North America

24 August

August 24th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America August, Prima, Sing Sing Sing (With a Swing)

Louis Prima December 7, 1910 – August 24, 1978

Sing,Sing,Sing (With a Swing)

Louis Prima
By William P. Gottlieb – This image has been extracted from another file, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15641500

Louis Prima was an American trumpeter and singer born in 1910 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a musical Italian-American family, with his mother ensuring that he learned to play instruments. He initially played the violin before discovering jazz and the trumpet. In the 1930s, Prima formed his own jazz band, blending different styles of music, including jazz and swing. He famously recorded the piece “Sing, Sing, Sing,” which became a huge hit for Benny Goodman.

Throughout his career, Prima embraced his Sicilian roots by incorporating Italian music and language into his songs, which was quite unique at the time. He performed in various venues, including lively clubs in Las Vegas, where he became a popular entertainer. One of his most notable achievements was providing the voice for King Louie, an orangutan in Disney’s “The Jungle Book.” Prima’s vibrant personality and fusion of styles left a lasting impact on the world of music, influencing many artists who followed.

Christina_Perri_@_Grammy_Museum_07_11_2022_(52300441692)

19 August

August 19th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America A Thousand Years, August, Perri

Christina Perri Born 19 August 1986

A Thousand Years

Christina Perri
By Justin Higuchi – Christina Perri @ Grammy Museum 07/11/2022, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=122228957

Christina Perri is an American singer and songwriter, born on August 19, 1986. She first gained fame with her song “Jar of Hearts,” which was featured on the dance show So You Think You Can Dance in 2010. After this breakthrough, she signed with Atlantic Records and released her first EP, The Ocean Way Sessions. Her debut album, Lovestrong, came out in 2011 and has been certified platinum.

Perri is well-known for her romantic ballad “A Thousand Years,” which was written for the film The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. The song sold over 10 million copies and the music video reached two billion views on YouTube by December 2021. In addition to her successes, Christina has released several albums and EPs, including lullaby collections for her daughters. She moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21 to follow her dreams, facing challenges along the way, but continues to inspire many with her heartfelt music.

Bill_Evans_(1961_publicity_photo_by_Steve_Schapiro)

16 August

August 16th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America August, Evans, Nardis

Bill Evans 16 August 1929 – 15 September 1980

Nardis

Bill Evans
By Steve Schapiro – *Original source: Published as a publicity photo in 1961. A scan of the full original photo can be found via Timely-Atlas-Comics on Blogspot (direct link to image).Instant source: High-res scan via Twitter. Retouched by uploader; see upload history below for unretouched original., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99555222

William John Evans, born on August 16, 1929, was an influential American jazz pianist and composer. He is renowned for his innovative use of impressionist harmony and his unique melodic lines that can be described as “singing”. After studying classical music at Mannes School of Music in New York City, Evans began his career in the jazz world.

In 1958, he joined Miles Davis’s famous sextet and contributed to the iconic album “Kind of Blue”, which remains the best-selling jazz album ever. Following this, Evans formed a celebrated trio with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian, which released groundbreaking albums like “Portrait in Jazz” and “Waltz for Debby”. Tragically, LaFaro died in a car accident shortly after a live performance, deeply affecting Evans.

Despite personal struggles, including battles with addiction, Evans produced numerous compositions that are now jazz standards. Over his career, he received 31 Grammy nominations and won seven awards, solidifying his legacy as one of jazz’s greatest pianists.

14 August

August 14th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America August, For The Love Of A Princess, Horner

James Horner 14 August 1953 – 22 June 2015

For The Love Of A Princess

James Horner
By FERT98 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46879147

James Roy Horner, born on August 14, 1953, was a celebrated American film composer known for his remarkable contributions to over 160 films and television productions. His unique style blended traditional orchestration with electronic sounds and choral elements, often incorporating motifs related to Celtic music.

Horner gained international acclaim for his score to the blockbuster film Titanic, which won him two Academy Awards, including Best Original Song for the haunting piece “My Heart Will Go On.” He also composed the music for another major hit, Avatar, which became the highest-grossing film of all time. Throughout his career, Horner collaborated with renowned directors such as James Cameron and Ron Howard, earning multiple awards, including six Grammys. Tragically, Horner’s life was cut short in a plane crash in June 2015. His last scores for films like Southpaw and The 33 were released posthumously, ensuring his musical legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

12 August

August 12th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America 4'33", August, Cage, Seven2

John Cage 5 September 1912 – 12 August 1992

Seven2

4'33''

John Cage
By Bogaerts, Rob / Anefo – Fotocollectie Anefo. Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, nummertoegang 2.24.01.05, bestanddeelnummer 934-2728., CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40939081

John Cage was an influential American composer born on September 5, 1912, in Los Angeles. He is celebrated for his innovative ideas, particularly in the realm of chance music, where he used random methods to create his works. Cage is best known for his piece 4′33″, which instructs musicians to remain silent for four minutes and thirty-three seconds. This composition challenges traditional ideas about music and encourages listeners to appreciate the ambient sounds around them.

Cage studied music with notable teachers, such as Arnold Schoenberg, and his work was profoundly influenced by Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism. In addition to music, he was involved in modern dance, collaborating extensively with choreographer Merce Cunningham, who was also his lifelong partner. Cage’s unique approach to sound, particularly his use of prepared piano and non-standard instruments, made him a central figure in avant-garde music.

10 August

August 10th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, Mexico, North America, United States of America August, Nancarrow, Prelude and Blues for Piano

Conlon Nancarrow 27 October 1912 – 10 August 1997

Prelude and Blues for Piano

Conlon Nancarrow
By Irene de Groot – wikiportret.nl, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37377096

Samuel Conlon Nancarrow was an American-Mexican composer, born in 1912 in Texarkana, Arkansas. He became renowned for his innovative Studies for Player Piano, which showcased the remarkable abilities of auto-playing instruments. After moving to Mexico in 1940, Nancarrow spent decades working in relative obscurity, developing his unique style that combined complex rhythms and harmonies. His early influences included jazz, which he explored while playing trumpet in a band. Nancarrow’s compositions pushed the boundaries of traditional piano music, often requiring intricate techniques that were difficult for human performers. This frustration led him to create piano rolls that allowed him greater control over tempo and rhythm. By the 1980s, his work gained wider recognition, earning him a MacArthur Award for his contributions to music. Nancarrow passed away in 1997, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired countless musicians and composers, illustrating the potential of technology in music.

25 July

July 25th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, 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.

22 July

July 22nd

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, North America, United States of America Aladdin, July, Menken

Alan Menken Born July 22, 1949

Aladdin Suite

Alan Menken
By Sarah Ackerman – This image has been extracted from another file, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34193397

Alan Irwin Menken, born on July 22, 1949, is a celebrated American composer and conductor. He is known for his incredible contributions to film music, particularly for Disney. Menken has won numerous prestigious awards, including eight Academy Awards and eleven Grammy Awards, making him one of only 21 artists to achieve an EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

Menken’s most famous works include the iconic scores and songs for beloved animated films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas. These films have captivated audiences and received multiple Academy Awards. His work extends beyond animation; he has also made significant contributions to musical theatre, winning a Tony Award for Best Original Score for Newsies.

Growing up in New York City, Menken developed a passion for music early on. His unique ability to blend various musical styles has created unforgettable melodies that resonate with audiences of all ages. Today, Menken continues to work on new projects, ensuring his legacy in the world of music will endure.

Portrait_of_George_Gershwin_LCCN2004662906

11 July

July 11th

Thomas Pitts Composer Of The Day, 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 Composer Of The Day, 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.”