January 22

Born in 1547, Cristofano Malvezzi became maestro di cappella at Florence Cathedral under the Medici patronage. He composed expressive madrigals, motets, and canzonettas that blended Renaissance polyphony with early Baroque sensibilities. His collaborations with contemporary poets and musicians helped shape the musical landscape of late 16th-century Florence. Malvezzi’s works are noted for their rich harmonies and chromatic daring. His influence extended to later composers who embraced his innovative approach to vocal and instrumental music.

A leading figure in American musical theater, Marc Blitzstein (1905–1964) blended jazz, folk, and classical elements to create works with strong social messages. After studying under Nadia Boulanger in Paris, he returned to the U.S. and wrote the groundbreaking ensemble musical 'The Cradle Will Rock' (1937), which critiqued corporate power and inequality. His other notable works include 'No for an Answer' and his English adaptation of Brecht's 'The Threepenny Opera.' Blitzstein composed vocal and instrumental pieces showcasing his versatile style. His life ended tragically when he was murdered in Martinique, but his innovative integration of politics and art continues to influence musical theater.

Kōbō Abe was born in 1924 in Tokyo and studied medicine before turning to literature and art. He gained acclaim with his play 'Friends', blending absurdism and existential themes. Abe's photographs documented post-war Japan with a distinctive surreal style. He was a close associate of fellow artist Tatsumi Hijikata and influenced the Japanese avant-garde movement. His multidisciplinary approach challenged artistic boundaries and inspired later generations. Abe's work remains celebrated for its originality and psychological depth.

William 'Billy' Mackenzie was born in 1957 in Dundee, Scotland and co-founded the band The Associates in 1979. He was celebrated for his soaring falsetto and eclectic musical style blending pop, punk, and new wave. Their album 'Sulk' achieved critical acclaim and influenced the post-punk music scene. Mackenzie collaborated with artists like Eurythmics and Cocteau Twins throughout his career. He also released solo material that showcased his experimental approach to songwriting. Despite his struggles with mental health, his artistry left a lasting impact on alternative music.

Bill Mauldin was born in 1921 and served as a staff sergeant in the US Army during World War II. Drawing on his frontline experiences, he created the iconic cartoon characters 'Willie' and 'Joe' for the Stars and Stripes newspaper. His gritty yet humorous cartoons captured the realities of soldiering and earned him two Pulitzer Prizes. After the war, Mauldin continued his career as a newspaper cartoonist and illustrator, influencing generations of artists. He was also an outspoken advocate for veterans' rights and social justice issues. Mauldin passed away in January 2003, remembered as a pioneering voice in wartime cartoon journalism.

Billy May was born in 1916 in Pittsburgh and became an influential composer, arranger, and trumpet player during the swing era. He worked with top big bands before gaining fame as a vibrant arranger for artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. May's energetic orchestrations and playful brass charts defined the sound of mid-20th-century American popular music. He composed scores for film and television and released numerous albums showcasing his distinctive style. May received multiple Grammy nominations, and his music continues to inspire jazz and pop musicians. He passed away in January 2004, leaving a lasting impact on orchestration and arrangement.

Born in 1924 in Ciudad Guzmán, Mexico, Consuelo Velázquez displayed prodigious musical talent from a young age. She studied piano at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, quickly gaining recognition for her skills. In 1940, at just 16, she composed 'Bésame Mucho', which became one of the most recorded songs in history. Her work bridged classical training and popular music, influencing generations of artists worldwide. Throughout her career, she performed live and recorded numerous albums, showcasing her emotive voice and virtuoso piano playing. Velázquez's music left an enduring mark on Latin American culture before her death in 2005.

Simon Marsden was a prolific English photographer celebrated for his haunting black-and-white images of ancient ruins, remote landscapes, and reputedly haunted locations. Born in 1948, he mastered infrared photography to create otherworldly atmospheres in his work. Marsden authored and contributed to numerous books on photography and the supernatural, including The Haunted Realm. His photographs have been exhibited internationally and are prized by collectors for their dramatic composition and mood. Beyond his photographic work, he lectured widely and curated exhibitions that explored the intersection of art and folklore. Marsden’s unique vision helped popularize ghost photography and inspired a generation of photographers drawn to the mysterious and the sublime. His contributions continue to influence the field of atmospheric and historical photography.

Clarence Tillenius was a renowned Canadian artist whose paintings captured the majesty of wildlife and natural landscapes. Born in 1913, he developed a deep passion for the wilderness, which he expressed through finely detailed works in oils and watercolors. Tillenius used his art to advocate for environmental conservation, raising awareness about endangered species and fragile ecosystems. He illustrated numerous wildlife publications and contributed to museum exhibits that promoted appreciation for Canada's natural heritage. Throughout his career, he received multiple awards and honors for both his artistic achievements and his conservation efforts. Tillenius’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to blend artistic skill with a powerful message about preserving the natural world.

Maziar Partow was a leading cinematographer in Iranian cinema from the 1960s through the early 21st century. He collaborated with prominent directors to craft striking visual narratives that blended traditional aesthetics with modern techniques. Partow’s mastery of lighting and composition contributed to the success of both commercial and art-house films. His work garnered awards at national film festivals and influenced a generation of cinematographers. In addition to feature films, he shot documentaries and theatrical productions, showcasing his versatility. Partow taught cinematography workshops and mentored emerging filmmakers. His contributions helped elevate Iranian cinema’s visual language on the global stage.

Margaret Bloy Graham was a Canadian author and illustrator renowned for her gentle watercolor illustrations and heartfelt narratives. Born in 1920, she created and collaborated on dozens of children's books that resonated with young readers worldwide. Her delicate artwork and engaging stories brought warmth and imagination to classics like "Harry the Dirty Dog" and many original tales. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and later continued her creative work across North America. Graham's contributions helped define mid-20th-century children's literature. She passed away on January 22, 2015, leaving a legacy of beloved books.

Lin Brehmer (1954–2023) was an American disc jockey and radio personality celebrated for his over three decades at WXRT in Chicago. Born in New York City, he became known for his eclectic music curation, spontaneous commentary, and genuine rapport with listeners. His weekly Hump Day show and annual solstice and equinox broadcasts became cherished station traditions, drawing devoted audiences. Brehmer championed emerging artists, introduced new music to mainstream listeners, and hosted live events that energized Chicago's cultural landscape. Beyond the airwaves, he engaged in numerous community and charitable initiatives, reflecting his deep connection to the city. His warm voice and passionate advocacy for music left a lasting legacy in American radio broadcasting.