May 10

Jean-Marie Leclair was born in Lyon in 1697 and became celebrated for his virtuosic violin technique. He served in the court of King Louis XV, composing sonatas, concertos, and orchestral suites that blended Italian virtuosity with French elegance. Leclair founded the French violin school, training a generation of influential violinists. His scholarly knowledge of harmony and counterpoint informed his innovative compositions. Despite his success, his life ended tragically in 1764 when he was murdered under mysterious circumstances. Today, Leclair’s works remain central to the violin repertoire and showcase the refinement of the Baroque era.

Born in 1760, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle trained as an engineer in the French Army. In 1792, while stationed in Strasbourg, he composed the 'Chant de guerre pour l'armée du Rhin,' later known as 'La Marseillaise.' The stirring melody and lyrics quickly became a revolutionary anthem, symbolizing French national identity. Rouget de Lisle’s musical talent and patriotic fervor left a lasting impact on French culture. After a varied career as a soldier and civil servant, he witnessed the anthem's enduring popularity. He died in 1836, his name forever linked to one of the world’s most famous national songs.

Konstantinos Parthenis (1878–1967) was a pioneering Greek painter celebrated for his innovative stylistic fusion. Educated in Athens, Munich, and Vienna, he blended elements of Symbolism, Impressionism, and Cubism in his art. Parthenis's works often featured religious and mythological themes portrayed with bold colors and lyrical forms. He played a central role in the development of modern Greek art and influenced generations of painters. Parthenis taught painting at the Athens School of Fine Arts, shaping the artistic landscape of Greece. His legacy endures in major Greek museums and international art exhibitions.

Max Steiner (1888–1971) was an Austrian-American composer and conductor often called the "father of film music." He composed over 300 film scores, including classics like "King Kong," "Gone with the Wind," and "Casablanca." Steiner pioneered the use of leitmotifs to enhance film narratives and emotional impact. He won three Academy Awards for Best Original Score and received several additional nominations. Originally trained in Vienna's musical tradition, he emigrated to Hollywood in 1929 to join RKO Pictures. His innovations set the standard for cinematic scoring and influenced generations of film composers.

Mahmoud Mokhtar (1891–1934) was an Egyptian sculptor and academic known as a pioneer of modern Egyptian art. Educated at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he integrated Pharaonic and Islamic motifs with contemporary sculpture techniques. Mokhtar's most famous work, "Egypt's Awakening," symbolizes the rise of Egyptian nationalism in the 1920s. He taught at the Cairo School of Fine Arts, influencing a generation of Egyptian artists. His sculptures can be found in public spaces and museums throughout Egypt and abroad. Mokhtar's legacy endures as a formative figure in the development of a distinct modern Egyptian identity in the arts.

Tonita Peña (1893–1949) was a Native American artist from San Ildefonso Pueblo, recognized for her watercolors and murals. She was one of the first women to gain prominence in Pueblo artistic traditions, depicting ceremonial dances and daily life. Peña's delicate yet expressive style captured the spiritual and cultural heritage of her community. She exhibited her work at the Santa Fe Indian Market and national art shows, breaking gender barriers. As a member of the San Ildefonso tribal council, she also advocated for Native rights and cultural preservation. Her art remains celebrated for its authenticity and influence on Native American art movements.

Dimitri Tiomkin (1894–1979) was a Ukrainian-American composer and conductor best known for his Hollywood film scores. He composed memorable music for films such as "High Noon," "The Plainsman," and "Dial M for Murder." Tiomkin collaborated with director Frank Capra and lyricist Ned Washington to create iconic theme songs. He won four Academy Awards and received multiple nominations for Best Original Score. Born in the Russian Empire, he studied at the Conservatoire de Saint Petersburg before emigrating to the U.S. His lush orchestration and thematic depth made him one of the most beloved film composers of his era.

Alex Schomburg produced hundreds of striking covers for comic books during the 1940s and 1950s, working for publishers like Timely Comics (now Marvel) and Fawcett Comics. Born in Puerto Rico, he moved to New York City and studied at the School of Industrial Art. His dynamic compositions featured superheroes, science fiction, and adventure themes, influencing future generations of comic artists. After comics, Schomburg applied his talent to technical illustration and postage stamp designs. He was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.

Maybelle Carter was a pioneering American musician born in 1909 in Maces Spring, Virginia. She gained fame as a member of the Carter Family, one of the first commercial country music groups. Known for her innovative autoharp playing style, she helped define the sound of early country music. Over her career, she performed and recorded widely with family members. Carter's influence can be heard in the work of later country and folk artists. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970 and continued performing until her death in 1978.

Bert Weedon was an English guitarist born in 1920 in Highbury, London. He rose to prominence as a session musician and solo artist in the 1950s and 1960s. His 1957 instruction book, 'Play in a Day,' introduced countless young players to the electric guitar. Weedon's clean, melodic playing influenced British rock pioneers such as Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney. He received an MBE for services to music in 2001. Weedon continued performing and teaching until his death in 2012.

Larry Williams was born in New Orleans in 1935 and emerged as a pioneering rock and roll artist in the late 1950s. He wrote and recorded hits such as Bony Moronie and Dizzy Miss Lizzy, which were later covered by the Beatles and other prominent bands. Williams blended rhythm and blues with catchy pop melodies, significantly influencing the British Invasion. In addition to his performing career, he worked as a pianist and producer for other artists. His personal life included struggles with law enforcement, but his musical legacy has endured. Williams passed away in 1980, yet his contributions to popular music remain celebrated.

Arthur Alexander was born in Sheffield, Alabama, in 1940 and developed a unique blend of country, soul, and pop. He wrote classics like Anna (Go to Him) and You Better Move On, both of which became hits for other artists. The Beatles and Rolling Stones covered his songs early in their careers, solidifying his influence on rock music. Alexander's smooth vocals and heartfelt songwriting earned him respect among musicians despite limited commercial success. He continued recording and performing into the early 1990s. Alexander passed away in 1993, and his work has since been rediscovered and celebrated for its timeless appeal.