April 04

Born in Geneva in 1722, Théodore Gardelle became renowned for his delicate portrait miniatures and enamel works. He studied with eminent artists and established a workshop producing painted enamel portraits popular among European elites. In 1761, while traveling in London, he was arrested for the murder of his landlady and convicted at the Old Bailey. Gardelle’s dramatic downfall overshadowed his artistic achievements. He was executed for the crime, bringing a tragic end to a promising career. Despite his notoriety, collectors still value his surviving enamel portraits for their technical brilliance.

Ludwig Emil Grimm was born in 1790 in Hanau, Germany. He studied art under his brother and at the academies in Kassel and Munich. Grimm specialized in detailed portraiture, historical compositions, and fine engravings. He illustrated early editions of his brothers' fairy tales, merging literary and visual storytelling. Throughout his career, he exhibited widely and earned acclaim as a dedicated art teacher. His work contributed to the German Romantic movement and influenced 19th-century illustration.

Konstantinos Maleas (1879–1928) was a leading Greek painter associated with the early 20th-century National School of Art. Born in Constantinople, he studied painting in Munich before developing a bold style characterized by vivid color and expressive brushwork. Maleas traveled extensively, capturing diverse landscapes from the Greek countryside to European vistas in his dynamic compositions. His departure from academic realism toward modernist techniques helped introduce new artistic currents to Greece. As an art critic and educator, Maleas mentored younger artists and advocated for cultural exchange across Europe. Today, his works are celebrated for their energetic palette and lasting influence on Greek modern art.

Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1878, Morris H. Whitehouse studied architecture at Columbia University. He returned to Oregon and co-founded the firm Whitehouse & Fouilhoux, designing many landmark buildings. His works include the Oregon Supreme Court Building extension, public libraries, and elegant residences. Whitehouse was known for blending Classical Revival and Arts and Crafts styles in his designs. He advocated for architectural education and served on planning commissions to shape urban development. His legacy endures in the enduring civic and residential architecture that defines parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Born in 1901, Al Lewis became one of the most sought-after lyricists of the 20th century. He co-wrote over 250 songs, including the classic "Blueberry Hill," popularized by Fats Domino. His collaborations spanned genres, with his work performed by artists such as Frankie Laine and Guy Lombardo. Lewis's lyrical craftsmanship helped shape the American songbook before his death in 1967.

Born in Berlin in 1902, Stefan Wolpe was a pioneering composer of the Weimar Republic avant-garde. He fled Nazi persecution to Palestine and later settled in the United States, where he taught at institutions like Black Mountain College and Brooklyn College. Wolpe's eclectic style blended jazz, serialism, and folk elements. His influential works and pedagogy shaped a generation of composers before his death in 1972.

Red Sovine was an American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist best known for his narrative truck-driving songs, such as "Teddy Bear" and "Giddyup Go". He began his career performing on local radio in the 1940s and later gained national fame in the 1960s and 1970s. His emotive storytelling and deep, resonant voice made him a beloved figure among truckers and country music fans alike. Sovine's influence extended beyond music as his songs highlighted the lives and struggles of working-class Americans. He remained active in the music industry until his death in 1980.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1915, Ingels became known for his ghoulish illustrations in EC Comics. He earned the nickname 'Ghastly' for his distinctive horror style. His work on titles such as Tales from the Crypt and The Haunt of Fear left a lasting mark on the genre. After the decline of horror comics, he applied his artistry to advertising and portrait work. Ingels' atmospheric, macabre illustrations continue to influence horror artists and fans.

Born in 1951, Russell's work spanned avant-garde composition, disco, and folk. He released acclaimed albums such as World of Echo and collaborated with artists like Philip Glass. His emotive cello playing and innovative vocal style influenced the New York downtown music scene. Russell's experimental approach to rhythm and melody reshaped dance music in the late 1970s and 1980s. Though he achieved limited fame during his lifetime, posthumous releases have solidified his reputation as a visionary. He passed away in 1992, leaving a lasting impact on multiple musical genres.

Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth (1932–2001) was an American artist and custom car designer who became a legend of Kustom Kulture. He created the grotesque cartoon character 'Rat Fink,' which became a symbol of the 1960s hot-rod and custom car movement. Roth designed radical fiberglass show cars like the Orbitron and Mysterion, showcasing his engineering creativity and flair for the bizarre. His illustrations appeared in magazines and merchandise, influencing generations of artists and automotive enthusiasts. Beyond art, Roth's innovations in car customization helped shape modern hot-rod culture and collector communities.

Maxine Cooper began her career on stage and quickly transitioned to film and television, earning acclaim for her performance as Velda in the 1955 thriller Kiss Me Deadly. After retiring from acting in the 1960s, she became deeply involved in civil rights activism and photographed key figures in the movement. Cooper's striking portraits captured the humanity and determination of activists fighting for equality. She exhibited her work in galleries across the United States and lectured widely on social justice issues. Her artistic and humanitarian legacy continues to inspire actors and activists alike.

Scott Columbus rose to prominence in the early 1980s as the powerful drummer for the heavy metal band Manowar, contributing to their signature thunderous sound. Over four decades, he recorded on landmark albums such as Fighting the World and Sign of the Hammer, influencing generations of metal percussionists. Columbus was celebrated for his energetic stage performances and innovative drumming techniques. Outside Manowar, he collaborated with other artists and continued to teach aspiring musicians. His dedication to his craft and his fans cemented his status as a drumming legend in the metal community.