March 22

Agostino Carracci was born in 1557 into the famous Carracci family of artists in Bologna. Along with his cousins, he co-founded the Accademia degli Incamminati, revolutionizing art training in the late Renaissance. His paintings are noted for their dynamic compositions and expressive naturalism. He also contributed engravings and developed new printmaking techniques. Agostino's teaching and collaborations had a lasting impact on the Baroque movement before his death in 1602.

Born in Florence in 1632, Lully moved to France as a young boy and quickly rose to prominence in Louis XIV's court. He pioneered the French opera and developed the ballet de cour into a refined art form. Appointed director of the Royal Music Academy, he shaped musical tastes and set standards for orchestral performance. His collaborations with playwright Molière produced innovative comédie-ballets. Lully's career ended tragically in 1687 when he accidentally injured his foot with a conducting staff and died of gangrene.

Born in 1910 in Milan, Satta Puliga graduated in engineering before joining Alfa Romeo after World War II. As head of styling and chief engineer, he led the design of the Giulietta, Giulia, and Spyder models. His visionary blend of performance and elegant form defined Alfa Romeo’s brand identity for decades. Under his guidance, Alfa Romeo cars earned widespread acclaim for their driving dynamics and aesthetics. Satta Puliga’s influence remains evident in automotive design to this day.

Born in 1898, McLaughlin studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and developed a distinct approach to landscape painting. He combined realism with impressionistic color palettes, creating atmospheric works that captured American scenery. McLaughlin’s paintings were exhibited in major galleries across the United States, earning critical praise. He also taught at art schools, mentoring emerging artists and shaping future art movements. His legacy endures through his works held in public and private collections.

Raoul Ubac was born in 1910 and studied at the Academie Moderne in Paris under Fernand Léger. He became a prominent figure in the Surrealist circle in the 1930s, experimenting with photograms and darkroom techniques to create abstract imagery. Ubac produced a diverse body of work including oil paintings, wood engravings, and sculptures that challenged traditional artistic boundaries. He collaborated with leading Surrealists such as André Breton and Tristan Tzara and exhibited widely in Europe and the United States. Throughout his career, he remained committed to exploring the relationship between chance and composition in his art. Ubac's works are held in major museum collections around the world, reflecting his lasting impact on modern art. He passed away in 1985, leaving a legacy of innovative visual experimentation.

Spyros Vassiliou was born in 1903 in Athens and studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts. His early work focused on urban scenes and everyday life in Greece, rendered in a vivid and expressive style. Vassiliou expanded his repertoire to include printmaking, creating lithographs and woodcuts that captured the spirit of his homeland. He also designed sets and costumes for the Greek National Theatre, bringing his artistic vision to the stage. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and held exhibitions across Europe. His work is noted for its blend of modernist techniques with traditional Greek themes. Vassiliou died in 1985, leaving behind a rich legacy in painting and theatrical design.

Dave Guard was born in 1934 in San Francisco and studied music while attending Stanford University. In 1957, he co-founded the Kingston Trio, blending traditional folk songs with polished arrangements that resonated with a broad audience. The group's hit recording of 'Tom Dooley' topped the charts and became emblematic of the folk revival movement. Guard's innovative guitar playing and vocal harmonies were central to the Trio's success over four albums. He left the group in 1961 to explore solo projects and world music influences, recording several folk and jazz-inspired works. Guard also wrote instructional books on guitar technique and arranged music for other artists. He died in 1991 in Arizona, remembered for his artistry and influence on American folk music.

Born in 1950, Dan Hartman began his music career as a member of the Edgar Winter Group, contributing bass and songwriting to their breakthrough tracks. He launched a successful solo career in the late 1970s, scoring disco hits like 'Instant Replay' that became club favorites. In 1984, he achieved mainstream success with 'I Can Dream About You,' which reached the top ten on the Billboard charts. Hartman was also a prolific producer and songwriter for artists including James Brown and Tina Turner. His knack for crafting catchy hooks and danceable rhythms left a mark on the music industry. He continued writing and producing through the late 1980s before his sudden passing in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of timeless tunes.

Born in 1899, Walter Lantz began his animation career at Bray Studios before joining Universal Pictures in the 1920s. He founded his own studio and introduced Andy Panda in 1939, but his most famous creation came in 1940 with Woody Woodpecker. Lantz's cartoons were known for their high-energy humor and memorable characters. He earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 1951 for 'The Legend of Robin Hood.' Under Lantz's leadership, the studio continued producing popular shorts until 1972, marking the end of the golden age of theatrical animation. He also experimented with television production, adapting his characters for the new medium. Lantz retired in the mid-1970s and was honored as a pioneer of animation until his death in 1994.

Born in 1945, Don Murray co-founded The Turtles in 1965 and helped define their signature sound with energetic drumming. The band's 1967 smash 'Happy Together' showcased his precise timing and creative fills. Murray toured extensively with The Turtles, appearing on television shows and international stages. After leaving the band, he worked as a session musician, contributing to recordings for various artists. His passion for music led him to teach drumming workshops and mentor young musicians. Though his life was cut short in 1996, Murray's contributions to the rock and pop scenes of the 1960s endure through the timeless recordings he helped create.

Born in 1925, Billy Williamson joined Bill Haley & His Comets in the mid-1950s and contributed to chart-topping hits like 'Rock Around the Clock.' His crisp, energetic guitar work became a hallmark of the band's groundbreaking sound. Williamson toured worldwide with the Comets, appearing in films and television programs that introduced rock and roll to new audiences. After leaving the band, he continued performing in various ensembles and worked as a session musician. His influence on the rockabilly style inspired countless guitarists who followed. Williamson remained passionate about music until his death in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in the birth of rock music.

William Hanna revolutionized the art of animated cartoons during his decades-long career at Hanna-Barbera. Together with Joe Barbera, he created timeless characters like Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, and Yogi Bear. As a director, producer, and occasional voice actor, he brought humor and charm to television screens around the world. His innovative production methods helped shape the modern animation industry and set new standards for television entertainment. Even after his passing, his work continues to influence animators and delight fans of all ages.