Musical Birthdays

This classically trained jazz icon studied music and electrical engineering. Music won out, and after a 5-decade career, Herbie still electrifies his audiences.

One of Latin America’s most original and important composers, creating over 50 works. After he completed his study in Buenos Aires, he spent time in the United States where he studied with Aaron Copland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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

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