March 17

Pierre de Montreuil was a master mason and architect active in 13th-century France. He is credited with significant contributions to the design of the choir and transept of Notre-Dame de Paris. His work also influenced the construction of the Sainte-Chapelle, showcasing the emerging Rayonnant Gothic style. Montreuil's innovative use of pointed arches and ribbed vaults helped define the architectural landscape of medieval Paris. Though much of his life remains obscure, his surviving structures stand as a testament to his skill and vision. He died in 1267, leaving a legacy that continued to inspire Gothic architects across Europe.

Giuliano de' Medici was a member of the influential Medici family in Florence, born in 1479. As a patron of artists and humanists, he supported early Renaissance figures in literature and art. He held various political roles within the Florentine Republic alongside his brother Lorenzo. Giuliano’s refined taste and cultural interests helped shape the artistic flowering of his era. He died tragically in 1516, remembered for his generosity and the promise of his cultural leadership. His legacy lives on in the works of art and scholarship he helped to commission.

Ferdinand Laub (1832–1875) was a Czech violinist and composer hailed as one of the foremost virtuosos of the 19th century. He studied in Prague and Vienna, quickly gaining a reputation for his technical mastery and expressive tone. Laub premiered important works by Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák, fostering Czech national music. He served as concertmaster of the Provisional Theatre Orchestra in Prague and later taught at the Prague Conservatory. Laub composed violin solos and chamber music that reflected Romantic-era sensibilities. His legacy endures through memoirs of his performances and the works dedicated to his artistry.

Aleksandra Ekster (1882–1949) was a pioneering Russian-French artist whose work spanned Cubo-Futurism, Constructivism and Art Deco. Educated at the Kyiv Art School, she collaborated with avant-garde circles in Moscow before moving to Paris, where she became a central figure in the European modernist movement. Ekster's bold use of geometric forms and vivid color influenced theater and ballet through her innovative set and costume designs. She worked alongside renowned artists like Natalia Goncharova and Kazimir Malevich, blending fine art with performance. Ekster's legacy endures in museums worldwide and in the continued relevance of her theatrical designs.

Louis Kahn was born in 1901 in Pärnu and emigrated to the United States with his family. He became a leading figure in 20th-century architecture, celebrated for his use of light, geometry, and monumental forms. Kahn's notable works include the Salk Institute in California and the national parliament building (Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He served as a professor at institutions such as Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, influencing a generation of architects. Kahn's designs emphasized material honesty and human experience within space. He passed away on March 17, 1974, leaving a legacy of timeless architectural masterpieces.

Born Albert Luandrew in 1906 in Mississippi, Sunnyland Slim moved to Chicago in the early 1940s and became a cornerstone of the city's electric blues movement. His dynamic piano style and gritty vocals featured on recordings for Chess and Aristocrat Records, where he backed artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Known for songs such as 'Beer Drinking Woman' and 'Everyday I Get to Thinking', Slim toured internationally, bringing blues to new audiences. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1988 and continued performing until his passing in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy on American music.

Born in Bordeaux in 1913, René Clément began his career as an assistant to Jean Renoir before directing his own films after World War II. His 1952 drama 'Forbidden Games' won both the Grand Prix at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, establishing him on the world stage. Clement's work, including The Night of the Generals (1967) and Is Paris Burning? (1966), combined meticulous visual storytelling with humanistic themes. A skilled screenwriter, he co-wrote most of his scripts, blending suspense and social commentary. Clement's films influenced generations of filmmakers until his death in 1996 at age 83.

Born in 1941 in Dallas, Texas, Terry Stafford began his music career performing rockabilly and country-infused tunes. In 1964, his rendition of "Suspicion" climbed to the top of the charts, showcasing his smooth vocals and energetic style. Stafford continued to write and record throughout the 1960s and 1970s, gaining respect as both a performer and composer. His songwriting contributions included tracks recorded by various country artists, reflecting his versatility across genres. Though he never replicated his initial chart success, Stafford remained a beloved figure among music aficionados until his passing in 1996.

Born in 1957 in Columbus, Ohio, Jermaine Stewart began his career as a dancer, performing with the touring production of Soul Train. He transitioned to singing and released his debut album in 1984, but achieved international fame with his 1986 single "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off", which became a defining anthem of its era. Stewart's smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence made him a popular figure in the pop and R&B scenes. He continued to release music into the early 1990s, exploring soulful ballads and dance tracks. Despite struggles with personal issues, Stewart's legacy endures through his memorable performances and contributions to 1980s pop culture. He passed away in 1997, leaving behind a dedicated fan base.

Born in Vienna in 1921, Ernest Gold studied composition under renowned modernists before fleeing Europe during World War II. Settling in Hollywood, he became a prolific composer for film and television, crafting emotive and memorable scores. His work on Otto Preminger's 1960 epic "Exodus" earned him an Academy Award and widespread acclaim. Gold's style blended lyrical melodies with dramatic orchestration, influencing the sound of mid-20th-century cinema. Over his career, he scored dozens of films, including "On the Beach" and television series like "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour". He passed away in 1999, leaving a legacy as one of the era's most versatile and respected composers.

Oleg Cassini was born in France in 1913 and later moved to the United States. He rose to prominence as a couturier in the 1950s, creating elegant and sophisticated designs. Cassini was appointed the official designer for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, setting fashion trends nationwide. He founded the Oleg Cassini fashion house and expanded into perfumes, accessories, and home goods. His work helped popularize a modern American aesthetic on the global stage. Cassini's influence on fashion endured through his timeless collections and brand legacy.