March 10

Born in Haarlem in 1628, Jacob van Ruisdael became one of the Netherlands’ greatest landscape artists. His works featuring forests, waterfalls, and mills combined realistic detail with emotional depth. Ruisdael’s etchings and paintings influenced later European landscape traditions. He was renowned for his masterful use of light and composition to evoke mood. His paintings remain prized in major museums worldwide. Ruisdael’s legacy endures as a leading figure of 17th-century Dutch art.

Born in Rome in 1752, Clementi showed prodigious musical talent and studied under prominent teachers. He moved to London in 1766, swiftly gaining fame as a virtuoso pianist. Clementi composed numerous sonatinas, sonatas, and piano studies that became pedagogical staples. His music blended Italian lyricism with emerging Classical forms, influencing contemporaries like Beethoven. He founded a successful piano manufacturing business, advancing instrument design and quality. As a conductor and promoter, Clementi organized concerts that elevated the piano’s status. He died in 1832, hailed as a pivotal figure in the development of keyboard music.

Born in England in 1825, Worth moved to Paris in 1845, joining a silk merchant’s firm. In 1858 he opened the House of Worth, offering bespoke dresses stamped with his label. He introduced the concept of seasonal collections and live runway presentations. Worth’s clients included European royalty and high society, cementing his reputation for luxury. His creative cuts and use of sumptuous fabrics set new standards in women’s fashion. By combining artistry with marketing, he became the first designer celebrated as a celebrity figure. Worth died in Paris in 1895, leaving an enduring legacy in the fashion industry.

Carl Reinecke (1824–1910) was a central figure in 19th-century classical music. Born in Altona, he studied piano and composition under Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann. He served for 45 years as conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Reinecke composed over 160 works, including concertos, sonatas, and chamber music. He was also a revered teacher at the Leipzig Conservatory, mentoring composers such as Edvard Grieg. His elegant style and dedication to performance cemented his reputation as one of his era’s most respected musicians.

Zelda Fitzgerald (1900–1948) emerged as a vibrant figure in Jazz Age America through her writing, art, and dance. She published the semi-autobiographical novel 'Save Me the Waltz' and contributed short stories to leading magazines. As a painter, she held exhibitions in New York and Paris, showcasing her bold, expressionistic style. Trained in ballet, she performed in amateur productions and studied dance intensively. Married to author F. Scott Fitzgerald, she inspired characters in his works, reflecting her tumultuous life. Zelda’s creativity and personal struggles have continued to fascinate scholars and readers alike. She died tragically in a hospital fire, but her legacy as a multi-talented artist endures.

Born in 1906 in England, E. Power Biggs moved to the United States and became one of the most influential organists of the 20th century. He championed Baroque and Renaissance organ music, making landmark recordings that introduced historical performance practices to a wider public. Biggs collaborated with leading instrument builders to restore authentic voicing in classical organs and promoted their preservation. He hosted television and radio programs that demystified organ music and encouraged public interest. As a composer, he wrote works that combined traditional forms with contemporary sensibilities. Biggs's legacy endures in the revival of organ repertoire and performance standards until his passing in 1977.

Born in 1958 on the Isle of Man and raised in Australia, Andy Gibb was the youngest brother of the Bee Gees and emerged as a solo star in the mid-1970s. His debut single, 'I Just Want to Be Your Everything,' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. Gibb released several chart-topping hits, blending disco, pop, and soul influences with his distinctive vocal style. He also appeared in television shows such as 'The Love Boat,' showcasing his acting talents. Despite professional success, Gibb faced personal challenges related to substance abuse that affected his health and career. He tragically died in 1988 at the age of 30, leaving behind a legacy of beloved songs.

Giorgos Zampetas was born in 1925 in Athens and became one of Greece's most influential bouzouki players. He started playing in tavernas and recording studios in the 1940s, blending traditional rebetiko with modern sensibilities. Zampetas collaborated with top Greek singers like Stelios Kazantzidis and Haris Alexiou, crafting melodies that became national classics. His dynamic playing style and emotive compositions earned him widespread recognition and enduring popularity. Zampetas appeared in several films and television programs, further showcasing Greek musical culture to broader audiences. His contributions defined a golden era of Greek music and continue to inspire musicians worldwide after his death in 1992.

LaVern Baker began her career in the early 1950s as a lead singer with the band Tiny Bradshaw. Her breakout hit "Tweedle Dee" climbed the charts and established her as an R&B star. She recorded a series of hits including "Jim Dandy" and collaborated with Atlantic Records, influencing the development of rock and roll. Baker also acted in films and television, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her soulful style and bold delivery inspired generations of singers. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Baker's enduring legacy celebrates her contributions to American music and popular culture.

Born in Quito, Guayasamín studied art in Ecuador and Mexico, drawing inspiration from indigenous culture and political turmoil. His signature style featured elongated figures and bold brushstrokes to convey deep emotion and empathy. Guayasamín's series "La Edad de la Ira" (The Age of Wrath) and "La Edad de la Ternura" (The Age of Tenderness) explored themes of war, poverty, and hope. He created murals and sculptures that remain powerful symbols of human resilience. In 1976, he founded the Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man) museum in Quito to celebrate humanity through art. Guayasamín received international acclaim and his works are held in major museums worldwide. He continued to create politically engaged art until his death in 1999, leaving a profound legacy in Latin American art.

Bill Blackbeard began collecting original newspaper comic strips in the 1960s, recognizing their cultural and historical importance. He founded the San Francisco Academy of Comic Art, amassing one of the world’s largest archives of daily newspaper comics. As an author, he published detailed studies on early comic strips and their creators, bringing scholarly attention to the medium. Blackbeard collaborated with institutions and researchers, ensuring the preservation of fragile paper originals. His illustrated essays and publications provided insights into the development of American popular art. He lectured internationally on comics history and influenced both academic and fan communities. Until his death in 2011, Blackbeard remained a tireless advocate for the artistic value of newspaper comic art.

Born in Nogent-sur-Marne, Giraud first gained fame with the "Blueberry" Western comics under his birth name. Under the pseudonym Moebius, he created groundbreaking science fiction illustrations in magazines like Heavy Metal. His visionary art featured surreal landscapes and imaginative characters that redefined comic book aesthetics. Giraud collaborated on film concept art for movies such as "Alien" and "Tron," leaving an imprint on cinematic design. He published numerous albums and exhibited internationally, earning prestigious awards like the Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême. His boundary-pushing style inspired generations of artists in comics, animation, and live-action film. Giraud passed away in 2012, celebrated as one of the most influential illustrators of the 20th century.