September 27

Giovanni Carlo Maria Clari was an Italian Baroque composer and violinist active in Bologna. He served as maestro di cappella at the cathedral of Perugia and later in Rome. Clari composed numerous sacred works, including motets and masses celebrated for their melodic grace and counterpoint. He also published collections of vocal duets that were popular among amateur musicians. His refined style bridged the high Baroque tradition and the emerging galant aesthetic.

Thomas Nast (1840–1902) was a German-born caricaturist and editorial cartoonist who became famous for his anti-corruption cartoons in Harper’s Weekly. He is credited with popularizing the Republican elephant and Democratic donkey symbols, and helped bring down New York political boss William “Boss” Tweed. Nast’s vivid illustrations also shaped the modern image of Santa Claus and the early visual identity of the United States. During the Civil War, he produced patriotic artwork supporting the Union cause. His work combined sharp political satire with artistic innovation, influencing public opinion and policy. Nast’s legacy endures in the enduring symbols and techniques of editorial cartooning.

A leading figure of the English modernist movement, Cyril Scott composed over 200 musical works. His innovative piano and orchestral pieces challenged late-Romantic conventions. Also an accomplished poet, he published collections exploring mysticism, health, and creativity. He authored influential writings on music theory and the spiritual significance of sound. Although controversial in his time, his works have seen renewed appreciation in the 20th century.

Vincent Youmans was a key figure in the development of the Broadway musical during the Jazz Age. He composed unforgettable tunes for shows such as No, No, Nanette and Hit the Deck. His song Tea for Two became an enduring standard, recorded by countless artists. As a producer, he championed new talent and innovative staging techniques. Despite early success, financial difficulties plagued his later career, leading to an early retirement. He passed away in 1946, but his melodies continue to influence American musical theatre.

Marcey Jacobson was born in 1911 in the United States and later settled in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. She developed a passion for photography in her youth and moved to Mexico in the 1950s, where she immersed herself in local communities. Jacobson documented everyday life, capturing indigenous people, markets, and rural landscapes with a sensitive eye. Her work provides a valuable historical record of mid-20th century Mexican culture and traditions. She held exhibitions in both Mexico and the United States, earning recognition for her authentic and respectful approach. Jacobson's photographs have been published in books and displayed in museums, contributing significantly to the field of documentary photography. She passed away in 2009, leaving behind a rich visual legacy that continues to inspire photographers and scholars.

Bud Powell was one of the most influential pianists of the bebop era, known for his virtuosic technique and improvisational genius. His collaborations with jazz legends like Charlie Parker helped define the modern jazz piano style. Powell's compositions, such as 'Un Poco Loco', showcased his innovative harmonic approach. Despite personal struggles, he recorded numerous landmark albums that left a lasting impact on jazz. His influence can be heard in the work of countless jazz pianists who followed.

Red Rodney rose to prominence as a leading trumpeter in the bebop movement, performing with Charlie Parker in the late 1940s. Born Robert Chudnick, he adopted the stage name Red Rodney and recorded acclaimed albums as a bandleader. Rodney's crisp tone and inventive improvisations earned him respect among jazz musicians and fans. After a period of hiatus, he returned in the 1970s and led his own quintet, recording new works and touring internationally. His contributions helped shape modern jazz trumpet playing before his death in 1994.

Romano Scarpa (1927–2005) was born in Venice, Italy and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts. He joined Disney comics in the 1950s, writing and illustrating hundreds of stories for Topolino magazine. Scarpa created memorable characters like Brigitta MacBridge and developed complex plots that expanded the Duck universe. His dynamic art style and storytelling earned him the nickname 'the Italian Walt Disney'. He influenced generations of comic artists worldwide and his work remains popular in Italy and beyond.

Calvin Jones (1929–2004) was born in Meridian, Mississippi and studied piano and composition at the University of Mississippi before earning a master's degree from the University of Michigan. He joined the faculty at Michigan, where he directed jazz and classical ensembles and established innovative music programs. Jones composed works that blended jazz, blues, and classical elements, performed internationally and featured on numerous recordings. He mentored countless young musicians and served as a consultant for music education initiatives nationwide. His legacy lives on through scholarships and ensembles that bear his name.