March 06

Born in 1856 in Vagharshapat, Makar Yekmalyan studied music under prominent Armenian teachers and embraced his country's sacred chant traditions. His most celebrated work, the Armenian Requiem, integrated folk melodies with ecclesiastical harmonies, earning acclaim across the Armenian diaspora. As music director at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, he influenced generations of church musicians. He also composed secular choral pieces and arranged traditional songs for mixed choir. Yekmalyan's style blended classical composition techniques with national motifs, helping to lay the foundation of modern Armenian music. His untimely death on March 6, 1905, cut short a career that bridged folk heritage and liturgical innovation, securing his place in Armenian musical history.

John Philip Sousa was born in 1854 in Washington, D.C., and earned the nickname 'The March King' for his prolific output of military marches. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Band as an apprentice musician at age 13 and later became its leader, touring extensively across the United States. Under his direction, the band introduced many of his original marches, including 'The Stars and Stripes Forever,' which became the official National March of the United States. Sousa formed his own civilian band in 1892, performing throughout America and Europe. He also composed operettas and orchestral suites, though none matched the enduring popularity of his marches. Sousa's contributions helped standardize marching band instrumentation and performance. He passed away on March 6, 1932, leaving a lasting impact on American patriotic music.

John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum was born in 1867 in Idaho Territory and trained in sculpture in the United States and Europe. He gained recognition for his large-scale monuments, such as the Confederate Memorial on Stone Mountain and the Wars of America memorial. In 1927, he was commissioned to sculpt Mount Rushmore, selecting the faces of four U.S. presidents on the granite face of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Borglum directed a team of sculptors and workers over fourteen years, using dynamite and fine chisel work to achieve the monumental design. His vision combining artistry with patriotic symbolism captured the American spirit during the interwar period. Borglum's work sparked debates over federal art patronage and memorialization. He died of an aneurysm on March 6, 1941, before the project's completion, which his son Lincoln later finished. Borglum's legacy endures in the iconic national monument he envisioned.

Ivor Novello was born in 1893 in Cardiff, Wales, as David Ivor Davies. He gained fame as a gifted composer and songwriter during the early 20th century, writing hits such as "Keep the Home Fires Burning." Novello also achieved success as a stage and film actor, starring in British musicals and dramas. His charming personality and musical talents made him one of the most popular entertainers of his era. After World War I, he continued to compose for the stage, creating enduring works like the musical "King's Rhapsody." Novello's legacy lives on through the annual Ivor Novello Awards, established in 1955 to honor excellence in songwriting and composing.

George Formby was born in 1904 in Wigan, England, into a family of music hall performers. He developed a unique comic style, playing the banjolele and singing humorous songs. Formby became one of Britain's most popular entertainers in the 1930s and 1940s with films like "No Limit" and hit songs such as "When I'm Cleaning Windows." His cheerful persona and catchy tunes brought joy during the difficult wartime years. Formby also starred in several films and served as a presenter for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). He passed away in 1961, leaving a legacy as a beloved figure in British entertainment.

Nelson Eddy was an American singer and actor celebrated for his rich baritone voice and on-screen chemistry with soprano Jeanette MacDonald. He rose to fame starring in a series of musical films such as Naughty Marietta and Rose-Marie. Eddy's performances combined operatic technique with Hollywood glamour, making him one of the era's top box-office draws. Beyond film, he toured extensively in concert halls and recorded numerous successful albums. His dramatic acting and vocal artistry left a lasting legacy on American musical cinema. Eddy continued to perform until shortly before his untimely death in 1967.

Zoltán Kodály was a Hungarian composer, linguist, and philosopher who left an enduring mark on both music and education. He immersed himself in the study of Hungarian folk songs with Béla Bartók, weaving their melodies into groundbreaking works such as Psalmus Hungaricus and the operetta Háry János. As a linguist, he examined the relationship between language and music, and his philosophical writings explored the art's social significance. Kodály's passion for holistic musical training led to the creation of the Kodály Method, emphasizing ear training, solfège, and choral singing for students of all ages. His educational reforms transformed music pedagogy globally. Today, his compositions and teaching techniques continue to influence musicians and educators around the world.

Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986) was an influential American artist celebrated for her distinct modernist paintings. Born in Wisconsin, she studied art in Chicago and New York before developing her signature style of magnified flowers and abstracted natural forms. In the 1920s, she began exploring the landscapes of New Mexico, producing iconic images of desert vistas, animal skulls, and stark architectural forms. O'Keeffe's work challenged artistic conventions and helped define American Modernism. Her bold use of color and form continues to inspire artists and admirers worldwide.

Ali Farka Touré was born in 1939 in Niafunké, Mali, and began playing guitar in his youth. He blended traditional Songhai music with American blues, earning the nickname "African John Lee Hooker." Touré released several acclaimed albums, including the Grammy-winning Talking Timbuktu with Ry Cooder. He used his music to promote literacy and economic development in rural Mali. Touré's distinctive guitar style and soulful vocals influenced musicians around the world. He died of bone cancer on March 6, 2006, leaving a lasting legacy on world music.

Francis Magalona, often known as Francis M, was a groundbreaking Filipino rapper, producer, and actor born in 1964. He pioneered the Pinoy hip hop movement with his socially conscious lyrics and innovative sound, releasing multi-platinum albums that became anthems for a generation. As an actor, Magalona appeared in both film and television, showcasing his charismatic presence across media. His work celebrated Filipino identity and nationalism, earning him the title of the 'Master Rapper.' Beyond performing, he mentored emerging artists and produced tracks that helped shape the local music industry. Magalona passed away in 2009, but his influence continues to inspire new generations of Filipino musicians and entertainers.

Mark Linkous was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1962. He gained acclaim as the creative force behind the indie rock band Sparklehorse, crafting emotive and experimental soundscapes. His songwriting blended elements of lo-fi production, haunting melodies, and introspective lyrics that resonated with a dedicated fan base. Linkous collaborated with artists across genres, showcasing his versatility as a musician and producer. Despite battling personal challenges, he left behind a body of work that influenced countless indie artists. Linkous’s impact endures through posthumous releases and ongoing tributes from peers in the music community.

Chorão, born Alexandre Magno Abrão in 1970, was a Brazilian singer-songwriter best known as the charismatic frontman of the rock band Charlie Brown Jr. His dynamic stage presence and introspective lyrics combined elements of rock, reggae, rap, and skate culture. Chorão wrote songs that resonated with urban youth, addressing themes of friendship, social issues, and Brazilian identity. Under his leadership, Charlie Brown Jr. released multiple hit albums and became one of Brazil’s most influential rock acts. Beyond music, he pursued skateboard design and visual art, building a loyal following across the country. Chorão passed away in 2013, but his creative spirit continues to inspire artists and fans in Brazil and beyond.