April 27

Born in Leiden in 1596, Jan van Goyen studied under Esaias van de Velde and became a pioneer of tonal landscape painting. He established his workshop in The Hague, producing over 1,200 artworks depicting rivers, dunes, and skies rendered in muted harmonies. His economical use of color and atmospheric effects influenced contemporaries such as Jacob van Ruisdael and later generations of landscape artists. Van Goyen was also active as a printmaker and art dealer, contributing to the dissemination of Dutch landscape art across Europe. Despite financial fluctuations, he remained artistically productive until his death on April 27, 1656, leaving a lasting legacy in the Golden Age.

Alexander Scriabin was a groundbreaking Russian composer and virtuoso pianist. Born in Moscow in 1872, he studied at the Moscow Conservatory and quickly gained acclaim. His early compositions were influenced by Chopin, but he later developed a unique chromatic and mystical style. Works such as Poem of Ecstasy reflect his fascination with spirituality and synesthesia. He also experimented with a color organ, integrating light and sound in performance. Scriabin's visionary musical ideas influenced modernist composers throughout the 20th century.

Olivier Messiaen was a leading 20th-century French composer and organist whose works explored rhythm, color, and mysticism. Born in 1908, he served as organist at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité in Paris for over six decades. Messiaen's compositions, such as Quartet for the End of Time and Catalogue d'oiseaux, drew inspiration from nature, especially bird songs he meticulously transcribed. He taught at the Paris Conservatoire, mentoring composers like Pierre Boulez. His unique harmonic language and devout Catholic faith influenced contemporary music worldwide. Messiaen received numerous honors, including the Grand-Croix of the Légion d'honneur. He passed away in 1992.

Gilles Grangier was a French filmmaker renowned for directing and co-writing films that resonated with wide audiences from the 1950s through the 1970s. Born in 1911, he collaborated with major stars like Jean Gabin and crafted box-office successes blending humor and social realism. His notable works include Le Cave se rebiffe and L’Âge ingrat, showcasing his talent for character-driven storytelling. Grangier’s accessible style made him a stalwart of French cinema outside the New Wave movement. He also nurtured young actors and crew members, leaving a mark on the industry’s next generation. Over a career spanning five decades, he directed more than 50 films. Grangier passed away in 1996, remembered for his enduring cinematic legacy.

Born in 1922 in New Orleans, Al Hirt began playing the trumpet at a young age. He gained fame as a bandleader and studio musician in the 1950s and 1960s. Hirt's 1964 recording 'Java' reached the Billboard Top 10 and won a Grammy Award. He performed regularly at his New Orleans club, 'The Club Mardi Gras', and on national television. Known for his energetic style and virtuosity, he recorded over 100 albums. Hirt remained active in music until his death in 1999, leaving a lasting impact on jazz and popular music.

Born in 1927 in Baku, Mstislav Rostropovich studied at the Moscow Conservatory, rising to fame as a cellist. He premiered and championed works by Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and other 20th-century composers. Rostropovich served as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., from 1977 to 1994. He used his international stature to support dissident artists in the Soviet Union, aligning with human rights causes. Rostropovich recorded extensively, winning multiple Grammy Awards for his performances. He continued performing and conducting worldwide until his death in 2007, leaving a profound musical legacy.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Marian Mercer began her career on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for her performance in 'Promises, Promises'. She transitioned to television, starring as Barbara in the sitcom 'It's a Living', where her comedic talents shone. Mercer also appeared in soap operas and made-for-TV movies, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and singer. She toured nationally in musical productions, captivating audiences with her strong vocals and charm. Known for her warm personality and impeccable timing, she remained active in theater and TV into her later years. Her contributions to stage and screen have left an enduring mark on American entertainment.

Born in 1980 in Quezon City, Philippines, Jiggly Caliente moved to the United States as a child and discovered her passion for performance. She gained fame competing on season 4 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' in 2012, becoming a fan favorite for her charisma and candor. Beyond drag, she pursued a music career, releasing dance-pop singles and music videos. Jiggly has also acted in stage productions and podcasts, advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and immigrant rights. Her bold performances and authentic persona have made her a beloved figure in drag culture.