February 28

William Zorach was born in Lithuania in 1887 and emigrated to the United States as a child. He became a leading figure in American modernist sculpture, known for his simplified forms and expressive figures. Zorach also produced paintings and wood carvings that mirrored his sculptural style. He taught and influenced a generation of artists through his work and writings. His pieces often depicted the human figure in bold, abstracted shapes. Zorach's contributions helped shape American art in the early and mid-20th century.

Vincente Minnelli was born in 1903 and began his career designing sets for Broadway before moving to Hollywood. He directed visually stunning films, including Meet Me in St. Louis, An American in Paris, and The Band Wagon. Minnelli's use of color and musical staging revolutionized the film musical genre. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for Gigi in 1958. Married to Judy Garland and father of Liza Minnelli, his personal and professional life was intertwined with Hollywood legends. Minnelli's artistry continues to influence filmmakers and musical theatre directors today.

Born in Ohio, Milton Caniff rose to fame in the 1930s with Terry and the Pirates, a groundbreaking adventure strip. His dynamic art style and narrative pacing set industry standards and inspired future cartoonists. In 1944 he launched Steve Canyon, which followed a wartime aviator and ran for decades in newspapers nationwide. Caniff's mastery of dialogue and character-driven plots earned him multiple Reuben Awards. Over a career spanning fifty years, he mentored many assistants and left a lasting impact on American comics. He passed away in 1988, remembered as one of the medium's pioneers.

Frank Gehry revolutionized contemporary architecture with his bold, sculptural forms. His landmark projects include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Dancing House. Awarded the Pritzker Prize in 1989, Gehry's work is celebrated for its dynamic use of materials. He blends art and engineering, pushing the boundaries of architectural design worldwide. Gehry's innovative approach has inspired a generation of architects and designers.

Don Francks was born in Canada in 1932. He began his career as an actor in stage and screen, showcasing his versatility across genres. In addition to acting, Francks was a talented jazz musician and singer, performing in clubs and on recordings. He lent his voice to beloved animated series such as Inspector Gadget, endearing himself to audiences of all ages. His unique blend of acting and musical talent made him a standout figure in Canadian entertainment. Francks passed away in 2016, remembered for his dynamic performances and contributions to jazz.

Tommy Tune was born in Texas in 1939. He has built a distinguished career as an actor, dancer, singer, director, producer, and choreographer. Tune has won a record-setting nine Tony Awards for his contributions to Broadway theatre. His dynamic stage presence and inventive choreography have defined modern musical theatre. In addition to performance, he has directed and produced numerous acclaimed productions. As a mentor and lecturer, Tune continues to inspire future generations of performers.

Alice Brock was born in 1941 and became an influential figure in the American counterculture movement. She is widely recognized as the muse behind Arlo Guthrie's 1967 song 'Alice's Restaurant.' Brock ran a popular restaurant in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where she served as artist-in-residence. Her creative pursuits include visual art, writing, and community-building through the arts. She authored books reflecting on her experiences in the 1960s counterculture and culinary world. Up until her death in 2024, Brock remained active in artistic projects and inspired generations with her story.

Brian Jones (February 28, 1942 – July 3, 1969) was an English guitarist, songwriter, and producer who co-founded the Rolling Stones. A pioneering multi-instrumentalist, he contributed guitar, sitar, marimba, and keyboards to the band’s early sound. His inventive arrangements shaped hits like "Paint It, Black" and "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction". Jones’s experimentation broadened the sonic palette of 1960s rock and psychedelic music. After parting ways with the Stones, he died by drowning in July 1969 at age 27, cementing his status as a rock legend.

Oliviero Toscani (born February 28, 1942) is an Italian photographer celebrated for his provocative advertising work. He gained international acclaim through collaborations with United Colors of Benetton, pushing social and political boundaries. Toscani’s images tackle issues such as racism, environmentalism, and disease, challenging viewers to think critically. Beyond fashion campaigns, he has directed documentaries and exhibited fine-art photography worldwide. His daring visual style and willingness to provoke have made him one of contemporary photography’s most influential figures.

Barbara Acklin (February 28, 1943 – September 27, 1998) was an American soul singer-songwriter behind timeless hits. She co-wrote and recorded “Love Makes a Woman”, which became a Top 10 R&B success in 1968. Her 1969 track “Am I the Same Girl?” later found renewed fame through instrumental and dance versions. Acklin was a central figure in Chicago’s vibrant soul scene, working with labels like Brunswick and Dakar. Her smooth vocals and poignant lyrics influenced future generations of R&B and soul artists.

Storm Thorgerson (February 28, 1944 – April 18, 2013) was an English visual artist famed for his imaginative album cover designs. He co-founded Hipgnosis, producing surreal imagery for releases such as Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. His work blended photography, illustration, and graphic manipulation to create striking, narrative-driven art. After Hipgnosis, he founded Thorgerson & Co, expanding his creative collaborations across music genres. Thorgerson’s legacy endures in the iconic visuals that continue to inspire musicians and designers.

Born in 1946, Syreeta Wright signed with Motown Records and became a prominent voice in soul music. She co-wrote the classic hit 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' with Stevie Wonder and others. Wright released several solo albums in the 1970s, showcasing her smooth vocals and songwriting skills. Her duet with Billy Preston and her solo single 'Your Kiss Is Sweet' cemented her reputation in R&B. She married Stevie Wonder in 1970 and collaborated on his album 'Where I'm Coming From.' Wright's influence endures through her contributions to the Motown sound until her death in 2004.