May 20

Andreas Schlüter was born in 1664 and became a leading Baroque artist for Frederick I of Prussia. His dynamic sculptures and architectural designs transformed the facades of Berlin palaces, triumphal arches, and public squares. Schlüter's works combined classical motifs with dramatic movement, influencing Northern European art for decades. As an architect, he created cohesive urban ensembles that showcased the power and prestige of the Prussian monarchy. His career reflected the ambitions of a rising European state, and his death in 1714 left behind a legacy etched in stone across Berlin's historic center.

Born in 1726 in Middlesex, Francis Cotes became a pioneer of pastel portraiture in 18th-century England. He trained under established artists before launching a studio that attracted aristocratic patrons. Cotes's portraits are celebrated for their vibrant use of color, soft textures, and sensitive likenesses. In 1768, he was elected to the inaugural Royal Academy, where he influenced institutional standards for fine art. He also experimented with mezzotint engraving, expanding his creative scope. Though he died young in 1770, his technical innovations had a lasting impact on British portraiture.

William Thornton was born in 1759 on the island of Tortola and later studied medicine and the arts in Europe. His neoclassical design for the United States Capitol was selected in a 1793 competition, becoming an enduring symbol of American democracy. Thornton served as the first Superintendent of the Patent Office, championing innovation and protecting inventors' rights. He held patents for diverse inventions, from mechanical devices to medicinal recipes. A true Enlightenment polymath, his contributions spanned architecture, science, and public service. He died in 1828, leaving a multifaceted legacy in the young United States.

Henri-Edmond Cross (1856–1910) was a leading figure of Neo-Impressionism in France. Born Henri-Edmond-Joseph Delacroix in Douai, he adopted the name Cross in homage to contemporary poets. He studied in Paris and embraced divisionism, applying dots of pure color to achieve luminous effects. Cross exhibited with artists like Paul Signac and Camille Pissarro and became known for serene coastal views and lush countryside scenes. His works, such as 'The Golden Isles' and 'Capo di Noli', exemplify his mastery of color harmony. Cross's innovations influenced later movements like Fauvism and cemented his reputation in modern art history.

Eduard Ole (1898-1995) was a prominent Estonian artist known for his vibrant landscapes and figurative works. He studied at art academies in Saint Petersburg and Paris, absorbing techniques from Impressionism and Fauvism. Returning to Estonia, he taught at the Pallas Art School, influencing a generation of Estonian painters. Ole experimented with modernist styles, integrating bold colors and dynamic compositions. He also designed stage sets and posters, showcasing his versatility across visual arts. His enduring body of work captures Estonia’s natural beauty and cultural spirit.

Aleksandr Deyneka (1899-1969) was a leading Soviet artist celebrated for his socialist realist paintings. He portrayed large-scale scenes of industrial labor, modern machinery, and athletic vigor with bold forms. Deyneka studied at the VKhUTEMAS in Moscow, where he embraced avant-garde movements before focusing on realism. His murals and mosaics adorned public buildings, depicting the Soviet Union’s industrial and agricultural achievements. He also created sculptures and graphic art, contributing to the visual identity of Soviet modernity. His dynamic compositions continue to influence Russian art and the study of 20th-century realism.

Carl Mydans was a pioneering Life magazine photographer whose work captured defining moments of the 20th century, including the Dust Bowl, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Nuremberg trials. Born in Massachusetts, he began his career with the Farm Security Administration before becoming one of Life's earliest staff members. Mydans's powerful photographs combined artistic composition with journalistic storytelling, shaping public understanding of war and social hardship. He traveled extensively, covering conflicts in Europe and Asia, and his images remain historic records of human resilience and struggle.

Louis Smith was born in Memphis, Tennessee and emerged as a leading hard bop trumpeter in the 1950s. He recorded acclaimed albums such as "Here Comes Louis Smith" and performed with jazz greats including Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley. In addition to performing, Smith was a respected music educator at several universities. His crisp tone and lyrical improvisations influenced a generation of trumpet players. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of classic jazz recordings.

Frederick Earl "Shorty" Long began his musical career in the early 1960s in Detroit. He signed with Motown's Soul Records and became known for blending upbeat soul grooves with playful lyrics. His single "Here Comes the Judge" reached the Top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1968. He wrote songs for other Motown artists and produced several tracks that helped define the label's sound. Long was one of the few white artists on Soul Records, bringing a unique voice to the roster. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he died in a car accident in 1969 at the age of 29. He remains a cult figure in the Northern Soul scene.

Albano Carrisi, known professionally as Al Bano, was born in Cellino San Marco, Italy, in 1943. He began his career in the early 1960s, releasing his first single in 1965. In 1975, he formed the duo Al Bano & Romina Power with his wife, Romina Power, achieving international success with hits like "Felicità" and "Sharazan." They represented Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976. Carrisi also pursued acting roles in Italian films and television. Inheriting his family's vineyards, he founded Cantine Carrisi, producing award-winning wines that reflect the Puglian terroir. He has written an autobiography and continues to perform live. Albano's enduring influence spans music, film, and viticulture.

Joe Cocker was an English singer whose soulful vocals and energetic stage presence made him a rock icon. He first gained international attention with a passionate cover of the Beatles' 'With a Little Help from My Friends' at Woodstock in 1969. Over a career spanning five decades, Cocker released numerous hit albums and singles, blending rock, blues, and soul influences. His distinctive raspy voice and emotional delivery resonated with audiences worldwide. He continued to tour extensively and record new material into the 2010s. Joe Cocker's legacy endures through his powerful recordings and unforgettable live performances.

Boudewijn de Groot rose to fame in the 1960s as a leading figure in the Dutch folk and pop scene. His poetic lyrics and acoustic guitar style resonated with a generation seeking thoughtful songwriting. He released a string of critically acclaimed albums that combined introspective themes with melodic arrangements. De Groot's work bridged folk traditions and modern pop sensibilities, influencing countless artists in the Netherlands and beyond. Throughout his career, he continued to experiment with different genres, collaborating with poets and composers. His enduring impact has cemented him as one of the Netherlands' most respected musical voices.