May 09

Born in 1740 in Taranto, Paisiello studied under composer Niccolò Piccinni and quickly gained fame for his melodic gift. He served as court composer for Catherine the Great in Russia and later for King Ferdinand IV of Naples. Paisiello wrote over 80 operas, including the original The Barber of Seville, renowned for its graceful arias. Beyond the stage, he composed masses, oratorios, and chamber music which shaped European musical tastes. As a teacher at the Naples Conservatory, he influenced a generation of composers in Italy. He died in 1816, leaving a legacy as one of the most prolific and elegant composers of his time.

James Collinson was born in 1825 in London and became an early member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His works often depicted medieval and biblical scenes imbued with rich color and attention to detail. Collinson's notable paintings include ‘The Renunciation of St. Elizabeth of Hungary’ and ‘Florimel’. He balanced artistic pursuits with religious commitments, briefly leaving painting to join a brotherhood. His return to art saw him produce works that bridged Victorian aesthetics and medieval revivalism. Collinson's legacy endures as a key figure in 19th-century British art. He died in 1881, leaving a body of work celebrated for its moral earnestness and beauty.

Julius Röntgen was born in 1855 in Leipzig, Germany, to a family of musicians and moved to the Netherlands at age 21. He composed over 600 works, including symphonies, chamber music, piano pieces, and choral works, blending German Romantic and Dutch influences. Röntgen co-founded the Amsterdam Conservatory and played a key role in Dutch musical life as a teacher, mentor, and performer. His friendships with Brahms and Grieg enriched his compositional style and helped promote his works internationally. Röntgen organized musical salons and festivals, nurturing talent and expanding audiences for classical music. He continued composing until his death in 1932, leaving a vast oeuvre admired for its lyrical beauty and craftsmanship.

George Barker was born in 1882 and became recognized for his expressive use of color and dynamic compositions. He studied at the Art Students League of New York, where he developed his distinctive style blending realism and modernist influences. Barker's work often featured serene landscapes, urban scenes, and intimate portraits capturing human emotion. He exhibited regularly in galleries across the United States and Europe, earning critical acclaim. Barker's paintings are part of numerous museum collections, showcasing his contributions to American art. Beyond painting, he taught at several art schools, mentoring younger artists. He died in 1965, remembered for his vivid artistic vision.

Gianni Vella was born in 1885 in Malta and became a prominent 20th-century Maltese artist. He studied at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, mastering techniques in fresco and oil painting. Vella's work included vibrant religious murals adorning churches across Malta and detailed portraits of local figures. He co-founded the Malta Society of Arts and played a key role in developing Maltese cultural life. Vella's style combined traditional iconography with modernist elements, creating works that resonated with both ecclesiastical and secular audiences. In addition to painting, he taught art and influenced a generation of Maltese artists. He died in 1977, leaving a rich artistic heritage that continues to be celebrated.

Richard Day enjoyed a prolific career in Hollywood, working on over 400 films from the silent era into the 1960s. He won three Academy Awards for Best Art Direction for The Dark Angel (1935), My Son John (1952), and In the Heat of the Night (1967). Day collaborated with directors like Ernst Lubitsch and Frank Capra, shaping the visual tone of comedies, dramas, and thrillers. His innovative designs and attention to detail set industry standards for production design. After retiring, he lectured on film art direction, influencing a new generation of designers. Day's creative legacy continues to be studied in film schools around the world.

Born in Barletta, Italy, Carlo Maria Giulini studied violin, piano, and conducting at the Milan Conservatory. He led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as music director and guest-conducted top ensembles worldwide. Giulini was acclaimed for his deep musical insight, particularly in works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Verdi. His recordings with the Vienna Philharmonic and London Philharmonic remain benchmarks of orchestral performance. He devoted his later years to teaching and editing music, leaving a legacy of artistic integrity and passion.

Born in 1914, Hank Snow began performing on regional radio before rising to national prominence with 'I'm Movin' On.' His breakthrough single topped the country charts for 21 weeks and helped define the honky-tonk sound. Known for his smooth vocals and skilled guitar playing, he recorded over 50 albums throughout his career. Snow was among the first country stars to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979. His influence is heard in artists from Johnny Cash to Merle Haggard, cementing his status as a genre pioneer.

Born in Moscow, Okudzhava came from a family of Georgian and Ukrainian descent. He served in World War II, an experience that influenced much of his later work. In the 1950s, he emerged as one of the first Soviet bards, writing songs that blended poetry with simple guitar accompaniment. His lyrics often reflected themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the human cost of war. Okudzhava also published collections of poems, short stories, and essays, earning acclaim as an author. Despite censorship, his music circulated widely by word of mouth, cementing his status as a cultural icon. He passed away in Paris in 1997, leaving a lasting influence on Russian music and literature.

Born John Nokie Edwards in Lahoma, Oklahoma, he taught himself guitar at an early age. Edwards joined The Ventures in 1960 and helped shape the surf rock sound with tracks like 'Walk, Don't Run.' His melodic playing style influenced generations of guitarists and instrumental rock bands. He also released solo albums showcasing his versatility in jazz and blues. Edwards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Ventures in 2008. He continued performing live into his seventies, inspiring fans worldwide. Nokie Edwards passed away in 2018, leaving a lasting impact on guitar music.

Dave Prater formed the legendary soul duo Sam and Dave in the 1960s, captivating audiences with electrifying performances. His raw, passionate voice defined hits such as Soul Man and Hold On Im Comin. Prater’s energetic stage presence and powerful duets with Sam Moore left an indelible mark on the soul and R&B genre. The duo’s success helped shape the sound of Atlantic Records and influenced countless artists. Prater’s contributions endure as cornerstones of classic soul music.

James L. Brooks pioneered a new style of television comedy with series like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Taxi. He transitioned to film, writing and directing critically acclaimed movies such as Terms of Endearment and As Good as It Gets. Brooks has won multiple Academy Awards, Emmys, and Golden Globes for his writing, producing, and directing. His empathetic storytelling and character-driven narratives have left a lasting impact on both small and big screens. Brooks continues to influence contemporary screenwriters and directors with his innovative approach.