June 14

Born around 1470 in Carpentras, France. He became a distinguished singer and composer in the papal chapel under Pope Leo X. Carpentras is celebrated for his richly textured masses and motets that exemplify Renaissance polyphony. His works influenced both Italian and French musical traditions of the 16th century. Few of his secular chansons survive, but his sacred music remains highly regarded. He died in Rome in 1548, leaving a lasting legacy in liturgical music.

Born in 1532 near Mons in the Spanish Netherlands, he rose to fame as a gifted singer. He traveled across Italy, serving courts in Naples, Rome, and Milan before settling in Munich. Appointed maestro di cappella by Duke Albert V of Bavaria, he composed over 2,000 works. His output includes masses, motets, madrigals, and chansons celebrated for their expressive harmony. Lassus's music influenced generations of composers well into the Baroque period. He died in Munich in 1594, leaving a monumental legacy in Western art music.

Born in 1628 in Saint-Hippolyte, Jura, Courtois moved to Italy as a young artist. He trained under Pietro da Cortona and adopted the dramatic chiaroscuro style. Known as Il Borgognone in Rome, he contributed to frescoes in churches like Santa Maria della Vittoria. Courtois collaborated with other masters on grand decorative cycles and altarpieces. His works display vigorous movement and rich coloration characteristic of the Baroque era. He died in Rome in 1679, having left a vibrant mark on 17th-century Italian art.

Mary Cassatt was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1843 and spent much of her life in France. Influenced by Degas and the Impressionists, she developed a delicate yet expressive style. Cassatt's work often focused on the private lives of women, particularly the bond between mother and child. She exhibited with the Impressionists in Paris and helped introduce their work to American audiences. Beyond painting, she produced etchings and pastels, innovating techniques in printmaking. Cassatt's art challenged social norms and opened doors for women in the male-dominated art world.

Born in Berlin in 1869, Hans Poelzig emerged as a leading figure of German Expressionist architecture and design. He oversaw the construction of the Großes Schauspielhaus in Berlin, famed for its atmospheric interior, and later designed the striking IG Farben Building, showcasing his mastery of form and function. Poelzig also worked as a painter and set designer for theatre, blending visual arts with architectural innovation. As a professor at the Technical University of Berlin and the Academy of Fine Arts in Frankfurt, he influenced a generation of architects. His bold use of materials and sculptural approach helped pave the way for modernist architecture in the 20th century.

Ahmad Zahir was a pioneering Afghan singer-songwriter whose blend of traditional Afghan music with Western pop influences earned him immense popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Known as the 'Elvis of Afghanistan', he released numerous hit songs including 'Mah-e-Munbi' and 'Khapa Khapa'. Zahir’s charismatic stage presence and emotive vocals resonated with audiences across Afghanistan. He introduced new musical styles and instrumentation, helping to modernize the country’s music scene. Born in Kabul in 1946, he recorded dozens of albums before his untimely death in 1979. His mysterious passing at the age of 33 has never been fully explained. Zahir’s music remains beloved and influential in Afghan culture to this day.

Charles Miller was an American saxophonist and flautist who gained fame as a member of the funk band War. He co-wrote and performed on the band’s signature hit 'Low Rider', which became a staple of 1970s funk music. Miller’s smooth sax lines and melodic flute solos contributed to the group’s distinctive sound. Prior to joining War, he played with various jazz and R&B ensembles in Los Angeles. His versatile musicianship helped bridge genres and influenced a generation of funk artists. Tragically, Miller was killed in 1980 at the age of 41, cutting short a vibrant career. Despite his untimely death, his work continues to be celebrated by music lovers worldwide.

Alan Jay Lerner was an American lyricist and librettist who collaborated extensively with composer Frederick Loewe to create some of Broadway’s most enduring musicals. Their partnership produced classics such as 'Brigadoon', 'My Fair Lady', and 'Camelot'. Lerner won multiple Tony Awards and Academy Awards for his work, including Best Original Song for 'The Last Time I Saw Paris'. His clever lyrics and sophisticated libretti helped define the Great American Songbook. Beyond Broadway, he wrote for film and television, adapting several musicals for the screen. Born in 1918, he studied at Harvard University before embarking on a writing career. Lerner’s contributions have left an indelible mark on musical theatre history.

Erna Berger was a German lyric soprano renowned for her crystal-clear tone and precise vocal technique. She enjoyed a distinguished career at the Berlin State Opera and performed internationally at prestigious venues such as Covent Garden and the Salzburg Festival. Berger excelled in roles by Mozart and Richard Strauss, including the Queen of the Night and Sophie in 'Der Rosenkavalier'. In addition to her operatic achievements, she appeared in a handful of films and made numerous acclaimed recordings. Born in 1900, she studied at the Leipzig Conservatory before embarking on her professional debut in 1924. Over her long career, she became one of the most recorded sopranos of her era. Berger passed away in 1990, leaving a rich legacy of performances and recordings.

Lionel Grigson was a celebrated English jazz pianist and composer whose passion for music led him to become a pioneering educator. He served as a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, shaping the careers of countless jazz musicians. His compositions blended traditional jazz elements with modern improvisation techniques. As an author of educational materials, he made significant contributions to jazz theory and pedagogy. Grigson’s dedication to teaching and performing left a lasting legacy in the British jazz community.

Henry Mancini was an American composer and conductor celebrated for crafting some of the most memorable themes in film and television. His work on 'The Pink Panther' and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' earned him multiple Academy Awards and Grammy Awards. He blended jazz, classical, and pop elements to create distinctive melodies like 'Moon River' and the Pink Panther Theme. Mancini’s prolific output included over 100 film scores and countless television themes. His influence continues to resonate in contemporary film music.

Marcel Mouloudji was a versatile French artist whose career spanned singing, acting, and poetry. He rose to fame in post-war France with his heartfelt chansons that captured the spirit of the era. As an actor, he appeared in several films and theater productions, earning critical acclaim. Mouloudji also published collections of poetry reflecting his Algerian heritage and humanist themes. His artistic legacy endures through his recordings and writings that continue to inspire audiences.