June 13

Born in 1173 as the son of master sculptor Kōkei, Tankei inherited the prestigious Kei school tradition. Under the patronage of the Kamakura shogunate, he crafted monumental works for temples such as Tōdai-ji and Tsurugaoka Hachimangū. His statues are distinguished by lifelike detail, dynamic pose, and expressive faces that capture both serenity and strength. Tankei’s most famous works include the Nio guardian figures at Tōdai-ji, which exemplify his skill at blending realism with spiritual intensity. He trained a new generation of artists, ensuring that his innovative approach influenced Japanese Buddhist art for centuries. Tankei’s contributions marked a high point in medieval Japanese sculpture and continue to be admired today.

Nikiforos Lytras was born in 1832 on the island of Tinos, Greece. He studied painting at the Athens School of Fine Arts and later in Munich under Karl von Piloty. His work blended academic realism with Greek traditions, focusing on everyday life and folklore. In 1860, he became a professor at the Athens School of Fine Arts and influenced generations of Greek artists. Lytras is celebrated for his genre scenes, portraits, and contribution to establishing a national Greek artistic identity. He died in Athens in 1904, leaving a lasting legacy in modern Greek art.

Louis-Philippe Hébert was born in 1850 in Ste-Sophie, Canada East. He apprenticed under Montreal sculptor Guillaume Joseph Rondeau before studying in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts. After returning to Canada in 1877, he received commissions for numerous public monuments and church decorations. His notable works include statues of Sir George-Étienne Cartier on Parliament Hill and Queen Victoria in Quebec City. Hébert's sculptural style blended realism with romantic detail, capturing national historical figures with elegance. He was honored with the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his artistic contributions. His legacy endures in the many bronze and stone monuments that dot Canada's landscape.

Demetrio Stratos was born Efstratios Demetriou in 1945 in Alexandria, Egypt to Greek parents. A self-taught vocalist, he mastered extended vocal techniques and explored the human voice's full range. In the early 1970s he moved to Italy and co-founded the progressive rock band Area, blending jazz, rock, and political lyrics. Stratos’s groundbreaking solo concerts showcased vocal improvisation, electroacoustic experiments, and voice research. He published essays on vocal physiology and collaborated with composers in contemporary music. His dedication to pushing sonic boundaries influenced experimental musicians worldwide. Stratos’s untimely death from a rare blood disorder in 1979 cut short a revolutionary career. His legacy endures through his recordings and his role in expanding the possibilities of vocal art.

António Variações was a groundbreaking Portuguese musician born in 1944. Originally working as a hairdresser, he rose to fame in the late 1970s with his distinct style and eclectic sound. His debut album "Anjo da Guarda" fused fado influences with rock, disco and folk, breaking new ground in Portuguese pop music. Variações became an iconic figure for his striking costumes and charismatic performances. Despite a brief recording career, he left a lasting legacy on Portuguese music culture. He passed away at the age of 39, but his songs continue to be celebrated by new generations.

Benny Goodman, born in Chicago in 1909, rose to fame in the 1930s as a leading jazz clarinetist and bandleader. Dubbed the 'King of Swing', he led one of the most popular big bands of the era, bringing swing music to mainstream audiences. His historic 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall is considered a landmark in jazz history. Goodman championed racial integration in music by hiring both black and white musicians, breaking barriers in the industry. Over his career, he recorded numerous hit records and received awards for his contributions to jazz. He toured extensively and remained active as a performer into his later years. Goodman passed away in 1986, leaving a legacy that shaped the evolution of American music.

Alfred Gerrard was born in 1899 in England and established himself as a leading sculptor of the 20th century. His works, ranging from war memorials to portrait busts, blended classical techniques with modern expression. Gerrard taught at the Royal College of Art as a professor of sculpture, shaping the careers of many prominent artists. He exhibited widely across Britain and Europe, earning accolades for his contributions to public art. He also published essays on technique and art history, mentoring numerous students who became noted sculptors. Gerrard's commitment to both creative practice and pedagogy earned him recognition and several honors. He passed away in 1998, leaving a lasting mark on British sculpture and academia.

Reg Smythe was an influential English cartoonist who created the long running comic strip Andy Capp in 1957. The series features the misadventures of a working class northern Englishman and his patient wife Flo. Andy Capp became a cultural phenomenon and was syndicated worldwide in newspapers. Smythe captured the humor and struggles of everyday life with distinctive artwork and sharp wit. He continued to draw the strip until his death, leaving behind a legacy in British popular culture.

David Diamond was a prominent American composer and pianist whose music combined Neo Romantic expressiveness with modern harmonic language. He wrote symphonies, concertos, chamber pieces, and film scores, earning acclaim for his melodic richness and structural clarity. Diamond received awards including multiple Guggenheim Fellowships and the New York Critics Circle Award. He taught at institutions such as the Juilliard School and influenced a generation of composers. His recordings and performances continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and craftsmanship.

Jimmy Dean was an American country music singer, actor, and entrepreneur. He shot to fame with his 1961 hit single "Big Bad John", which topped charts worldwide. In 1969, he founded Jimmy Dean Foods, revolutionizing the breakfast sausage market. Dean also pursued acting, appearing in television and film roles including on Gunsmoke. His blend of musical talent and business acumen made him a cultural icon. He received multiple Grammy nominations and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Dean passed away in 2010 at the age of 81, leaving a dual legacy in music and food.

Graeme Bell was an influential Australian jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. He led the Graeme Bell Jazz Gang, introducing Dixieland jazz to international audiences. His 1948 European tour helped popularize Australian jazz across the continent. Bell composed numerous jazz standards that blended traditional styles with local influences. He was honored with the Order of Australia for his contributions to music. Generations of Australian jazz musicians credit him as a mentor and inspiration. Bell passed away in 2012 at the age of 98, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

Jože Humer was a Slovenian composer, educator, and translator. He created a wide range of choral and instrumental works performed in Slovenia and abroad. As a professor at the Ljubljana Academy of Music, he influenced many young musicians. Humer translated key literary and musical texts into Slovenian, enriching the cultural dialogue. He received national awards for his artistic and academic achievements. Humer passed away in 2012 at the age of 78, remembered for his dual legacy in music and literature.