March 18

Born in 1645 on the island of Malta, she was trained in sculpting and painting from an early age. Her graceful religious sculptures and vibrant frescoes adorned churches in Valletta and Sicily. She achieved the rare distinction of being admitted to the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, one of few women of her era. Her work combined Baroque drama with refined elegance, setting a new standard in Mediterranean art. Her expressive portraits and devotional pieces continue to be admired for their emotional depth. She died in 1703, remembered as one of Malta's most talented artists.

Born in 1753 in Dinan, Bréval studied at the Paris Conservatory before joining the Paris Opera orchestra as principal cellist. A prolific composer, he wrote numerous cello sonatas, concertos, and chamber works, helping elevate the cello as a solo instrument. His 'Six Sonatas for Cello and Bass' Op. 40 became staples in the cello repertoire. In 1804, he published an important cello method, codifying technique and performance practices. His works blend Classical clarity with expressive lyricism, bridging the Baroque and early Romantic cello traditions. He died in 1823, his compositions remaining beloved by cellists worldwide.

Jean Leon Gerome Ferris was an American painter born in 1863 in Philadelphia, renowned for his series 'The Pageant of a Nation,' which depicted key events in U.S. history. Educated in Europe under prominent artists, he brought academic painting techniques to his detailed historical canvases. Ferris captured moments such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Boston Tea Party, making history accessible to the public. His work appeared in exhibitions nationwide and influenced visual interpretations of American heritage. Ferris also taught art and contributed illustrations to magazines. He died in 1930, leaving a lasting record of America's past.

Kari Diesen began her career in the 1930s and became one of Norway’s most popular revue performers. Her powerful singing voice and comedic timing made her a standout in musical theater. Diesen starred in numerous revues at Oslo’s Chat Noir and Folketeatret for several decades. She recorded hits like Omatt og omatt that became classics in Norwegian popular music. Her warm stage presence endeared her to audiences of all ages. Diesen’s legacy continues through recordings and tributes celebrating Norway’s revue tradition.

Billy Butterfield rose to fame playing with big bands led by Bob Crosby and Benny Goodman. His smooth, melodic trumpet solos on tracks like Moonlight Serenade became jazz standards. Butterfield led his own ensembles and recorded extensively during the 1940s and 1950s. He collaborated with artists such as Billie Holiday and Mildred Bailey, showcasing his versatile tone. His mastery of both trumpet and cornet earned him acclaim among peers and audiences alike. Butterfield’s recordings continue to influence jazz trumpeters seeking a balanced, expressive sound.

John Phillips was born in 1935 and rose to fame as the leader of The Mamas & the Papas. He wrote many of the group's biggest hits, including "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday." His distinctive songwriting blended folk, pop, and rock influences. After the band's breakup, Phillips released solo albums and collaborated with other artists. He also managed and mentored a new generation of musicians. Despite personal struggles, his music endures as a hallmark of 1960s folk-rock. Phillips died in 2001, leaving a legacy of classic American pop songs.

Dan Gibson was born in 1922 and developed innovative techniques in wildlife photography and sound recording. He founded the Solitudes music series, blending natural sounds with musical compositions. Gibson's films, including "Audubon Wildlife Theatre," showcased North American wildlife in vivid detail. His pioneering recordings of bird calls and environmental sounds set new standards in nature documentaries. He collaborated with broadcasters and conservation organizations to raise environmental awareness. Gibson received awards for his contributions to film and audio engineering. He passed away in 2006, leaving a rich legacy of natural history media.

Anthony Minghella was born in Ryde on the Isle of Wight in 1954 and became one of Britain's most acclaimed filmmakers. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for "The English Patient" in 1996. His other notable films include "The Talented Mr. Ripley", "Cold Mountain", and "Iris". Minghella began his career as a playwright before transitioning to cinema, bringing a theatrical sensibility to his films. He also wrote and directed operas and mentored emerging filmmakers. His work is celebrated for its deep character studies and sweeping emotional arcs. He died in 2008 after battling cancer.

Jan Němec was born in Prague in 1936 and emerged in the 1960s as a leading figure of the Czech New Wave, directing his debut feature, Diamonds of the Night, in 1964. The film's poetic realism and innovative style garnered international awards and cemented his reputation as a visionary filmmaker. Following the 1968 Soviet invasion, Němec faced censorship and spent years in exile, working on documentaries and experimental projects in Germany and the United States. He returned to the Czech Republic in the 1990s and continued to produce thought-provoking works that examined history, memory, and identity. As a teacher at the FAMU film school, he mentored a new generation of Czech directors, leaving a profound impact on world cinema.

Chuck Berry was a trailblazer of rock and roll music, blending blues and country influences with charismatic stage presence. His 1958 hit "Johnny B. Goode" became an anthem for a generation, featuring iconic guitar solos that inspired countless musicians. Berry wrote enduring classics like "Maybellene" and "Roll Over Beethoven," earning him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. His energetic performances and witty lyrics about teenage life cemented his status as a cultural icon. Berry's influence spans genres and decades, making him one of music’s most celebrated figures.