March 14

Born in 1898 in Kovno Governorate, Ben Shahn immigrated to the United States, where he became a leading Social Realist artist. He gained prominence for his series on the Sacco and Vanzetti case and government-sponsored New Deal murals. Shahn's work combined photography, painting, and graphic design to address social and political themes. He taught at the Cooper Union and Rutgers University, influencing a generation of artists and designers. His art remains in major museum collections, reflecting his commitment to social justice and creative expression.

Chic Young was born on August 2, 1901, in Chicago and began drawing cartoons at a young age. He worked as an editorial cartoonist before launching his own strip, 'Dumb Dora', in 1924. In 1930 he created 'Blondie', featuring the couple Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead, which became one of the most popular comic strips in history. Under Young's guidance, 'Blondie' was syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers worldwide, spawning radio shows, films, and merchandise. He managed the strip until handing it over to his son Dean Young in 1973. Young's clean art style and keen comedic timing influenced generations of cartoonists and solidified his place in comics history.

Busby Berkeley was born on November 29, 1895, in Los Angeles and began his career choreographing stage musicals on Broadway. He transitioned to Hollywood in the early 1930s, creating iconic sequences in films such as '42nd Street', 'Footlight Parade', and 'Gold Diggers of 1933'. Berkeley's signature style involved geometric patterns, overhead shots, and synchronized dancers, revolutionizing the movie musical. His innovative camera techniques and bold visual designs influenced generations of filmmakers and choreographers. In later years, he worked in theater and television before passing away on March 14, 1976. Berkeley's legacy endures in the grand spectacle and artistry of cinematic musicals.

Howard Ashman was born on May 17, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, and began his career in off-Broadway theater. He co-created the hit musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' with composer Alan Menken, gaining critical acclaim. In the late 1980s, Ashman joined Disney, writing lyrics for 'The Little Mermaid' (1989) and 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991). His storytelling prowess and lyrical wit revitalized Disney animation and shaped the modern musical genre. He won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song before passing away from AIDS-related complications on March 14, 1991. His enduring songs and innovative approach continue to inspire artists and audiences worldwide.

Born in 1945, Jack Goldstein emerged as a leading figure in the conceptual art movement, known for his large-scale installations, neon works, and experimental films. He was a member of the Pictures Generation, a group of artists who explored media imagery and appropriation. Goldstein’s work challenged traditional notions of authorship and spectatorship by repurposing existing cultural images. During the 1990s, he received international acclaim with exhibitions at major galleries. Goldstein’s life ended in tragedy in 2003, but his innovative approach continues to influence contemporary art.

Pierre Schoendoerffer began his career as a combat cameraman during the First Indochina War, capturing frontline footage that earned him recognition for its raw authenticity. He directed the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Anderson Platoon' (1967), chronicling American troops in Vietnam. Schoendoerffer adapted his own experiences into feature films such as 'The 317th Platoon', blending factual accounts with dramatic storytelling. His work is celebrated for its intense realism and insightful portrayal of the human impact of war. Throughout his career, he authored novels and screenplays, bridging literature and cinema. He received multiple awards at international film festivals, establishing himself as one of France's most respected filmmaker-writers.

Jack Greene started his musical journey in church choirs in Mississippi before joining Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours in the 1960s. His solo single 'There Goes My Everything' topped the Billboard country charts in 1967 and earned him the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year award. Known as the 'Jolly Green Giant' for his towering presence, Greene scored multiple top ten hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He released over a dozen studio albums and remained a beloved figure on the Grand Ole Opry. Greene's contributions helped shape the Nashville Sound era of country music, influencing generations of artists. He continued to perform and record until the 2000s, cementing his legacy as a country music icon.

Peter Maxwell Davies was a key figure in 20th-century British music, co-founding the Pierrot Players (later the Fires of London) in 1965. His compositions blended modernism with medieval and folk influences, as heard in works like 'Eight Songs for a Mad King'. In 1978 he became Artistic Director of the St Magnus Festival in Orkney, where he lived for much of his life. Appointed Master of the Queen's Music in 2004, he advised the monarchy on musical matters until his death. Davies composed operas, symphonies, and chamber music that challenged performers and audiences alike. His innovative spirit and commitment to new music left an enduring mark on British cultural life.

Born in County Kildare in 1945, O'Flynn initially studied classical music before dedicating himself to the traditional Irish pipes. He co-founded the influential folk band Planxty in the early 1970s, blending traditional melodies with contemporary arrangements. Renowned for his virtuosic style, he collaborated with artists across genres, including Seamus Heaney and Kate Bush. O'Flynn released several acclaimed solo albums showcasing the expressive range of the uileann pipes. He toured internationally as a cultural ambassador, teaching and lecturing on Irish music heritage. His efforts were instrumental in the late 20th-century revival of Irish traditional music. He remained an active performer and mentor until his passing in 2018.