director of Dot Records. His easy-listening orchestra, featuring twin saxophones and lush string sections, produced hits like 'Sail Along Silv'ry Moon' and 'Blue Hawaii,' selling millions of copies internationally. Vaughn also arranged music for films and television, showcasing his versatile talents. His recordings earned him numerous gold and platinum discs, and his style influenced the development of easy-listening and lounge music. He continued to tour and record until his passing in 1991, leaving a legacy of melodic and accessible orchestral pop.

Betty Carter was born in 1930 in Flint, Michigan, and began her singing career as a teenager. She rose to fame in the 1950s, performing at major jazz clubs and recording for labels like Blue Note and Riverside Records. Known for her adventurous phrasing and ability to scat sing complex lines, she influenced generations of jazz vocalists. In 1985, Carter founded the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program to mentor young musicians. She continued to perform and record until her death in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of jazz's most innovative voices.

Born in 1937 in Rio de Janeiro, Baden Powell de Aquino became one of Brazil's most influential guitarists. He merged Afro-Brazilian rhythms with jazz harmonies to shape the bossa nova movement alongside Vinícius de Moraes. Powell's compositions like 'Samba em Prelúdio' and 'Baden's Bossa' showcase his virtuosity and innovation. Over a career spanning five decades, he recorded numerous albums and toured globally, collaborating with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald. In addition to performance, he helped preserve Afro-Brazilian musical traditions. He died in 2000, leaving a lasting legacy on world music.