Born Yewubdar Gebru on December 12, 1923, Ethiopian pianist, composer, and nun Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou is known for her free-spirited piano playing of compositions where notes flit with ease up and down pentatonic (five-note) scales. Her playing is heartfelt and instinctive, skillfully moving around the keyboard without a hitch. The scales heard in much of her music are representative …
Category: On This Day
Dec 11 2024
McCoy Tyner: Elevating Jazz through Soul-Stirring Piano Compositions and Improvisations
McCoy Tyner, the legendary American jazz pianist, is celebrated for his soul-stirring compositions and improvisations that have elevated the genre to new heights. Born as Alfred McCoy Tyner on this day December 11, 1938 in Philadelphia, his journey in music began at a tender age of 13 when he started exploring the world of piano. …
Dec 10 2024
How Paul Hardcastle Redefined Contemporary Jazz and Electronic Music
Born on this day December 10, 1957, Paul Hardcastle, an English composer and musician, has been a transformative figure in the music industry, particularly in the realms of contemporary jazz and electronic music. He burst onto the scene in the mid-80s with his groundbreaking hit, “19,” a socio-political commentary set to an innovative fusion of …
Dec 09 2024
Beauty in Shadows: The Legacy of Roy DeCarava’s Artistry
The legacy of Roy DeCarava’s artistry is an exploration of beauty in shadows. A celebrated photographer, DeCarava captured the nuances of black life in America with an unparalleled depth and sensitivity. His work, characterized by its use of shadow and light, challenged the prevailing racial stereotypes of his time and provided a unique window into …
Dec 08 2024
The Enigmatic Persona and Influence of The Doors’ Frontman, Jim Morrison
Born on this day December 8, 1943 in Melbourne, Florida, Jim Morrison, the legendary frontman of The Doors, was a figure of enigma who transformed the landscape of rock music with his distinctive voice and profound lyrics. Known as the “Lizard King,” Morrison’s artistic persona was as iconic as his music, making him one of …
Dec 07 2024
Tom Waits: The Voice That Resonates Through Time and Genre
Tom Waits, the enigmatic and versatile singer-songwriter, possesses an unmistakably unique voice that has resonated through time and across various music genres. Known for his raspy, gravelly voice and genre-blending music, Waits has been a significant figure in the music industry for over four decades, continuously pushing boundaries and defying categorization. Born on this day …
Dec 06 2024
From Mod Revival to Timeless Classics: The Jam
Happy birthday to The Jam drummer Rick Buckler, born on this day December 6, 1955 in Woking, England. From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, The Jam emerged as one of the most influential bands in the British music scene. Composed of Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler, The Jam became synonymous with the …
Dec 05 2024
The Essence of Chicana Art: Yreina Cervantez’s Vision and Influence
Born on this day, December 5, 1952, in Garden City, Kansas, Yreina Cervantez is a pivotal figure in the realm of Chicana art, her work embodying the essence of a cultural narrative which often goes untold. A Los Angeles based artist and educator, Cervantez’s artwork is a profound homage to her Chicana heritage, vividly expressing the …
Dec 04 2024
The Enigmatic Art of Robert Singletary
Born on this day December 4, 1945 in Bloomington, Illinois, Robert Singletary’s works are renowned for their unique view of nature, illustrating a skillful comprehension of color and form. His artistry is characterized by complex layers of ink and pastel, which he skillfully manipulates to create evocative imagery that captivates viewers. Notably, Singletary’s pieces have found …
Dec 03 2024
A Closer Look at the Artistry of Photographer Kenneth McGowan
Born on this day December 3, 1940 in Ogden, Utah, Kenneth McGowan is a celebrated figure in the realm of photography, known for his unique artistic approach that combines technical mastery with a distinctively creative vision. He has carved out a niche for himself by consistently producing work that transcends the mundane and captures the extraordinary …