May 23

Jehan de Lescurel was an early 14th-century French trouvère whose surviving works exemplify the ars nova musical style. His compositions, often set to poetic texts, explore themes of love and chivalry. Although details of his life remain scarce, his music influenced later medieval composers. Lescurel’s oeuvre provides valuable insight into the secular culture of medieval France. His artistry bridges the worlds of poetry and music in a pivotal period of European art.

John Blitheman was born around 1525 in England. He served as organist at Christ Church, Oxford from 1553. He composed keyboard works that contributed to the English liturgical music tradition. His publications of organ music showcased early developments in English Renaissance style. Blitheman's influence extended to later generations of English organists and composers.

Frederick Ruple was born in 1871 in Switzerland and later moved to the United States. He gained recognition for his detailed portraiture and serene landscape paintings. Ruple's works were exhibited in American galleries during the early 20th century. He blended European techniques with New World themes to create a unique artistic voice. He continued to paint prolifically until his death in 1938, leaving behind a significant body of work.

Panagiotis Toundas was born in 1886 in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) and later settled in Athens. He played a key role in developing the rebetiko genre of Greek popular music. Toundas composed numerous songs that fused traditional melodies with urban themes. As a conductor and music director, he worked with leading singers and early record companies. His compositions left a lasting impact on Greek culture and continue to be performed today. Toundas also composed music for theater productions and early Greek cinema. He died in 1942, but his melodies remain staples of Mediterranean musical heritage.

Jan Frans De Boever (1872–1949) was a Belgian painter and illustrator known for his evocative and atmospheric works. He contributed illustrations to literary magazines and produced paintings that combined detailed realism with Symbolist themes. De Boever’s art often featured melancholic figures, dreamlike landscapes, and a rich color palette. He exhibited throughout Belgium and influenced contemporary illustration and fine art. His legacy endures in the nuanced interplay of light and mood in his oeuvre.

David Smith (1906–1965) was an American sculptor and painter, a leading figure in abstract expressionist sculpture. Born in Ohio, he developed iconic welded steel pieces, including his renowned Cubi series. Smith’s work bridged painting and sculpture, exploring geometric and organic forms with industrial materials. He exhibited widely in the 1950s, influencing the trajectory of modern art in the United States. His innovative approach to form and space continues to inspire sculptors and artists worldwide.

Wilhelm Kempff (1895–1991) was a German pianist celebrated for his nuanced and lyrical interpretations of classical repertoire. He recorded definitive performances of Beethoven's piano sonatas and concertos, influencing generations of musicians. Kempff also composed chamber works and Lieder, reflecting his deep engagement with melodic expression. As a teacher, he led masterclasses worldwide, shaping the techniques of aspiring pianists. He continued to perform internationally well into his eighties, demonstrating enduring artistry and technical mastery. Kempff's writings on piano playing and music interpretation remain influential in pedagogy and scholarship.

Born in 1935, Utah Phillips became an influential American folk singer-songwriter and storyteller. He worked as a railroad brakeman and was a vocal advocate for labor rights. Phillips recorded numerous albums that combined traditional folk tunes with original compositions. He was closely associated with the Industrial Workers of the World and used his music to champion social justice. His storytelling performances and radio broadcasts inspired generations of activists and musicians. Phillips remained active in the folk community until his death in 2008.

Simon Monjack was born in 1970 in England and pursued a career in the film industry as a screenwriter and producer. He worked on several independent film projects before making his directorial debut. Monjack gained public attention through his marriage to actress Brittany Murphy in 2007. His credits include writing the thriller 'Two Days, Nine Lives' and producing 'Factory Girl.' Despite his ambitions, his films received mixed reviews and limited commercial success. Monjack died unexpectedly in 2010 at the age of 39. His death, occurring just months after Murphy’s, prompted widespread speculation and media scrutiny.

Georges Moustaki was born in 1934 in Alexandria, Egypt, to Greek Jewish parents before moving to Paris as a teenager. He began writing songs for artists such as Édith Piaf, penning hits like 'Milord.' Moustaki launched his solo career in the 1960s and found acclaim with 'Le Métèque,' a poetic reflection on identity and exile. Over the course of his life, he released more than 20 albums blending folk, pop, and world music influences. His gentle voice and introspective lyrics earned him a devoted international following. A polyglot and voyager at heart, Moustaki sang in multiple languages. He died in 2013 at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of musical elegance and humanism.

Born in 1929 in Syracuse, New York, he later studied art in Germany. He developed a unique collage technique using hand-painted paper in vibrant colors. He published over 70 books, selling more than 150 million copies worldwide. Best known for the beloved classic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" (1969). His works have been translated into over 60 languages. He received numerous honors, including a place on the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award list. Eric Carle passed away in 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in children's literature and art.

Morgan Spurlock rose to prominence in 2004 with his documentary Supersize Me, in which he ate only McDonald's for 30 days, exposing the health risks of fast food. The film was nominated for an Academy Award and won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, sparking global debates on nutrition and corporate responsibility. Spurlock continued to explore corporate influence in documentaries such as The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, highlighting product placement. His immersive, participatory style defines his work, often placing himself at the center of the narrative. Beyond filmmaking, he founded his production company to support independent creators. He authored books, produced television series, and advocated for media literacy. Spurlock's work has influenced both the documentary genre and public awareness of social issues.