March 31

Born in Suffolk, Constable became known for masterpieces such as 'The Hay Wain' and 'Dedham Vale.' He emphasized capturing changing weather and light effects, developing detailed cloud studies that influenced later artists. Constable exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy, gaining recognition beyond Britain. His friendship with French painter Eugène Delacroix helped spread his techniques to the continent. Appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy Schools, he shared his approach with students. His dedication to painting en plein air and faithful observation laid groundwork for the Barbizon School and Impressionism. Constable's legacy endures through his transformative impact on landscape painting.

Henryk Wieniawski (1835–1880) was a celebrated Polish violinist, composer, and pedagogue who established himself as one of the leading virtuosos of the 19th century. Born in Lublin, he gave his first public performance at age seven and quickly gained acclaim across Europe for his dazzling technique and passionate interpretations. Wieniawski's compositions, including Violin Concertos No. 1 and No. 2, remain staples of the violin repertoire, combining lyricism with technical brilliance. He served as a professor at the Conservatoire de Paris and later directed the violin school at the Moscow Conservatory, influencing generations of violinists. His music blends Romantic expressiveness with Polish folk elements, capturing both heart and intellect. Despite chronic health issues, he maintained a demanding performance schedule that solidified his reputation. Wieniawski's legacy endures in his pedagogical works and memorable concert pieces that continue to challenge and inspire violinists worldwide.

Franz Abt (1819–1885) was a prolific German composer and conductor known for his charming lieder and extensive choral repertoire. Born in Eilenburg, he studied at the Leipzig Conservatory before embarking on a career that blended composition with leadership of major choirs. Abt served as director of the Berlin Liedertafel and frequently toured Europe, promoting German vocal music through public concerts. His output includes over 2,000 works, ranging from sacred pieces to secular choir compositions, characterized by melodic appeal and harmonic warmth. Songs like 'Wenn die Schwalben heimwärts ziehn' became household favorites in 19th-century Europe. He also published pedagogical works for vocal training and composition. Through his accessible style and dedication to choral societies, Abt helped democratize music-making, leaving a lasting mark on community singing traditions.

Born in 1855 in London, he studied at the South Kensington School of Art. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and contributed illustrations to leading magazines. In 1898, he co-founded the London Sketch Club to support fellow artists. His work encompassed landscapes, portraits, and decorative poster art. He influenced the development of graphic design in the late Victorian era. He died on March 31, 1924, leaving a body of work celebrated by collectors.

Pyrros Spyromilios was born in 1913 and pursued a distinguished career in the Hellenic Navy, rising to the rank of officer. He demonstrated leadership during challenging times for Greece in the mid-20th century. Beyond his military duties, he served as the director of the Greek Radio Orchestra, championing national music. In this role, he brought orchestral works to a wider audience through radio broadcasts. Spyromilios's unique blend of service and cultural advocacy earned him respect in both fields. He continued his contributions to the navy and the arts until his death in 1961.

Paul Strand was born in 1890 in New York City and began his career under the mentorship of Alfred Stieglitz. He helped elevate photography to an accepted art form through precise compositions and innovative techniques. Strand produced groundbreaking photograms and evocative street scenes that captured everyday life. In the late 1920s, he transitioned into documentary filmmaking with works like "Manhatta". His films and photographs combined artistic depth with social insight, influencing generations of artists. Strand's legacy endures in both the art world and documentary film, celebrated until his death in 1976.

Mitchell Parish was a prolific Lithuanian-American lyricist who shaped the Great American Songbook with enduring classics. He penned lyrics for iconic songs such as "Stardust", "Deep Purple", and "Moonlight Cocktail". Parish collaborated with composers like Hoagy Carmichael, Peter DeRose, and J. Fred Coots throughout the 1920s and 1930s. His witty and poetic words captured the spirit of the Jazz Age and remain staples in vocal and instrumental repertoires. Over his career, he wrote hundreds of songs recorded by legends including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Parish's contributions to American popular music continue to influence songwriters and performers across genres.

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was a pioneering Tejano music artist who brought Latin music to the mainstream. Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, she began her career performing with her family band at a young age. Her albums, such as 'Amor Prohibido,' achieved critical and commercial acclaim. In 1994, she won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album. She was known for her charismatic stage presence, songwriting, and style influence. Tragically, Selena's life was cut short when she was murdered in 1995 at the age of 23. Her legacy endures through her music, fashion line, and biographical film. She continues to inspire Latin artists and fans worldwide.

Jeffrey Lee Pierce co-founded The Gun Club in 1979, blending punk rock with blues traditions. Born in 1958 in Montebello, California, he became known for his raw vocals and poetic lyrics. The band's debut album, 'Fire of Love,' is considered a landmark in punk and alternative music. Pierce's songwriting explored themes of love, loss, and American folklore. He collaborated with artists across genres and pursued solo work during the 1980s. Despite critical acclaim, Pierce struggled with addiction throughout his life. He died in 1996 at the age of 38 from pneumonia complicated by substance abuse. His work influenced later punk, alternative, and indie musicians.

Joel Ryce-Menuhin was born in 1933 and became a concert pianist known for his nuanced interpretations. He performed recitals across North America and Europe, earning praise for his technical mastery and expressiveness. Ryce-Menuhin recorded works by classical composers, including Chopin and Debussy. He served on the faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music, mentoring young pianists. In the 1970s, he shifted his focus to psychotherapy and spiritual healing. He trained in the Alexander Technique and practiced holistic therapies. His holistic approach combined his musical sensitivity with therapeutic techniques. He died in 1998, leaving a legacy in both music and healing fields.

Gisèle Freund was born in 1908 in Essen, Germany, and later became a French citizen. She pioneered color photography for magazine reportage, working for Vogue and Life. Freund captured iconic images of Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and Albert Camus. Her documentary style chronicled cultural movements, including the Surrealists in Paris. In the 1950s, she taught photography at Harvard University. Her work appeared in publications worldwide, influencing generations of photojournalists. Freund's archive spans portraits, street scenes, and sociopolitical reportage. She died in 2000, leaving a rich visual record of 20th-century intellectual and artistic circles.

Adrian Fisher was born in 1952 and rose to prominence as the lead guitarist of Toby. He contributed to the band's innovative fusion of rock and progressive elements. Fisher later joined the British glam rock group Sparks for their mid-1970s U.K. tours. His crisp guitar riffs and melodic solos were featured on several Toby albums. After the band's breakup, he worked as a session musician and producer. Fisher was sought after for his versatility across rock, funk, and blues styles. He continued performing at local venues, influencing aspiring guitarists. He passed away in 2000, remembered for his technical skill and musical adaptability.