May 11

Juan Gris was a leading Spanish Cubist artist. He developed a distinctive style characterized by bright colors and geometric shapes. Gris's works include still lifes, portraits, and decorative compositions. He collaborated with Picasso and Braque in Paris's avant-garde circles. His analytical approach to Cubism influenced modern art's evolution. Despite a short career, he produced over 200 paintings and drawings. His legacy endures in major museums worldwide, celebrating his contribution to modernism.

Jozef Murgaš was a Slovak-American Roman Catholic priest and polymath. He immigrated to the United States, where he balanced pastoral duties with scientific inquiry. Murgaš studied botany, identifying native plant species and contributing to botanical knowledge. As an architect, he designed churches and community buildings for Slovak immigrants. He was also an accomplished painter, capturing religious and natural themes in his art. His multifaceted talents reflected a Renaissance spirit, bridging science, art, and faith. His legacy remains celebrated among Slovak communities and historians of science.

Lester Flatt (1914–1979) was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who helped define bluegrass music alongside banjo virtuoso Earl Scruggs. Together, they formed Flatt and Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, recording iconic tracks such as 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown' and 'The Ballad of Jed Clampett', the theme song for The Beverly Hillbillies. Flatt's distinctive rhythm guitar and soulful vocals brought bluegrass to a wider audience during the 1940s and 1950s. After the duo parted ways in 1969, he led the Nashville Grass band, continuing to record and perform until his death. Flatt was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985, cementing his legacy as a bluegrass pioneer.

Bob Marley (1945–1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and guitarist who became a global ambassador for reggae music and Rastafarian culture. As the leader of Bob Marley & The Wailers, he produced classics such as 'No Woman, No Cry', 'One Love', and 'Redemption Song', blending spiritual themes with social commentary. His album Exodus topped charts worldwide and has been hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time. Marley used his music to advocate for peace, human rights, and Pan-African unity, influencing generations of musicians and activists. Despite his premature death from cancer at age 36, his legacy endures through his timeless songs and the global spread of reggae culture. In 1994, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a music legend.

Chester Gould (1900–1985) was an American cartoonist who created the iconic detective comic strip 'Dick Tracy' in 1931. His stories were noted for their gritty crime narratives, grotesque villains, and futuristic gadgets, such as the two-way wrist radio. 'Dick Tracy' became a cultural phenomenon, spawning radio shows, films, and merchandise over several decades. Gould's bold art style and imaginative storytelling set new standards for newspaper comics and influenced generations of artists. He received the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist in 1958 and was posthumously inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame. After retiring in 1977, he left a legacy of over 14,000 strips that continue to captivate fans worldwide.

Born in 1935 in Platamonas, Greece, Dionysiou began his career singing in Athens nightclubs. He rose to fame in the 1960s with popular laïko hits and later wrote and composed songs reflecting Greek culture. His emotive performances and poetic lyrics made him a beloved figure in Greek music. Dionysiou recorded numerous albums and toured widely until his death in 1990. His music continues to inspire contemporary Greek artists and laïko enthusiasts.

Born in 1915 in Grandview, Indiana, Peet joined Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s, contributing to classics like 'Dumbo' and 'Snow White'. He later became a prominent story writer, shaping films such as '101 Dalmatians' and 'Sleeping Beauty'. In the 1960s, he left Disney to write and illustrate children's books based on his own experiences. His whimsical storytelling and rich illustrations have delighted readers for generations. Peet passed away in 2002, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in animation and children's literature.

Born in 1945 in Folkestone, England, Redding joined the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966. He played on landmark albums like 'Are You Experienced' and 'Axis: Bold as Love'. His melodic bass lines and rock sensibility helped define the band's groundbreaking sound. After leaving the group in 1969, he formed Fat Mattress and continued to record and tour. Redding's contributions to 1960s psychedelic rock remain influential, and he died in 2003.

Born in 1953 in Toronto, Ontario. He co-founded the band Rush in 1968 and performed on their debut album. Rutsey's high-energy drumming and innovative rhythms contributed to the band's initial success in the Canadian rock scene. He left the group in 1974 due to health issues but remained a respected figure among fans. Despite his short tenure, his work influenced many future drummers in progressive rock.