Author's posts
Aug 01 2024
A Wandering Soul, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
With a guitar in hand and a lifetime of stories to tell, Elliott has woven himself into the very fabric of folk music history. The Storyteller’s Journey Born Elliott Charles Adnopoz on this day August 1, 1931, Jack’s journey from a Brooklyn doctor’s son to a folk music legend is a tale worthy of one …
Aug 01 2024
Jaromír Funke’s Modernist Photography
Jaromír Funke was an influential figure in the world of modernist photography. Born on this day August 1, 1896 in what is now the Czech Republic, Funke emerged as one of the leading photographers of his time, contributing significantly to the modernist and avant-garde movement of the early 20th century. His work was characterized by …
Jul 31 2024
Hank Jones: Exploring the Life and Achievements of a Jazz Icon
In the pantheon of jazz greats, few names shine as brightly as Hank Jones. A virtuoso pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer, Hank Jones was born Henry Jones Jr. on this day July 31, 1918. Let’s dive into the remarkable career of this musical genius and explore the legacy he crafted over seven decades of unparalleled …
Jul 30 2024
Charles Mingus’ “Mingus Plays Piano”
Picture this: It’s 1963, and one of jazz’s most prolific bassists and composers decides to sit down at a piano and create magic. That’s exactly what happened when Charles Mingus recorded Mingus Plays Piano, a groundbreaking album that showcases the legendary musician in a whole new light. The album was recorded on this day July …
Jul 29 2024
“Lost Generation” Abstract Expressionist Alan Fenton
Born on July 29, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, Alan Fenton was a middle child among three siblings. Growing up during the Depression in the rough Kinsman area, Fenton’s childhood was far from ordinary. He grew up alongside the likes of Jackie Presser, who later became a notable teamster and mob boss. Fenton’s early life, however, …
Jul 28 2024
On This Day: Steve Peregrin Took
Born on this day July 28, 1949, Steve Peregrin Took was an iconic figure in the British psychedelic rock scene of the late 1960s. As a pioneering musician and songwriter, he contributed significantly to the early works of the English band Tyrannosaurus Rex, which would later evolve into the globally recognized glam-rock band, T. Rex. …
Jul 27 2024
Roland L. Freeman: From the Lens to History Books
Born on this day July 27, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland, Roland L. Freeman’s journey as a photographer began in the tumultuous era of the Civil Rights Movement. He started his career as a freelance photographer, capturing powerful images that bore testimony to the socio-political landscape of the era. His keen eye for detail and a …
Jul 26 2024
Signs of America: The Orange Shop in Citra
The Orange Shop, located in the quaint town of Citra, Florida, boasts a rich history that dates back to 1936. This unique establishment has been serving locals and tourists alike with its signature selection of citrus fruits and other Florida specialties for over eight decades. The shop originally started as a small roadside stand run …
Jul 25 2024
Maxfield Parrish: The Master of Make-Believe
In the realm of American art and illustration, few names shine as brightly as Maxfield Parrish. His enchanting works, characterized by vibrant colors and dreamlike landscapes, captivated the public imagination throughout the early 20th century and continue to inspire artists today. The Making of a Visionary Born in Philadelphia on this day July 25, 1870, …
Jul 24 2024
Eugene J. Martin: A Trailblazer in Abstract Expressionism and Mixed Media Art
Eugene J. Martin, an American visual artist known for his distinct style and innovative techniques in the realm of abstract expressionism and mixed media art, has left a lasting impression on the world of contemporary art. Born on this day July 24, 1938, Martin’s journey as an artist was not a conventional one. His works, …