He was fluent in all jazz and classical idioms.

The irrepress­ible embod­iment of America’s racial ambi­guities

He made paradoxic human music of despair.

A critic indifferent to current pressures and public opinion

Spare, coiled works of un­settling philosoph­ical rigor

Her dramatic potential was revealed in literary adaptations.

Unknown until word of his devotion to conjunto spread.

He played unique variations on the art-life dialectic.

An inspired, slurry vocalist of darkness and wit.

From his 1956 debut album onward, his sound was unique.

Brilliance can be mistaken for mere profession-
alism.

He unsettled movie genres even as he helped define them.

She starred in four films that made her a noir icon.

Visionary, Bolshevist, Paramount Pictures’ newest star.

His speed, touch, range and daring were unrivaled.

“My intention is to make interesting photographs. That’s it.”

“I’d only written these things for the sake of the sounds.”

A composer in search of ambivalence and revelation.

He replaced an irreplaceable genius.

She knew her idiom, and never half-assed it.

He was a greater writer than assassin.

Superior technique and intellect plus searing emotionalism.

“Sherwood Anderson knew something. He had the instinct.”

The copious spirit of a public intellectual and unlikely youth-culture avatar.