March 13

Born in 1835 in Massachusetts, Jenny Twitchell Kempton rose to prominence as one of America's leading mezzo-sopranos. She performed in major operas and concerts throughout the United States and Europe during the late 19th century. Known for her rich tone and expressive delivery, Kempton sang lead roles in works by Verdi, Mozart, and Handel. After retiring from the stage, she devoted herself to vocal pedagogy, teaching at conservatories and giving masterclasses. Her students included some of the era's most notable singers, and she advocated for rigorous technique and musicality. Kempton also wrote articles on vocal health and served as an inspiration to women pursuing professional music careers. She died in 1921, remembered for her artistry and dedication to teaching.

Anne Acheson (1882–1962) was an Irish sculptor celebrated for her delicate plaster reliefs and animal sculptures. She studied at the Belfast School of Art and later worked in London, exhibiting at prestigious galleries. Acheson co-founded the London Group in 1913, promoting modern art. During World War I, she developed lightweight plaster casts for injured soldiers. Her work bridged classical traditions and modernist experimentation.

Rockwell Kent (1882–1971) was an American artist celebrated for his bold, dramatic landscapes and iconic illustrations for works like Moby Dick. He studied at the Art Students League in New York and traveled widely in Alaska and Newfoundland for inspiration. Kent's distinct use of contrast and simplified forms influenced modernist art. He was also an outspoken political activist and published writings on art and society. His work remains influential in both fine art and illustration.

Born in 1941, Tony Ray-Jones brought a playful and critical eye to photography, documenting English leisure and idiosyncrasies in the 1960s and early 1970s. Educated at the London School of Printing and Graphic Arts, he worked briefly in the United States before returning to Britain. Ray-Jones founded the magazine Creative Camera and influenced future British documentary photographers. His work blended candid street photography with a unique sense of composition. He died young in 1972, but his photographs remain seminal in British photography history.

Paul Citroen (1896–1983) was a German-born Dutch artist known for his avant-garde illustrations and innovative teaching at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam. He studied at the Bauhaus under artists like Kandinsky and Klee, bringing modernist ideas to the Netherlands. Citroen's photomontages and drawings appeared in publications and exhibitions across Europe. As a teacher, he mentored a generation of Dutch artists and promoted abstract art. Despite fleeing Nazi persecution, he returned to Amsterdam and continued to shape art education until his death.

Judge Dread became famous in the 1970s for his reggae-infused covers of popular songs, often laced with bawdy humor. He holds the record for the most banned tracks by the BBC due to their suggestive lyrics. As the first white artist to achieve a UK reggae hit, he brought the genre to a broader audience. His stage persona—complete with judge's wig and robe—added to his quirky appeal. Despite controversy, his novelty hits remain a unique chapter in reggae history.

Lee Falk introduced Mandrake the Magician in 1934, captivating audiences with his illusions and crime-fighting adventures. In 1936, he launched The Phantom, pioneering the masked superhero genre with the 'Ghost Who Walks.' His work combined action, mystery, and moral themes, influencing decades of comic storytelling. Falk also directed and produced radio and stage adaptations of his characters. His imaginative legacy endures in comic books, films, and popular culture.

Born Jean Tenenbaum in 1930 in Vaucresson, France, Jean Ferrat adopted his stage name in the 1950s and began his musical career. He blended folk-inspired melodies with lyrics drawn from the poetry of Louis Aragon, creating a distinctive style that resonated with a generation. His classics like 'Ma Môme' and 'La Montagne' celebrated rural life and social justice, earning him a devoted following. A committed leftist, his music often reflected his political convictions, leading to widespread acclaim and occasional controversy. Ferrat remained active in French cultural circles until his health declined due to kidney disease. He died in 2010, leaving behind a rich heritage in French chanson.

Born in 1957, Clive Burr rose from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene to become Iron Maiden's drummer from 1979 to 1982. He played on seminal albums such as 'Killers' and 'The Number of the Beast', leaving a lasting mark on metal percussion. A respected songwriter, he co-wrote tracks and toured internationally with the band. After leaving Iron Maiden, he collaborated with artists like Trust and Gogmagog, showcasing his versatility. Burr battled multiple sclerosis in his later years but remained an inspiration to fans and musicians alike. His legacy endures through classic recordings and a devoted fanbase that celebrates his inventive drumming.

Sofia Gubaidulina was a Russian-born composer and pianist whose works bridged Eastern and Western musical traditions. Born in 1931, she studied at the Moscow Conservatory and developed a distinctive style blending folk motifs with modernist techniques. Her compositions, such as "Offertorium" and "The Canticle of the Sun", are noted for their spiritual depth and innovative use of timbre. Gubaidulina emigrated to West Germany in 1992 and received prestigious commissions from leading orchestras around the world. She was honored with awards including the Praemium Imperiale and the Polar Music Prize for her contributions to contemporary music. Her music challenged conventional forms and influenced generations of composers. Gubaidulina continued to compose and perform until her passing in 2025, leaving a profound impact on modern classical repertoire.