December 31

Jean-Pierre Duport (1741–1818) was a celebrated French cellist and member of the Duport family of musicians. He served as principal cellist to the court of Berlin under Frederick the Great, helping to elevate the cello’s prominence in orchestral and chamber settings. Duport was known for his virtuosic technique and expressive playing, inspiring composers such as Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach to write works for him. After his service in Prussia, he returned to Paris and taught at the Conservatoire, influencing a generation of cellists. His efforts advanced cello repertoire and performance practice, establishing standards in bowing and fingering techniques. Duport’s legacy endures in the continued appreciation of classical cello artistry.

Gustave Courbet (1819–1877) was a pioneering French painter and sculptor whose works rejected academic conventions in favor of Realism, depicting everyday life and laborers with unidealized honesty. His famous paintings, such as 'The Stonebreakers' and 'A Burial at Ornans,' challenged the traditional subjects of historical and mythological art. Courbet was also politically active, participating in the Paris Commune of 1871 and serving on its Culture Commission. His outspoken stance led to exile in Switzerland, where he continued to create art and write essays defending the Realist approach. Courbet’s techniques and subject matter influenced future modernist movements, including Impressionism and Social Realism. Today, he is remembered as a groundbreaking artist who reshaped the course of 19th-century art.

Born in 1913 near Tartu, Raimond Valgre showed early musical talent and studied piano in Tallinn. He composed hundreds of songs and jazz-influenced pieces, blending folk motifs with romantic harmonies. His works, including 'Saaremaa vals' and 'Kauges kodus', captured the longing and spirit of pre-war Estonia. Drafted into Soviet service during World War II, Valgre's music was suppressed, and he eventually died in exile in Stockholm in 1949. After Estonia regained independence, his songs experienced a revival and are now celebrated as an integral part of the nation's cultural heritage. Valgre's poignant melodies continue to resonate with audiences for their emotional depth and lyrical beauty.

Born in 1867 in Paris, Charles Koechlin studied at the Paris Conservatoire before joining the avant-garde circle of Les Apaches. He developed a distinctive harmonic language and wrote over 600 compositions, including chamber music, orchestral works, and film scores. Koechlin served as a professor of composition at the Schola Cantorum, where he mentored students such as Olivier Messiaen. A passionate musicologist, he published pioneering textbooks on orchestration and contributed to the revival of early music. Despite his modest public profile, his experimental techniques influenced generations of twentieth-century composers. Koechlin passed away in 1950, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work.

Born in 1900 in New Orleans, Lewis mastered the clarinet influenced by early jazz pioneers. In the 1940s, he played with prominent New Orleans bands and became a leading figure in the traditional jazz revival. He recorded extensively across Europe and the United States, bringing the classic jazz sound to new audiences. Lewis’s warm tone and improvisational skill made him a beloved bandleader for over four decades. He left behind a legacy of recordings that continue to inspire jazz musicians today.

Born in 1879, Scott studied music at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, where he developed his unique compositional voice. He championed free rhythms and rich harmonies, contributing to the development of modernist music in England. Scott composed over 300 works, including piano pieces, chamber music, and orchestral works. Beyond music, he authored poetry, essays on art and philosophy, and several novels reflecting his interest in mysticism. His diverse body of work bridged artistic disciplines, leaving a lasting imprint on both musical and literary fields.

Born in 1909 in Centralia, Washington, Wolverton began his career illustrating pulp magazine covers in the 1930s. He created bizarre, exaggerated characters and detailed pen-and-ink work that became his signature style. Wolverton’s illustrations appeared in publications like Mad magazine and various comic books, including stories of Powerhouse Pepper. His inventive approach influenced generations of cartoonists and became a hallmark of underground comix. Despite commercial constraints, his uncompromising vision earned him a dedicated cult following.

Born Eric Hilliard Nelson in 1940, he rose to fame on the family sitcom Ozzie and Harriet, showcasing his musical talents. Nelson recorded hits like Hello Mary Lou and Travelin’ Man, blending rockabilly with pop sensibilities. He sold over 40 million records worldwide and was one of the first teen idols to write and perform his own songs. Nelson’s career paved the way for future singer-songwriters in popular music, earning him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tragically, he died in a plane crash in 1985 while on tour, immortalizing him as a rock legend.

Floyd Cramer was an influential American pianist born in 1933. He pioneered the signature slip-note piano style that shaped the Nashville sound. A prolific session musician at RCA Studio B, he backed artists such as Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline. In 1960 he recorded the instrumental hit Last Date, which became a crossover success on country and pop charts. Over his career he released dozens of albums blending country, pop, and gospel influences. Cramer's emotive playing inspired generations of pianists across multiple genres. He continued performing and recording until his death in 1997 at the age of 64.

Kevin MacMichael was born in 1951 in Montreal, Canada. He first gained attention as guitarist for the Scottish band Big Dish. In 1985 he joined Cutting Crew, contributing to their debut album Broadcast, which featured the hit I Just Died in Your Arms. MacMichael co-wrote and performed on several charting singles during the band's international success. After leaving Cutting Crew, he worked as a producer and session musician for artists like Billy Ocean. He later moved to the United Kingdom, where he continued to record and perform. MacMichael died of lung cancer in 2002 at the age of 51, remembered for his melodic guitar work.

Born in Philadelphia in 1932, Enrico Di Giuseppe studied at the Academy of Vocal Arts. He made his professional debut with the New York City Opera in 1958 as Nemorino in 'L'elisir d'amore'. Known for his elegant timbre, he excelled in bel canto roles at the Metropolitan Opera and major houses worldwide. In later years, he taught voice at institutions such as the Juilliard School, mentoring a new generation of singers. His recordings and performances remain celebrated for their warmth and technical precision.

Born in 1924 in New York City, Michael Goldberg studied at the Art Students League. He emerged as part of the New York School in the 1950s alongside Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. Goldberg's canvases featured bold brushwork and lyrical composition, reflecting his improvisational style. He taught at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, influencing younger artists. His work was exhibited in prominent galleries and museums, including the Whitney Museum. Goldberg's paintings continue to be celebrated for their dynamic energy and color.