May 02

Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian Renaissance polymath whose interests spanned art and science. Born in 1452 in Vinci, he became renowned for his masterful paintings such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. His studies in anatomy, engineering, and optics influenced both art and scientific inquiry. Leonardo conceived innovative designs for flying machines, armored vehicles, and intricate mechanical devices. Though few of his inventions were realized in his lifetime, his notebooks reveal a profound curiosity and analytical mind. His legacy endures as a symbol of the Renaissance ideal of the universal genius.

Lodovico Grossi da Viadana (1560–1627) was an Italian composer and one of the first to publish music with figured bass, laying the foundation for the basso continuo practice central to Baroque music. Born in Viadana, he served as maestro di cappella in several Italian cathedrals, including those in Salò and Mantua. His influential collection 'Cento Concerti Ecclesiastici' (1602) introduced harmonized sacred music accessible to smaller ensembles. Viadana's pedagogical approach and publications shaped the transition from Renaissance polyphony to the expressive styles of the 17th century. His work inspired composers across Europe and remains studied for its role in the evolution of Western musical notation and harmony.

Mary Moser was one of the first female professional artists in Britain, born in 1744 in Montgomeryshire. She gained acclaim for her delicate and precise botanical and animal paintings, often featured in aristocratic collections. In 1768, she became one of the two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Her work was celebrated for its vibrant use of color and naturalistic detail, influencing floral painting traditions. Moser also contributed designs for decorative artworks in royal palaces. She continued to exhibit and teach until her death on May 2, 1819, leaving a lasting legacy in British art history.

Giacomo Meyerbeer was born Jacob Liebmann Beer in Berlin in 1791 and studied music under Carl Friedrich Zelter. He became a leading exponent of French grand opera, composing groundbreaking works such as Les Huguenots, Le Prophète, and Robert le Diable with lavish staging and dramatic intensity. His operas combined innovative orchestration with compelling narratives and influenced composers throughout Europe. Meyerbeer also served as director of the Berlin Opera and educated aspiring musicians across the continent. His fame peaked in the mid-19th century despite later criticism, and he left an enduring operatic legacy. He died on May 2, 1864, after a career that reshaped the operatic art form.

Homer Davenport was born in Silverton, Oregon, in 1867 and began his career as a cartoonist selling sketches to local newspapers. His bold political cartoons for William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal shaped public opinion during the Progressive Era with sharp satire and expressive line work. Davenport's illustrations of figures like President Theodore Roosevelt captured the spirit of the times and earned him national acclaim. He was also passionate about Arabian horses and established the first American breeding program for purebred Arabians. Through his dual pursuits in journalism and horse breeding, Davenport left marks on both media and equestrian history. He died on May 2, 1912, remembered for his pioneering influence in art and horsemanship.

Born in Hungary in 1908, Pal began his career as an illustrator before moving into animation. He developed the Puppetoons series at Paramount, showcasing his innovative stop-motion techniques. In the 1940s, he moved to Hollywood and produced a string of acclaimed science fiction films, including the Academy Award-winning adaptation of "The War of the Worlds." Pal’s creativity influenced generations of animators and special effects artists, earning him an honorary Oscar in 1944. He founded Galaxy Studios and continued to produce memorable films such as "Tom Thumb" and "The Time Machine." Pal’s visionary work helped establish stop-motion animation as a respected art form in the film industry.

Bob Clampett was a pioneering animator and writer at Warner Bros. who helped popularize the Looney Tunes series. He is credited with developing the early personality of Bugs Bunny and directing iconic shorts such as "Porky’s Duck Hunt." Later, he produced and directed animated shows for television, including "Beany and Cecil." Clampett’s bold artistic style and comedic timing influenced generations of animators. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to animation. Even after leaving Warner Bros., Clampett continued to advocate for animation education and preservation until his death in 1984.

Larry Clinton was a leading trumpet soloist and bandleader during the swing era, popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s. His orchestra produced hit records such as "My Reverie" and "Heart and Soul," blending classical melodies with big band jazz. Clinton’s inventive arrangements and charismatic performances made his band a staple on radio broadcasts. He collaborated with vocalists like Bea Wain, whose voice became synonymous with his orchestra’s sound. During World War II, his music provided a soundtrack for American troops abroad. After the war, Clinton transitioned to studio work, composing for television and film before retiring in the 1950s.

Hide, born Hideto Matsumoto, was a founding member and lead guitarist of the influential rock band X Japan. His flamboyant style and virtuoso guitar work helped define the visual kei movement in Japan. Beyond the band, he enjoyed a successful solo career with hits like 'Rocket Dive' and 'Pink Spider'. He also worked as a producer for other artists and explored electronic and pop influences. Hide was admired for his fearless experimentation and charismatic stage presence. His untimely death in 1998 at the age of 33 shocked fans worldwide. He remains an enduring figure in Japanese music and subculture.

Sundar Popo pioneered the fusion of traditional Indian folk music with Caribbean rhythms, creating what is now known as chutney music. He rose to fame in the 1970s with his hit song 'Nana and Nana', which celebrated Indo-Trinidadian culture. Popo's blend of English, Hindi, and Trinidadian Creole lyrics resonated with diverse audiences across the Caribbean. Over his four-decade career, he released numerous albums and toured internationally. He inspired generations of artists in the Indo-Caribbean diaspora and helped bring their heritage to mainstream attention. Popo's legacy endures as a symbol of cultural pride and musical innovation in Trinidad and beyond.

Kiyoshiro Imawano was born in Tokyo in 1951 and rose to fame as the lead vocalist and lyricist for RC Succession. He helped define Japanese rock music with his distinctive voice and politically charged lyrics. Over his career, he released solo albums and collaborated with artists across genres. Imawano also worked as a music producer and occasionally appeared as an actor in film and theater. His charismatic stage presence earned him a passionate fan base in Japan and beyond. Imawano’s influence on Japanese music culture remains strong decades after his passing in 2009.

Lynn Redgrave was born in London in 1943 into the renowned Redgrave acting family. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Georgy Girl (1966). Redgrave appeared in major films, television series, and Broadway productions throughout her career. In addition to acting, she recorded music albums showcasing her singing talent. Redgrave also wrote and performed one-woman shows that drew on her personal experiences. Her warmth, wit, and versatility made her a beloved figure in both the UK and the United States until her death in 2010.