December 18

Born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, in 1707, Charles Wesley co-founded the Methodist movement with his brother John Wesley. As a missionary and itinerant preacher, he traveled extensively across Britain, delivering sermons to thousands. An accomplished poet, he wrote over 6,500 hymns, including beloved classics like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Wesley’s hymns combined rich theological insight with lyrical beauty, deeply influencing Protestant worship traditions. He married Sarah Gwynne and balanced family life with his evangelical work until his death in 1788.

Born in Lyon in 1734, Jean-Baptiste Rey became a prominent figure at the Paris Opera, where he served as chief conductor. He composed numerous operas, ballets, and orchestral works that were performed at the royal court and public theaters. Rey’s leadership helped elevate the musical standards of French opera during the late 18th century. He navigated the turbulent years of the French Revolution, continuing his artistic work under changing regimes. His contributions to performance practice and composition influenced generations of French musicians. He died in 1810, remembered for his dynamic conducting and elegant musical style.

Augusta Holmès was born in Paris and studied composition under César Franck and Édouard Lalo. She gained renown for her powerful orchestral pieces, including Les Argonautes and the dramatic symphonic poem Vittoria. Holmès’s music often blended romantic expressiveness with nationalistic themes. She was one of the few prominent female composers of her time, winning prestigious awards and hosting influential musical salons. Her contributions helped pave the way for future generations of women in classical music. Holmès died in 1903, remembered for her bold and expressive works.

Edward MacDowell studied in Paris and Vienna before returning to the United States to teach and compose. He gained fame for works such as Woodland Sketches and the piano piece To a Wild Rose. In 1896, MacDowell became one of Columbia University’s first professors of music. He founded the MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire, an artists’ residency supporting creative work across disciplines. His compositions blended romantic European influences with American themes. MacDowell battled illness in later years and passed away in 1908, leaving a rich musical legacy.

Lionel Monckton enjoyed a prominent career in London’s West End, composing scores for hit shows like A Runaway Girl and The Circus Girl. His music was celebrated for its memorable tunes and light orchestration, capturing the spirit of the Edwardian era. Monckton also contributed insightful reviews as a music critic. He collaborated with leading librettists and lyricists of his time, helping to shape the genre of musical comedy. His works remained popular long after his passing in 1924. Monckton’s influence endures in the history of musical theatre.

Edward Willis Redfield was a leading figure in American Impressionism, celebrated for his vivid plein air landscapes of the Pennsylvania countryside. He was a founding member of the New Hope School of artists and produced powerful winter scenes that emphasized bold brushwork and color. Redfield taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he influenced generations of painters. His work captured the changing light and seasons with a unique vigor. Over his long career, he exhibited widely and earned a reputation as one of America’s finest landscape painters.

Paul Klee was a pioneering modern artist known for his imaginative and abstract works that blend color theory with whimsical forms. He taught at the Bauhaus and the Düsseldorf Academy, profoundly impacting 20th-century art education. Klee’s diverse oeuvre includes watercolors, drawings, and prints, often infused with musical and poetic themes. His theories on art and form were published in influential texts used by artists and educators worldwide. Klee’s legacy endures through major museum collections and ongoing scholarly study of his innovative techniques.

Born on December 18, 1887, in Champaran, Bihar, Bhikhari Thakur emerged as a pioneering figure of Bhojpuri folk theatre. He founded the Bidesia theatre troupe in the 1920s, using songs, dance, and drama to engage rural audiences. Often called the "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri", Thakur wrote and staged over fifty plays that addressed social issues like caste injustice, poverty, and the plight of women. His unique blend of humor, music, and poignant storytelling brought folk traditions to life on stage. Thakur's work not only entertained but also sparked dialogue and reform, earning him enduring respect in his community. He continued to perform and write until his death in 1971, leaving a rich legacy in North Indian cultural history.

Born on December 18, 1888, in London, Gladys Cooper began her career in Edwardian musical comedy and quickly rose to fame on the West End stage. She successfully transitioned to silent films in the 1910s and later to talkies, earning Academy Award nominations for her roles in "The Song of Bernadette" and "My Fair Lady". Cooper was known for her poise, command of both dramatic and comedic roles, and her rich singing voice. Her stage work included memorable performances in Shakespearean plays and popular musicals. In 1967, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama. Cooper continued to act on stage and screen into her eighties, leaving an enduring mark on British theatre and film.

Born on December 18, 1897, in Cuthbert, Georgia, Fletcher Henderson emerged as a pioneering figure in early jazz. He moved to New York City in the early 1920s and formed his own orchestra, which became one of the most popular African-American dance bands of the era. Henderson’s arrangements and compositions laid the groundwork for the swing style, influencing successors like Benny Goodman. He collaborated with legendary musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins, blending improvisation with structured arrangements. Despite health challenges later in life, Henderson’s musical innovations continued to shape the big band sound until his death in 1952. His legacy endures in the vibrant rhythms and orchestrations that defined the golden age of jazz.

Born on December 18, 1907, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Lawrence Lucie began his professional music career in the 1920s. He played in notable jazz ensembles, including those led by Fletcher Henderson and Chick Webb. Lucie was admired for his elegant rhythm guitar style and ability to blend seamlessly within a big band. In later years, he dedicated himself to teaching, offering private instruction and workshops across New York City. His mentorship helped shape the careers of young jazz guitarists, ensuring his influence on future music generations. Lucie remained active as a performer and educator until his death in 2009, celebrated for his contributions to jazz history.

Born in Houston and raised in San Diego, Land emerged in the early 1950s as a leading voice in modern jazz. His tenure with the Clifford Brown–Max Roach Quintet from 1954 to 1956 produced classic recordings like Dial Africa and Parisian Thoroughfare. Land later led his own groups, recording Blue Note albums such as The Fox (1959) that showcased his lyrical yet robust tone. He collaborated with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson and taught at the University of Southern California. Land’s influence spanned decades, inspiring saxophonists with his innovative improvisations and compositional skills.