Composer/Author
Ralph Towner is a renowned musician known for his unique acoustic stylings. His work, such as "Solstice" featuring Jan Garbarek, has captured the hearts of many music enthusiasts around the world.
Django Bates is a prominent figure in the jazz world, known for his enchanting harmonies. His music resonates with jazz lovers, offering a unique blend of rhythm and melody that sets him apart.
Steve Newhouse is a celebrated country music artist. His exhilarating sounds have made a significant impact on the country music scene, offering a refreshing take on the genre.
Ramsey Lewis is a jazz musician known for his dynamic tunes. His live performance of "Funky Serenity" is a testament to his talent and creativity in the jazz world.
Jon Hassell is a renowned musician known for his ambient music. His live performance of "Power Spot" has been particularly influential, showcasing his unique approach to music creation.
Victor Young was a prolific American composer, arranger, violinist, and conductor. His career spanned concert halls, radio, and Hollywood film soundtracks. Born in Chicago on August 8, 1899, Young emerged from a musically gifted Jewish family and began playing the violin at age six. After early classical training, including studies at the Warsaw Conservatory and time with the Warsaw Philharmonic, he transitioned from a promising concert violinist into one of Hollywood’s leading film and popular music composers.
Young’s contributions to twentieth-century music are substantial. He composed the scores for over 300 films, earning 22 Academy Award nominations and winning a posthumous Oscar for Around the World in 80 Days (1956). His songs have become jazz and pop standards, recorded by legendary artists like Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby.
"My Foolish Heart," one of Young’s most celebrated compositions, remains a favorite in jazz repertoires. Notably, the jazz trio of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette famously interpreted this work, particularly in their live album After the Fall. Though this performance postdates Young’s era, it testifies to the enduring appeal of his melodies in modern jazz contexts.
Victor Young started his music career in classical and concert settings before shifting to popular music and film scoring in Hollywood by the mid-1930s. He collaborated with top vocalists and musicians of his time, including Bing Crosby, Tommy Dorsey, and The Boswell Sisters. Young is recognized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his significant contributions to the music industry.
