North America

25 July

July 25th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America July, Moross, The Big Country

Jerome Moross August 1, 1913 – July 25, 1983

The Big Country

Jerome Moross
from https://jeromemoross.com/home/media/photos/

Jerome Moross was an American composer known for his work in film and orchestral music. Born in 1913 in New York City, he developed a passion for music from a young age. He attended the prestigious Juilliard School, where he honed his skills in composing. Moross is perhaps best known for his 1956 score for the film “The Big Country.” This film score became famous for its sweeping melodies and dramatic themes, capturing the spirit of the American West.

Throughout his career, Moross wrote music for numerous films, including “The Cardinal” and “The War Lord.” His compositions often blended classical music with elements of folk and popular music, making his style unique and approachable. In addition to film scoring, he composed various orchestral works and concert pieces, earning a place among notable American composers. Jerome Moross’s contributions to music have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of musicians and composers alike.

Portrait_of_George_Gershwin_LCCN2004662906

11 July

July 11th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America Gershwin, July, Rhapsody In Blue

George Gershwin 26 September 1898 – 11 July 1937

Rhapsody In Blue

George Gershwin
By Carl Van Vechten – Library of CongressCatalog: http://lccn.loc.gov/2004662906Image download: http://cdn.loc.gov/service/pnp/ds/02700/02793v.jpgOriginal url: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004662906/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66151273

George Gershwin was a renowned American composer and pianist, born on September 26, 1898. He made significant contributions to jazz, popular music, and classical music. One of his most famous works is “Rhapsody in Blue,” composed in 1924. This piece uniquely blends elements of jazz with classical orchestration, and it premiered in a concert led by Paul Whiteman. Gershwin’s ability to fuse different musical styles set a new direction for music in America.

Gershwin grew up in a family of Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, New York, and showed an early interest in music after hearing a friend’s violin recital. He later took piano lessons and enjoyed experimenting with different genres. Alongside his brother Ira, Gershwin wrote numerous hit songs and musicals. His operatic work, “Porgy and Bess,” which includes the famous aria “Summertime,” is also highly acclaimed. Despite his untimely death at the age of 38, Gershwin’s legacy lives on through his timeless compositions, including the memorable “Rhapsody in Blue,” which continues to enchant audiences around the world.

PHŒBE_PALMER_KNAPP_A_woman_of_the_century_(page_449_crop)

10 July

July 10th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America Blessed Assurance, July, Palmer Knapp

Phoebe Palmer Knapp 9 March 1839 – 10 July 1908

Blessed Assurance

Phoebe Palmer Knapp
By Internet Archive identifier: womanofcenturyfo00will, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58943473

Phoebe Knapp was born on March 9, 1839, in New York City. She became a talented composer known for her music for hymns and as an organist. Throughout her life, she composed music for over five hundred hymns. Phoebe was married to Joseph Fairchild Knapp, a notable figure who helped found the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He supported her musical talents by having a pipe organ installed in their apartment, allowing her to compose comfortably.

Phoebe and Joseph attended the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church, where they met many influential people, including the hymn writer Fanny Crosby. Fanny and Phoebe became good friends and collaborated on several remarkable hymns. One of Phoebe’s most famous compositions is the melody for “Blessed Assurance,” written in 1873. They also worked together on the Palm Sunday hymn “Open the Gates of the Temple.”

1 July

July 1st

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America July, The Eve of the War, War Of The Worlds, Wayne

Jeff Wayne Born 1st July 1943

War Of The Worlds The Eve of the War

Jeff Wayne
By MartianMFM – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52477025

Jeff Wayne is a British composer and producer best known for his musical adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel, “The War of the Worlds.” Born in 1943, Wayne began his career in music at an early age. He quickly developed a passion for creating unique and innovative sounds. In 1978, he released his most famous work, which featured a mix of rock music and orchestral elements. This production was remarkable, as it included both narration and songs performed by various artists.

The story of “The War of the Worlds” is about an alien invasion of Earth, and Wayne’s album brings the tale to life with powerful music and captivating lyrics. This adaptation has been enjoyed by many people and continues to be popular today. Wayne’s work has inspired numerous adaptations, including stage performances and multimedia shows. His creativity has left a significant mark on the British music scene, making him an influential figure in modern music history.

29 June

June 29th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America Anderson, Forgotten Dreams, June, The Typewriter

Leroy Anderson 29 June 1908 – 18 May 1975

The Typewriter

Forgotten Dreams

Leroy Anderson
By MCA Records – Original publication: Cover of “The Best of Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride” (Mca, 1997)Immediate source: Cover of “The Best of Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride” album, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36467649

Leroy Anderson was an American composer known for his light orchestral music. He was born on June 29, 1908, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Anderson began his musical journey studying at Harvard University, where he earned a degree in music. He became famous for his catchy melodies and clever use of instruments. One of his most popular pieces is “Sleigh Ride,” which evokes the spirit of winter and is often played during the Christmas season.

Anderson had a talent for writing music that was both easy to listen to and enjoyable to play. Many of his compositions, such as “The Typewriter” and “Fiddle-Faddle,” feature unusual instruments, which add a unique charm to his work. Although he faced challenges during World War II, he continued to create music and later worked as an arranger for major orchestras. Leroy Anderson’s compositions remain popular today, frequently performed by orchestras around the world, showcasing the timeless appeal of his work.

27 June

June 27th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America June, Lyric For Strings, Walker

George Theophilus Walker 27 June 1922 – 23 August 2018

Lyric for Strings

George Walker
By Unknown Photography Studio – Unknown, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=120506946

George Theophilus Walker was born on June 27, 1922, and became an influential American composer, pianist, and organist. Notably, he was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1996 for his beautiful work, Lilacs. From a young age, George showed a deep passion for music, beginning piano lessons at just five years old. He attended prestigious music schools, such as the Curtis Institute of Music, where he learned from famous teachers.

Throughout his life, Walker composed over 90 works including sonatas, choral pieces, and orchestral music. His most famous piece, Lyric for Strings, is performed all around the world. He received many accolades for his contributions to contemporary American music, including several honorary degrees and prestigious awards, demonstrating his extraordinary talent.

Walker passed away on August 23, 2018, leaving behind a rich legacy that inspires musicians and composers today. His distinctive style, merging classical and popular influences, continues to resonate with audiences.

ArianaGrandeDecember2013_ohne_Hintergrund

26 June

June 26th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America 34+35, Grande, June

Ariana Grande-Butera Born 26 June 1993

34+35 String quartet cover

Ariana Grande
By Melissa Rose, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32654490

Ariana Grande is a talented American singer and actress who has gained a massive following around the world. Born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, she began her career in theatre and television. Ariana first became well-known when she starred in the Nickelodeon show “Victorious,” where she played the character Cat Valentine. Her bright red hair and distinctive voice made her a standout.

In 2013, Ariana released her debut album, “Yours Truly,” which featured hits like “The Way.” Her music blends pop, R&B, and elements of hip-hop, showcasing her incredible vocal range. Over the years, Ariana has released numerous successful albums, earning multiple awards, including Grammy Awards.

Aside from her music, Ariana is known for her philanthropy and activism, supporting various causes such as mental health awareness and equality. With her immense talent and dedication, Ariana Grande continues to inspire young fans around the globe, making her one of the most prominent figures in the music industry today.

21 June

June 21st

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America Hovhaness, June, Mysterious Mountain, Sonata for Harp

Alan Hovhaness 8 March 1911 - 21 June 2000

Sonata for Harp Op. 127: II. Lento misterioso

Mysterious Mountain Symphony No. 2 op. 132

Alan Hovhaness
by Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37902548

Alan Hovhaness was an American composer known for his unique blend of different musical styles. Born in 1911 in Massachusetts, Hovhaness had Armenian heritage, which greatly influenced his music. He began playing the piano at a young age and later studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. Throughout his life, Hovhaness wrote over 400 compositions, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music.

One of his most famous pieces is “Mysterious Mountain,” which showcases the beauty of nature and spirituality. Hovhaness often drew inspiration from the sights and sounds of the world around him, including natural landscapes and ancient cultures. He believed that music should express deep emotions, and he worked tirelessly to create works that would resonate with listeners.

Despite facing challenges in his career, Hovhaness remained devoted to his craft. His music continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.

13 June

June 13th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America Goodman, June, Sing Sing Sing (With a Swing)

Benny Goodman 30 May 1909 – 13 June 1986

Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)

Benny Goodman
By Photo by Jammes J. Kriegsmann, New York – Original text : eBayfrontback), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49409127

Benny Goodman, known as the “King of Swing,” was a famous American jazz clarinettist and bandleader. Born in Chicago in 1909 to Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire, he began playing the clarinet at a young age and showed great talent. He received training at Hull House and from a renowned musician, Franz Schoepp. By his teenage years, Goodman was performing professionally and made a name for himself in the vibrant jazz scene of the 1920s.

His big break came in the mid-1930s with the “Let’s Dance” radio programme, leading to a notable performance in Los Angeles in 1935. Goodman was also significant for breaking racial barriers by hiring Black musicians. His 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall established jazz as an important music genre. Throughout his life, Goodman remained a dedicated performer and helped popularise jazz, making it accessible to millions.

9 June

June 9th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America Anything Goes, June, Porter

Cole Porter 9 June 1891 – 15 October 1964

Anything Goes

Cole Porter
By unattributed, see link – http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/loc.natlib.scdb.200033557/default.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4975209

Cole Porter was an American composer and songwriter, born on June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana. He was known for his witty lyrics and catchy melodies, which made him a celebrated figure in 20th-century music. Despite his grandfather’s wishes for him to study law, Porter chose to pursue music, studying composition in Paris after starting at Harvard Law School.

His big break came in the late 1920s with the musical Paris, featuring the famous song “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love.” Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he created Broadway hits like Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate, demonstrating his talent for clever rhymes and engaging storytelling.

Porter faced a serious horse-riding accident in 1937 that led to the amputation of a leg, but he continued to create music. He had a unique relationship with socialite Linda Lee Thomas, remaining married despite being gay. Cole Porter passed away in 1964, yet his legacy lives on through his timeless songs.