Chrissie Hynde, the iconic lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the rock band The Pretenders, has an enduring influence that transcends generations. Her contribution to the world of music spans over four decades and is marked by a unique blend of punk, new wave, and pop influences. Hynde’s raw talent and unapologetic attitude have solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in rock history.
Born on this day, September 7, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, Hynde moved to London in the 1970s where she became deeply involved in the city’s burgeoning punk rock scene. As the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Pretenders, Hynde’s distinctive voice and songwriting skills quickly stood out. Her lyrics, often filled with a potent mix of toughness and vulnerability, resonated with a wide audience. Songs like “Brass in Pocket” and “Back on the Chain Gang” are examples of her uncanny ability to write songs that are both instantly catchy and deeply emotional.
Chrissie Hynde’s enduring influence is evident in countless musicians who have followed in her footsteps, from female rock artists who cite her as an inspiration to young songwriters who admire her musical abilities. Today, as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde continues to create music that is as relevant and powerful as ever. Her enduring influence is a testament to both her talent and her tenacity.
Born on this day, September 6, 1961, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, a Norwegian musician and songwriter, is widely celebrated for his timeless contributions to the music industry. His profound influence is most notably seen in his work with a-ha, the popular synth-pop band that dominated the 1980s music scene. His innate ability to craft hauntingly beautiful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics has firmly established him as one of Norway’s most significant music figures.
Waaktaar-Savoy’s songwriting skills have been the backbone of a-ha’s success, propelling the band to international acclaim. His tracks are appreciated for their depth, capturing the essence of human emotion in a manner that resonates with listeners across generations. As a testament to his extraordinary talent, many of his songs have transcended the test of time, remaining relevant and popular decades after their initial release.
While his work with a-ha is undoubtedly remarkable, it is essential to acknowledge Waaktaar-Savoy’s solo endeavors as well. His pursuit of personal projects has allowed him to explore different musical styles and themes, further showcasing his versatility as an artist. Regardless of the genre or format, his songwriting consistently maintains its quality and originality, making it universally appealing.
Waaktaar-Savoy’s impact on the music industry extends far beyond his role as a musician and songwriter for a-ha. His unique blend of lyrical depth and memorable melodies has influenced many artists worldwide, contributing to the evolution of pop music over the years. His legacy serves as a testament to his innate talent and dedication to his craft.
Paul Waaktaar-Savoy’s timeless songwriting has not only solidified his status as a key figure in Norwegian music history but has also significantly impacted the global music scene. His contributions to a-ha and his solo work continue to inspire and resonate with both audiences and fellow musicians alike, underscoring his enduring influence in the music industry.
“Take On Me” is from a-ha’s 1985 debut studio album, Hunting High and Low.
Mid-Century Modern design is an architectural style that exudes a distinct charm, combining simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature. This style, which thrived from the mid-1940s to the late 1960s, is still much sought after today. A prime example of this timeless style is a particular home nestled in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. Designed by the renowned architect Wynant D. Vanderpool Jr., and built for the celebrated mathematician Atle Selberg, this structure is a testament to the enduring appeal of Mid-Century Modern design.
The Significance of the Structure
The home, currently listed for $525,000, offers a unique opportunity for preservationists and enthusiasts of Mid-Century Modern design. The structure must be lifted and relocated, preserving its original form and design. This requirement for preservation signifies the respect and admiration the home commands due to its historical and architectural value.
The Architect: Wynant Davis Vanderpool Jr.
The creative mind behind this architectural masterpiece is Wynant Davis Vanderpool Jr., AIA, a distinguished architect who left a significant mark on the architectural landscape. Vanderpool Jr. was a Princeton University alumnus, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Architecture.
He was instrumental in several restorations in Washington, most notably St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square and the Victorian Hall at the National Portrait Gallery. Furthermore, he served as the president of the Foundation for the Preservation of Historic Georgetown. This home in Princeton, NJ, is a testament to his architectural prowess and unmistakable Mid-century style.
The Original Occupant: Atle Selberg
Adding to the house’s rich history, it was built specifically for Atle Selberg, a renowned mathematician from Norway. Selberg’s work in analytic number theory and automorphic forms has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. He was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal in 1950 and received an honorary Abel Prize in 2002. The home’s practical design and elegant demeanor mirror Selberg’s methodical and theoretical approach.
Architectural Features
The house showcases recognizable Mid-century Modern design elements like a flat roof with an overhang and a central chimney block—an explicit display of character. Its generously sized windows allow an abundance of natural light to permeate the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Interior Layout
The interior layout comprises three well-designed bedrooms, a sunroom that can be enjoyed all year round, a kitchen with a breakfast nook, and a home office with a separate entrance. This vintage yet practical floor plan accommodates the demands of contemporary lifestyles while maintaining its retro charm.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The home showcases a fusion of natural materials that are characteristic of the Mid-century Modern aesthetic. The craftsmanship of the 1950s is evident in the seamless blending of the warmth of wood and the durability of stone in the home’s interior.
Organic Elements
The deliberate use of organic materials throughout the house creates a timeless appeal. These carefully selected elements not only embody the Mid-century Modern design spirit but also serve as a testament to the enduring allure of Vanderpool Jr.’s work.
Preservation and Future Possibilities
The home, listed by David Schure and Callaway Henderson at Sotheby’s International, has been well-preserved over the past 70 years. The single-story layout offers a charming and functional format typical of homes built in the 50s and 60s. This listing presents a unique opportunity to bridge the past with the future. Listing: 35 Stonehouse Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540
This Mid-Century Modern home represents a unique opportunity to preserve a piece of architectural history while creating new memories in a location of your choosing. The house stands as a symbol of Princeton’s past, a beacon of design history, and a testament to the enduring appeal of Mid-century Modern architecture.
Andromeda (1981) | Steel Sculpture Painted Red | Alexander Liberman
Born on this day September 4, 1912 in Kyiv, Ukraine, Alexander Liberman, a multifaceted figure in the arts, was a revered editor at Condé Nast, an accomplished painter, a skilled photographer, and a pioneering sculptor. His influence on modern art is profound, shaped largely by his distinctive interpretation of form and color. As an editor at Condé Nast, Liberman was instrumental in redefining the visual language of magazines, merging art with journalism in an innovative way that continues to inspire contemporary publication design.
Beyond his editorial work, Liberman was a prolific painter and sculptor, imbuing his artworks with a bold use of form and color. His large-scale sculptures are renowned for their geometric form, demonstrating his keen understanding of dimension and space. These works, often created from industrial materials painted in vibrant colors, reflect his conviction that art should engage directly with its environment. Not only did they challenge conventional notions of what constitutes a sculpture, but they also introduced a new level of interaction between the viewer and the artwork.
His exploration of form and color extended to his painting and photography. As a painter, he was known for his abstract works that used color to evoke emotion and create depth. His photography, on the other hand, often employed stark contrast and architectural forms to create visually striking images.
Liberman’s contributions as an editor, painter, photographer, and sculptor have significantly impacted modern art. His ability to translate complex theories into accessible visual language helped to democratize art and make it more accessible to wider audiences. His unique approach to form and color has inspired generations of artists, reaffirming his lasting legacy in the world of modern art.
Hite Crossing, Lake Powell, Utah (1988) | Smithsonian American Art Museum
Karen Halverson, born on this day September 3, 1941 in Syracuse, New York, has made an impression on the world of photography. Her unique perspective on the American landscape has been widely recognized and celebrated. Currently based in Studio City, California, she imparts her vast knowledge and experience to students at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
Halverson started her career in New York where she made a name for herself with her candid street photographs, particularly in the city’s bustling Garment District during the 1970s.
“To me, all the elements in and on the landscape have equal value in terms of suggesting how we live in a particular environment.”
– Karen Halverson
Over the last quarter of a century, Halverson’s photographic work has been centered around the American West. Her photographs are a commentary on how we engage with, inhabit, and modify the landscape. She beautifully captures the many sides of any given situation, without resorting to polemics.
One of Halverson’s most significant series of photographs is centered on the Colorado River system. Here, she strikes a delicate balance between the natural splendor of the river and the human exploitation of its resources. Her work is a blend of beauty, desecration, and often an intriguing mix of the two.
Recognition and Publications
In 2010, Yale University’s Beinecke Library recognized Halverson’s significant contribution to photography by acquiring her complete body of work. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including:
Mulholland: MW Editions, New York,2021
Downstream: Encounters with the Colorado River, University of California Press, 2008
Collections
Halverson’s work is featured in several esteemed collections, including:
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The Huntington Library and Art Galleries, San Marino, CA
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University
Reception and Influence
Karen Halverson’s work continues to inspire generations of photographers. Her ability to capture the essence of the American landscape and its interaction with human life is unparalleled.
The photographic journey of Karen Halverson is a testament to her artistic vision and dedication. Her work, from her early days in New York’s Garment District to her exploration of the American West, embodies her unique perspective on the world. Her legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations of photographers.
Bibliography
Woman Photographers (New York: Abrams, 1990) by Merry A. Foresta, Stephen Jay Gould, and Karal Ann Marling
Between Home and Heaven: Contemporary American Landscape Photography (Washington, D.C. and Albuquerque, New Mexico: The National Museum of American Art in association with the University of New Mexico Press, 1992)
Born on this day, September 2, 1950, in Hamburg, Germany, Michael Rother, a seminal figure in the world of experimental music, has cemented his reputation through an innovative approach to sound design, primarily with the guitar and keyboards. His pioneering work, characterized by a unique integration of electronic and traditional elements, laid the groundwork for the sounds of many contemporary genres. Rother’s contributions to the revolutionary bands Neu! and Harmonia, as well as his stint with Kraftwerk, highlight his influence on the music landscape.
Neu!, co-founded by Rother, is renowned for its minimalist style and its innovative use of guitars, creating a musical experience that was groundbreaking at the time. Its impact can still be felt today in genres ranging from punk to ambient music. In Harmonia, Rother collaborated with other prominent musicians to develop a unique sonic texture that was both melodic and atmospheric. The Harmonia sound was a fusion of electronic and acoustic elements, with Rother’s guitar and keyboards playing pivotal roles.
Rother’s brief tenure with Kraftwerk also warrants mention. Although he was only part of the band for a short time, his innovative use of keyboards in Kraftwerk’s repertoire demonstrated his versatility as an artist. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional instruments with electronic sounds helped shape the band’s distinctive style.
Beyond his group work, Rother’s solo career further exhibits his innovative approach to sound creation. His technique involves an intricate layering of guitar and keyboard sounds to create lush, atmospheric landscapes that defy conventional genre classification. His use of delay and reverb effects on the guitar contribute to a distinctive, ethereal sound that is unmistakably his own.
Michael Rother’s innovative soundscapes have had a profound influence on contemporary music. His work with Neu!, Harmonia, and Kraftwerk demonstrates his prowess with both the guitar and keyboards, while his solo work further showcases his distinct approach to sound generation.
Ludwig Merwart, a renowned painter and graphic artist, was a significant figure in the revolutionary art movement of Tachism. Born in Austria on this day September 1, 1913, Merwart’s unique artistic style was heavily influenced by Tachism, an abstract painting style that originated in France during the mid-20th century. This style was characterized by spontaneous brushwork, drips and blobs of paint straight from the tube, and sometimes even scribbling.
Merwart’s connection with Tachism was not just superficial; he deeply internalized the philosophical underpinnings of the movement. Tachism represented a break away from traditional methods of painting, focusing instead on the physical act of painting itself. In this context, Ludwig Merwart’s works became an exploration of color, texture, and form, where the process held as much importance as the finished work.
As a painter, Merwart’s paintings were often characterized by bold colors and dynamic movements, mirroring the spontaneous and intuitive nature of Tachism. His works were largely non-representational, focusing more on the emotions conveyed through his brush strokes rather than depicting a realistic scene. Similarly, as a graphic artist, Merwart’s designs were marked by their abstract compositions and a keen understanding of color relationships.
Ludwig Merwart’s contribution to the Tachism movement was significant. His works continue to inspire contemporary artists, and his explorations into abstract expressionism have added richness to the discourse surrounding the movement. His fearless experimentation with form and color embodies the spirit of Tachism and stands as a testament to his ingenuity and artistic excellence.
Ludwig Merwart was not just a painter or a graphic artist; he was an integral part of the revolutionary art movement of Tachism. His works continue to resonate with audiences today, epitomizing the expressive freedom that defines Tachist art.
Glenn Tilbrook, a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist, is a prominent figure in the music industry, celebrated for his significant contributions to the British rock band, Squeeze. Tilbrook’s journey from being the lead vocalist and guitarist of Squeeze to achieving solo success is a testament to his exceptional talent and resilience.
Born on August 31, 1957, Glenn Tilbrook’s musical journey began in 1974 when he teamed up with Chris Difford to form the rock band Squeeze. With Tilbrook as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Squeeze achieved considerable success in the late 70s and throughout the 80s. The band established itself as one of Britain’s most beloved and successful pop/rock bands of the era, with hits like “Cool for Cats,” “Tempted,” and “Up the Junction.” Tilbrook’s unique voice and exceptional guitar playing skills were integral to the band’s distinctive sound and success.
Following Squeeze’s disbandment in 1999, Tilbrook embarked on a solo career that showcased his versatility as a musician. His solo work features a wide range of musical styles, from pop and rock to folk and blues, demonstrating his incredible talent as a songwriter and guitarist. Since his solo debut album, The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook, released in 2001, he has continued to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide. His 2014 album, Happy Ending, is a testament to his enduring appeal and creative evolution.
Over the years, Glenn Tilbrook has solidified his legacy as a versatile singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His journey from Squeeze to solo success is a reflection of his commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt and evolve. Whether it’s with Squeeze or as a solo artist, Tilbrook continues to captivate audiences with his unique voice, exceptional guitar skills, and heartfelt songwriting.
Guy de Lussigny, a renowned painter, embarked on an artistic journey that began in the heart of Paris and ended with international acclaim. He was born on this day August 30, 1929, in Cambrai, northern France, and eventually moved to Paris in 1967. As an artist, de Lussigny was deeply influenced by his surroundings, which were abundant with architectural wonders and bustling with artistic energy. His early works were thus reflections of this vibrant city and its architectural beauty.
However, Guy de Lussigny’s artistic style evolved dramatically as he delved deeper into the world of geometric abstraction. This genre of abstract art prioritises lines, shapes, and colours over the representation of physical reality. The viewer is invited to connect with the artwork on a more emotional level, free from the constraints of literal interpretation. De Lussigny’s transition to this form of art marked a significant turning point in his career, propelling him onto the international stage.
As the painter continued to explore geometric abstraction, his work began to garner attention from art connoisseurs around the world. His unique approach to shape and colour was both refreshing and captivating, leading to his work being exhibited in prestigious galleries across Europe, America, and Asia. His contributions to the realm of abstract art solidified his status as a leading figure in this genre.
The artistic journey of Guy de Lussigny was marked by an evolution from traditional depictions of his native Paris to a pioneering exploration of geometric abstraction. His innovative approach to painting led him from the heart of Paris to international acclaim, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in abstract art.
Born on this day August 29, 1942 in East Meadow, New York, Sterling Morrison was a pivotal figure in the rock and roll world, known for his innovative use of the electric guitar and bass guitar. As a founding member of the Velvet Underground, Morrison’s unique approach to his instruments played a significant role in defining the band’s experimental sound, which heavily influenced the development of punk rock and new wave music.
Morrison’s skills on the electric guitar were nothing short of revolutionary. He was known for his distinctive playing style, characterized by a blend of rhythm and lead playing. His approach flattened traditional hierarchies within rock music, creating a more democratic sound that was both innovative and influential. This unique style allowed him to weave complex melodies while maintaining the rhythm section’s stability, contributing immensely to the Velvet Underground’s iconic sound.
In addition to his work on the electric guitar, Sterling Morrison also made significant contributions with the bass guitar. His use of drone strings and open tuning techniques helped to create a rich sonic texture that was previously unheard of in rock music. This innovative use of the bass guitar expanded its role beyond the rhythm section, enabling it to function as both a melodic and harmonic instrument.
Sterling Morrison’s innovations have had a profound influence on subsequent generations of musicians. His disregard for traditional roles within a band and his innovative use of his instruments have inspired countless artists across various genres. Today, his legacy lives on, continuing to inspire musicians worldwide with his groundbreaking approach to the electric guitar and bass guitar.
The song “Heroin,” written by Lou Reed in 1964, features the spellbinding interaction between both Sterling Morrison on rhythm guitar and Lou Reed on lead guitar. John Cale plays electric viola on the song with Maureen Tucker on percussion. It was released in 1967 on the album The Velvet Underground & Nico.
