Bloomingdale Medallions
John Coltrane
Jazz Saxophonist | 1921-2005
John Coltrane as heralded as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. Coltrane’s 1961 rendition of My Favorite Things is considered one of the high points of recorded jazz. His 1965 album A Love Supreme is his magnum opus, becoming certified gold by the RIAA. It was recorded with McCoy Tyler on piano and Jimmy Garrison on bass. He played in the growing bebop scene and with such jazz masters as Dizzy Gillespie. From 1955, he played on and off with Miles Davis in different groups, and in 1957, he was a member of a Thelonious Monk quartet. His 1958 solo album Blue Train certified his individuality, and his 1959 Giant Steps had musicians and critics noting the incredibly creative chord changes that came to be thought of as distinctive to Coltrane.
Elizabeth Acevedo
1988-
Elizabeth Acevedo, a Dominican-American poet and author, was born in Harlem, New York, to Dominican immigrants. She recognized the need for diverse voices in literature during her teaching in Prince George's County, Maryland. Acevedo's remarkable novels, including "The Poet X," a National Book Award and Carnegie Medal winner, have not only achieved critical acclaim but have also addressed vital themes of identity, religion, and self-discovery. Beyond writing, Acevedo's performances, TED Talks, and educational work with incarcerated women and teenagers have solidified her as a vital voice in literature, committed to promoting diversity and enriching the literary landscape.
Mario Bauza
1911-1993
Mario Bauzá stands as a important figure in the world of Afro-Cuban jazz, known for his instrumental role in bridging Cuban music with the New York City jazz scene. As a child prodigy on the clarinet and bass clarinet, his early talents were showcased with the Havana Symphony, but it was his immersion in New York City's vibrant African American community and jazz music that set his course. Embracing the alto saxophone and inspired by jazz icons like Louis Armstrong, Bauzá embarked on a transformative journey that led him to become Chick Webb's Orchestra's lead trumpeter and musical director. During this period, he crossed paths with legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald. Later affiliations with Cab Calloway and the co-founding of Machito and his Afro-Cubans in 1939 marked turning points in his career. Their collaboration birthed seminal tracks like "Tangá," often considered the first Afro-Cuban jazz composition. Bauzá's pioneering spirit extended to his exploration of modal harmony and innovative jazz arranging techniques within the framework of Afro-Cuban rhythms, revolutionizing the genre and influencing a new generation of musicians. His enduring legacy resonates through his groundbreaking compositions and profound impact on Afro-Cuban jazz.
Constance Baker Motley
Borough President & Judge | 1921-2005
Constance Baker Motley was one of the foremost Black female lawyers and civil rights activists. In 1950, Motley wrote the original complaint in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. She worked with Thurgood Marshall and as part of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where she represented Martin Luther King Jr. and the Freedom Riders. In 1962, she became the first Black woman to argue before the Supreme Court to obtain Black student James Meredith’s right to attend the University of Mississippi. She ended up winning all 10 cases she argued before the Supreme Court, with one being overturned in her favor. Born in Connecticut, she began her higher education at Fisk University, a HBCU in Nashville, Tennessee, but graduated from New York University in 1943 and from Columbia Law School in 1964. Figures such as Kamala Harris and Ketanji Brown Jackson have cited her as an inspiration for their work in politics.
Jose Feliciano
Singer & Guitarist | 1945-
Jose Feliciano, born José Montserrate Feliciano García in Puerto Rico, is a renowned musician, singer, and composer. Despite being blind from birth, his musical journey began at a young age when his family moved to Spanish Harlem in New York City. Jose's remarkable talent led him to become a self-taught guitarist, exploring diverse music genres such as jazz and classical. He gained international fame for hits like his rendition of "Light My Fire" and the beloved Christmas song "Feliz Navidad." Over his illustrious career, he's received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and recognition in various music halls of fame. José Feliciano's enduring contributions to music have left an unforgettable mark on the industry, making him a legendary figure in the world of song and melody.
Abbey Lincoln
Jazz Singer & Actress | 1930-2010
Born as Anna Marie Wooldridge in Chicago and raised in Michigan, Abbey Lincoln initially embarked on her career as a singer in Chicago nightclubs, where she honed her captivating vocal style. She took influence from Billie Holiday, another neighborhood resident. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Abbey Lincoln, a moniker that would become synonymous with her musical legacy. In 1956, she made her impressive film debut in "The Girl Can't Help It," a role that showcased her talent beyond the music world. During the 1960s, she was married to the renowned drummer Max Roach. Abbey Lincoln's journey from a nightclub singer to a celebrated jazz vocalist, civil rights activist, and actress marked her as a multifaceted and influential artist in American culture. Her music often carried the messages of the civil rights movement, solidifying her place not only as a remarkable entertainer but also as a voice for social change.
Isamu Noguchi
Sculptor | 1904-1988
Born in California in 1904 to Yone Noguchi and Leonie Gilmour, Isamu Noguchi was a groundbreaking 20th-century artist known for his diverse creative pursuits, including sculpture, furniture, lighting, ceramics, and set design. His work seamlessly merged tradition and modernity, employing a wide range of materials. Inspired by Constantin Brancusi's art, Noguchi transitioned into modernism and abstraction. He also left a lasting mark through his design of gardens in various locations, including Jerusalem, Houston, and Los Angeles. Noguchi received numerous awards, including the Kyoto Prize and the National Medal of Arts, leaving an enduring mark on the world of art and design until his passing in 1988. You can see his work “Water Stone” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Billy Strayhorn
Jazz Composer, Arranger, and Pianist | 1904-1988
Billy Strayhorn left an indelible mark on the world of jazz through his remarkable partnership with Duke Ellington. Born in Ohio but raised in Pennsylvania, Strayhorn's early love for classical music eventually led him to jazz, where he thrived. Collaborating with Ellington, he composed timeless classics like "Take the 'A' Train" and "Lush Life." Beyond his musical contributions, Strayhorn was openly gay and a staunch advocate for civil rights, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. His influence extended to the broader civil rights movement. Tragically, he succumbed to cancer in 1967, but his legacy continues to inspire and shape the realms of music and social justice.