A great day for American music.

Seminal jazz artist and pop cultural icon Louis Armstrong was born on this date in 1901. Armstrong’s birth certificate didn’t come to light until years after his death, so he always celebrated his birthday on July 4. Can’t get much more American than that.

William Schuman, president of the Julliard School (1945-61) and Lincoln Center (1961-69), and first recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his cantata “A Free Song” in 1943, was born on this date in 1910. In his day, he was regarded as one of our great American symphonists. His Symphony No. 3 (1941) was especially well-regarded.

Film composer David Raksin, who got his start working with Chaplin on “Modern Times,” but best-remembered for his music for the noir classic “Laura,” was born in Philadelphia on this date in 1912. Due to his longevity – Raksin lived to see 92 – he became an invaluable fount of information about old Hollywood.

Pretty great country, that could produce that array of talent. Happy birthday, gentlemen. Thanks for all the music.

Armstrong live in 1933

With Velma Middleton, “All That Meat and No Potatoes”

William Schuman on “What’s My Line?”

Schuman, Symphony No. 3

Raksin talks about working with Chaplin on “Modern Times”

Raksin plays “Laura”