April 22

Édouard Lalo was born in Lille, France, in 1823. He studied privately after leaving the Paris Conservatory. Lalo achieved fame with his Symphonie espagnole, a virtuosic work for violin and orchestra. He blended classical forms with Spanish rhythms in his compositions. His repertoire also includes chamber music, operas, and the opera Le roi d'Ys. Lalo's influence on French Romantic music endures in concert halls worldwide. He died on April 22, 1892, leaving a legacy of vibrant orchestral works.

André Caplet was born in 1878 in Le Havre, France. A protégé of Gabriel Fauré, he won the Prix de Rome in 1901. Caplet worked closely with Claude Debussy, orchestrating works like Le Martyre de saint Sébastien. He composed original pieces such as Le Miroir de Jésus and the orchestral cycle Légende. During World War I, he served as an army officer and composed wind ensemble music. He died on April 22, 1925, leaving a refined musical legacy that bridged Romanticism and modernism.

Born in Paris in 1848, Lerolle studied at the École des Beaux-Arts. He became known for atmospheric paintings of landscapes, interiors, and musicians. Lerolle was a patron and friend to artists like Degas and Renoir, supporting their careers. He assembled a significant art collection and organized exhibitions in Paris. His dual role as creator and curator helped shape artistic trends of his time. He died on April 22, 1929, leaving a lasting impact on French cultural life.

Käthe Kollwitz was a German painter, printmaker, and sculptor renowned for her emotionally charged works. Her art often focused on themes of poverty, war, and the struggles of working-class families. Kollwitz studied at the Berlin School of Arts and Crafts and later at the Düsseldorf Academy. She lost her son in World War I, an event that deeply influenced her moving memorial pieces. Her famous works include the sculptural cycle 'The Grieving Parents' and the print series 'The Weavers'. As a professor at the Academy of Arts in Berlin, she mentored young artists and advocated for social justice. Kollwitz's legacy endures through museums dedicated to her work and her contributions to expressionist art.

Earl Hines was an American jazz pianist and bandleader who revolutionized jazz piano with his 'trumpet-style' playing. Born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, he gained fame with his Pittsburgh-based band in the 1920s. Hines's innovative rhythms and melodic improvisations influenced generations of jazz musicians. He led the Earl Hines Orchestra and hosted early radio broadcasts that popularized jazz nationwide. Hines collaborated with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, cementing his place in jazz history. His career spanned seven decades, earning him the nickname 'Fatha' of modern jazz piano. He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and inspired pianists from Bill Evans to Herbie Hancock.

Ansel Adams was an American photographer and conservationist whose striking black-and-white landscapes defined 20th-century photography. He co-founded the Group f/64, emphasizing sharp focus and high-contrast images. Adams’s photographs of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada brought environmental issues to public attention. He developed the Zone System, a photographic technique for precise control of exposure and development. Adams served on the Sierra Club board, advocating for the protection of wilderness areas. His bestselling books and exhibitions made photography a recognized art form. Adams's legacy endures through his iconic images and continued influence on photographers and conservationists.

Erika Nõva was born in 1905 in Pärnu, Estonia, and became one of the first female architects in her country. She graduated from the Tallinn College of Engineering and undertook several landmark projects throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Nõva's designs often featured clean lines, practical layouts, and attention to local building traditions. She played a significant role in post-war reconstruction, designing schools, housing, and civic buildings. As a trailblazer in a male-dominated profession, she also mentored younger architects and promoted modernist ideals. Her work helped shape Estonia's architectural identity during a period of rapid change. Nõva passed away in 1987, leaving a portfolio of structures celebrated for their elegance and functionality.

Felice Bryant was born in 1925 in Carthage, Missouri and partnered with her husband, Boudleaux Bryant, in a prolific songwriting duo. The Bryants penned classics such as Bye Bye Love, All I Have to Do Is Dream, and Wake Up Little Susie. Their songs became staples of early rock 'n' roll and helped define the Everly Brothers' sound. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Felice Bryant's melodic instincts and lyrical charm influenced generations of musicians. Her compositions have been covered by artists across genres, cementing her legacy in American popular music. She passed away on April 22, 2003.

Eduardo Paolozzi was born in 1924 in Leith, Scotland to Italian immigrant parents and studied at Edinburgh College of Art and the Slade School of Fine Art. He created influential collage works under the title Bunk in the early 1950s, blending popular culture imagery with surrealist techniques. Paolozzi’s sculptures and public artworks, including the iconic Newton statue at the British Library, reflect his fascination with technology and mythology. As a founding member of the Independent Group, he helped shape the discourse of Pop Art. Paolozzi taught at the Royal College of Art, inspiring a generation of artists. He died on April 22, 2005, remembered for his innovative contributions to modern art.

Jack Cardiff was an English cinematographer, director, and photographer whose career spanned over seven decades. He began as a camera operator in the 1930s and became renowned for his vibrant color cinematography. Cardiff won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for "Black Narcissus" (1947) and earned nominations for "The Red Shoes" (1948) and "The African Queen" (1951). He collaborated with directors Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger on several classics. Later in life, he directed films and exhibited his photography internationally. His innovative visual style helped shape the language of modern cinema.

Richie Havens was an American folk musician noted for his soulful voice, rhythmic guitar style, and improvisational performances. He rose to prominence at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where he delivered an electrifying set including his iconic rendition of 'Freedom'. Over a five-decade career, Havens recorded more than 25 albums and toured globally, blending folk, soul, and jazz influences. He was also a painter, author, and social activist, supporting human rights and environmental causes. Havens' emotive delivery and open guitar tunings influenced generations of artists. His musical legacy continues to inspire audiences around the world.

Lalgudi Gopala Jayaraman was a master violinist and composer in the South Indian Carnatic tradition. Born in 1930, he revolutionized violin technique with the 'Lalgudi Bani', known for its melodic elegance and expressive bowing. Jayaraman composed hundreds of kritis, tillanas, and varnams that remain staples of Carnatic repertoire. He performed alongside renowned vocalists at major festivals worldwide, bringing the violin to center stage in Indian classical music. He received India's Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan honors for his contributions. Jayaraman also trained generations of musicians, ensuring the vitality of his artistic legacy.