Musical Birthdays

Eugene d’Albert – April 10

April 10, 2009
Eugene D'Albert

Known for his amazing pianistic technique and colorful lifestyle, d’Albert also found time to be a prolific composer, change his nationality 3 times and marry 6 times.

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Paul Robeson – April 9

April 9, 2009
Paul Robeson

The son of a runaway slave, Robeson grew to become an All-American athlete, lawyer, scholar and writer who spoke several languages, stage and film actor, and one of the most renowned baritones of the century.

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Giuseppe Tartini – April 8

April 8, 2009
Giuseppe Tartini

This famous Italian violinist and composer– the first known owner of an original Stradivarius violin– is best known for his devilishly demanding Devil’s Trill Sonata, inspired by a dream of the devil playing violin at the foot of his bed.

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Billie Holiday – April 7

April 7, 2009
Billie Holiday

Breaking the race barrier as one of the first African Americans to sing with an all-white band, jazz legend Billie Holiday earned international fame before her life was cut tragically short at age 44.

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Marvin Gaye – April 2

April 2, 2009
Marvin Gaye

This American singer and songwriter (with a 3-octave range) was Motown Records’ top-selling solo artist during the 1960’s. Gaye was named #6 by Rolling Stone Magazine on its list of Greatest Singers of All Time.

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Sergei Rachmaninoff – April 1

April 1, 2009
Sergei Rachmaninoff

This Russian composer and pianist, exiled from his homeland, died a few days after gaining U.S. citizenship. He was one of the earliest recording stars with Victor Talking Machine…

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Franz Joseph Haydn – March 31

March 31, 2009
Franz Joseph Haydn

He was the “father of the symphony,” taught young Beethoven, and epitomized the Classic Era.

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Sonny Boy Williamson – March 30

March 30, 2009
Sonny Boy Williamson I

Revered as “the father of the blues harp,” Sonny Boy died at the age of 34, the victim of a Chicago southside mugging.

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