November 10

Maria Jane Williams (d. 1873) was a Welsh musician and folklorist celebrated for her efforts to collect and publish traditional Welsh folk melodies. In 1844, she co-authored 'The Ancient National Airs of Gwent and Morgannwg,' preserving hundreds of regional tunes and lyrics. A skilled harpist and singer, she organized gatherings to share and teach these songs, fostering a revival of Welsh cultural heritage. Her publications and performances ensured the survival of music that might otherwise have been lost amidst industrial changes. Williams' dedication laid the foundation for future folk music enthusiasts and researchers in Wales.

Carmen McRae was born in 1920 in Harlem, New York, and rose to prominence in the 1940s with her sophisticated vocal style and emotive interpretations. Often regarded as one of the five “Great Ladies of Song,” she worked with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Oscar Peterson. McRae's recordings of standards such as “Black Coffee” and “My Funny Valentine” are celebrated for their nuanced delivery and lyrical depth. In addition to her singing career, she performed as a pianist and occasionally appeared in film and television, including a notable role in “Pete Kelly's Blues.” Throughout her career, she recorded over 60 albums and influenced generations of jazz vocalists. McRae continued to perform and record until her death in 1994, earning acclaim for her artistry and enduring musical legacy.

Katy de la Cruz (1907–2004) rose from vaudeville stages in Manila to international acclaim with her dynamic jazz performances. Dubbed the Queen of Filipino Jazz, she was celebrated for her powerful voice and improvisational flair. De la Cruz starred in musical revues across Southeast Asia and performed at venues like Carnegie Hall. She introduced jazz to Philippine audiences in the 1930s and 1940s, blending Western styles with local traditions. Later in life, she mentored young singers and worked to preserve the country's musical heritage. Her six-decade career solidified her status as a cultural icon.

Diana Coupland (1932–2006) began her career as a West End singer before making her mark in film and television. She appeared in popular series like The Adventures of William Tell and Hawaii Five-O. Coupland’s most memorable performance was as Jean Abbott in the sitcom Bless This House from 1971 to 1976. Her warm screen presence and comedic timing earned her wide acclaim. She continued acting in stage productions and TV dramas well into her later years. Coupland’s versatility and charm left a lasting impression on British entertainment.

Gerald Levert (1966–2006) was born into musical royalty as the son of Eddie Levert of The O’Jays. He formed the group LeVert with his brother Sean, achieving hits like Casanova in the 1980s. In the 1990s, he launched a successful solo career with albums such as Private Line and Groove On. As a producer, Levert worked with artists like Anita Baker and the supergroup LSG. His smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics earned him Grammy nominations and a loyal fan base. Levert’s influence on contemporary R&B endures through his recordings and the artists he inspired.

Born in 1937 in Antwerp, Wannes Van de Velde became a leading figure in Flemish folk culture. He combined traditional melodies with poetic lyrics that depicted working-class and everyday life. Van de Velde released influential albums like 'Men Wil Maar' and wrote plays and poetry collections. His performances and workshops inspired a revival of Dutch-language folk music in Belgium. He also worked as a visual artist, creating drawings and illustrations reflecting his musical themes. Van de Velde's dedication to cultural heritage earned him awards and honors in his homeland. He passed away in 2008, leaving a lasting imprint on Belgium's artistic landscape.

Allen Toussaint was born in New Orleans in 1938 and began his music career as a pianist and songwriter in the 1950s. He wrote and produced hits for artists like Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, and The Meters, blending R&B, funk, and soul into a distinct New Orleans sound. Toussaint’s own recordings, including 'Southern Nights' and 'Yes We Can,' became classics and were covered by numerous artists. He produced albums for a range of performers and arranged horns for major records, earning multiple Grammy nominations. His influence extended to film scores and Broadway, showcasing his versatile talent. Toussaint's work left an indelible mark on American music until his death in 2015.

Miroslav Žbirka was born in 1952 in Bratislava, Slovakia. He first rose to prominence in the late 1970s as a co-founder of the influential pop band Modus. In 1981, his solo single 'Modrý Anjel' became a cultural phenomenon across Czechoslovakia. Known affectionately as Miro Žbirka, he blended melodic pop rock with poignant lyrics to craft enduring songs. Over his five-decade career, he released numerous albums and received multiple awards in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Beyond his recordings, he was admired for his engaging live performances and mentorship of emerging artists. His heartfelt music continues to resonate with fans across generations.