Olivier Messiaen was a French composer and ornithologist known for his innovative use of bird songs and religious themes in his music.
Louis Armstrong was an iconic American jazz trumpeter and singer who revolutionized the genre with his innovative style and captivating voice.
Glenn Miller was an iconic American big band trombonist, arranger, and composer whose timeless music defined the swing era.
Benny Goodman was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader known as the "King of Swing," who led one of the most popular big bands of the Swing Era.
Tommy Dorsey was an American jazz trombonist, composer, and bandleader, renowned for his smooth and melodic playing style.
Ray Charles was an American singer-songwriter and pianist, a pioneer in the genre of soul music and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
B.B. King was a legendary American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who profoundly influenced the development of rock and roll.
Lightnin' Hopkins was a pioneering American blues guitarist and singer whose raw, authentic sound and storytelling captivated audiences for decades.
Junior Wells was a renowned American blues vocalist, harmonica player, and recording artist, known for his unique style and influential contributions to the genre.
Buddy Guy is a legendary American blues guitarist and singer, known for his electrifying performances and influence on modern blues music.
Big Bill Broonzy was a pioneering American blues musician, singer, and songwriter, whose influence shaped the genre's evolution.
Memphis Minnie was a pioneering American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, renowned for her powerful voice and innovative Delta blues style.
Miles Davis was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer who revolutionized the genre with his innovative approach to improvisation and fusion.
Art Blakey was a renowned American jazz drummer and bandleader, best known for his innovative polyrhythmic style and his influential ensemble, the Jazz Messengers.
Fats Waller, an American jazz pianist, composer, and singer, significantly influenced the swing era and popularized stride piano.
Ornette Coleman was a visionary American jazz saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter, and composer, who revolutionized the genre with her innovative approach to free jazz.
Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his innovative use of odd time signatures and fusion of classical and jazz elements.
Joe Pass was an influential American jazz guitarist known for his virtuosic soloing and innovative approach to chord melody.
Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist who created a unique blend of Eastern European folk music and modern classical styles.
John Cage was an American composer and music theorist known for his avant-garde works and innovative approach to musical composition.
John Williams is an American composer and conductor known for his iconic film scores, including Star Wars, Jaws, and Harry Potter.
Marlyn Meltzer is a renowned American entrepreneur and philanthropist who has significantly impacted the world of business and social causes.
Allan F. Moore is a distinguished musicologist and author, renowned for his insightful analyses of popular music and its cultural significance.
Fletcher Henderson was a pioneering African-American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader in the swing era.