April 09

Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a versatile 19th-century English artist whose work spanned poetry and painting. As a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, he championed vivid colors, detailed compositions, and medieval themes. His paintings, such as "Beata Beatrix," and his poetry collections, including "The House of Life," explored themes of love, death, and classical mythology. Rossetti's innovative fusion of literary and visual arts influenced Symbolist and Aesthetic movements. His tumultuous personal life, including his relationships with fellow artists Elizabeth Siddal and Fanny Cornforth, added to his enduring mystique.

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) revolutionized architecture with his philosophy of organic design, creating harmony between structures and their natural surroundings. His masterpieces include Fallingwater, a house dramatically cantilevered over a waterfall in Pennsylvania, and the Price Tower, an innovative early skyscraper in Oklahoma. Over a career spanning seven decades, he produced over a thousand designs, of which more than half were realized. Wright pioneered the open floor plan and introduced new construction techniques using natural materials. He founded the Taliesin Fellowship, mentoring generations of architects at his counterpart studios in Wisconsin and Arizona. His visionary approach has left a lasting impact on modern architecture and design worldwide.

Eddie Edwards (1891-1963) was one of the first jazz trombonists, performing with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, which made the first jazz recordings in 1917. His robust tone and rhythmic style helped solidify the trombone's place in jazz music. Edwards toured internationally, bringing New Orleans-style jazz to European audiences in the early 20th century. Beyond recordings, he appeared in silent films and concert performances, expanding the reach of jazz. His contributions paved the way for future generations of jazz brass players and shaped the genre's development.

Xul Solar (born Oscar Agustin Alejandro Schulz Solari; 1887-1963) was a pioneering Argentine artist whose work spanned painting, sculpture, poetry, and invention. Influenced by surrealism, astrology, and Kabbalah, he created imaginative universes filled with invented languages, dreamlike maps, and cosmic symbols. He collaborated with literary figures like Jorge Luis Borges and became a central figure in Argentina's modern art movement. Solar's art challenged conventional forms, exploring themes of mysticism, the unconscious mind, and interconnectedness. His legacy endures in the rich visual language and esoteric symbolism that continue to fascinate artists and scholars worldwide.

Gustaf Tenggren (1896-1970) was a Swedish-born artist whose charming illustrations and background designs earned acclaim in both publishing and film. After moving to the U.S., he contributed to Disney classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, shaping the studio’s visual style. Later, as lead artist for Western Publishing, he created iconic images for Little Golden Books, including The Poky Little Puppy. Tenggren's signature style featured vibrant colors, stylized landscapes, and endearing characters that captured children's imaginations. His work influenced generations of illustrators and remains beloved for its timeless, storybook charm.

Dagmar Nordstrom (1903-1976) was an American vocalist, pianist, and composer who formed the celebrated cabaret act the Nordstrom Sisters with her sister Harriet. They performed in Manhattan nightclubs, aboard luxury liners, and at private social events, blending jazz, popular song, and light comedy. Nordstrom's elegant piano accompaniment and clear, expressive voice became hallmarks of their sophisticated performances. The sisters recorded albums and appeared on radio broadcasts, charming audiences with their wit and musicality. Dagmar also contributed original compositions and arrangements, enriching the duo's repertoire and American cabaret tradition.

Phil Ochs (1940-1976) emerged as a seminal voice in the 1960s folk revival, using his music to critique war and social injustice. His powerful lyrics addressed civil rights, labor issues, and the Vietnam War, resonating with protest movements across America. Ochs performed at major events and festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival and anti-war rallies. Beyond studio albums, his live performances and satirical spoken-word pieces showcased his wit and activism. Struggling with personal challenges, his later years were marked by deepening introspection and experimentation. Though his life ended tragically, Ochs's legacy lives on through his enduring songs and influence on protest music.

Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) was a visionary British architect whose most famous work is the whimsical village of Portmeirion in North Wales. Combining classical and vernacular styles with vibrant colors and lush landscaping, he crafted a unique tourist destination. A passionate advocate for conservation, he restored historic buildings and promoted environmental stewardship throughout his career. Williams-Ellis authored books on architecture and preservation, influencing public appreciation for Britain's built heritage. His playful yet thoughtful designs continue to inspire architects and visitors, showcasing the harmony of art, nature, and community.

Born in Montreal in 1896, Wilfrid Pelletier began his musical career as an accompanist before joining the Metropolitan Opera in New York in the 1920s. Over two decades at the Met, he built a reputation for his refined technique and passionate interpretations. In 1934 he co-founded the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and served as its first music director, shaping its artistic vision for nearly a decade. Pelletier championed Canadian composers and nurtured the classical music scene in Quebec. Later he held leadership roles at radio station WQXR and the Curtis Institute of Music, influencing generations of musicians. Recognized as a Companion of the Order of Canada, his legacy endures through his recordings and the institutions he helped build.

Brook Benton rose to fame in the late 1950s with his rich baritone voice and smooth delivery, earning a string of R&B and pop hits. His 1962 single "The Boll Weevil Song" topped the charts, followed by enduring classics like "It's Just a Matter of Time" and "Rainy Night in Georgia". Born Benjamin Franklin Peay in South Carolina, he began singing gospel before achieving crossover success in secular music. In addition to his recording career, Benton made notable appearances as an actor in film and television. Over his career, he sold millions of records and became one of the era's defining soul vocalists.

Dave Prater gained fame alongside Sam Moore as the soul duo Sam & Dave, delivering classic hits such as "Soul Man" and "Hold On! I'm Comin'" on the Stax label. His robust baritone and dynamic stage presence helped define the sound of Southern soul in the 1960s. Prater’s chemistry with Moore and his commanding vocals made Sam & Dave a staple of the R&B and pop charts. After their split, he continued to perform and record, influencing generations of soul artists. Prater’s legacy lives on through his recordings and his impact on live soul performance.

Mae Boren Axton earned the title "The Queen Mother of Nashville" through her influential songwriting career. In 1956 she co-wrote "Heartbreak Hotel," which launched Elvis Presley to superstardom. Axton also wrote hits for artists such as Hank Williams Jr. and Roy Clark, shaping the sound of early country and rock music. As an educator, she taught music at Nashville schools and mentored aspiring songwriters. Her contributions to the music industry were honored by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing her role in shaping American popular music.