June 18

Born around 1400 in Tournai, Rogier van der Weyden moved to Brussels where he became the city’s official painter. His works, such as the Descent from the Cross, are renowned for their dramatic intensity and masterful use of color and composition. He influenced a generation of Northern European artists with his realistic detail and emotional depth. Van der Weyden’s portraits and devotional paintings were highly sought after by European courts and the Church. He died in 1464, leaving a legacy as one of the most important painters of the 15th century.

Michel Richard Delalande (1657–1726) was a leading French organist and composer of the Baroque era. He held the prestigious position of master of music at the royal chapel of Versailles. Delalande composed numerous grands motets, blending French grandeur with Italian influences. His works were regularly performed at court ceremonies and religious services. He collaborated closely with Jean-Baptiste Lully to shape the musical taste of Louis XIV's reign. Delalande's sacred compositions remain central to the repertoire of French Baroque music. He died in 1726 after a prolific career that spanned over five decades.

Born in 1870 in Aynor, South Carolina, Arthur Pryor rose to fame as a trombonist and soloist with John Philip Sousa's band. In 1897, he formed his own Pryor Band, becoming one of the most celebrated bandleaders of his era. Pryor composed popular instrumental pieces and expanded the trombone repertoire with technical showpieces. Later in life, he entered politics and served as a U.S. Representative for New Jersey from 1933 until his death. He passed away on June 18, 1942, remembered for his dual career in music and public service.

Giorgio Morandi (1890–1964) was an Italian painter and printmaker renowned for his contemplative still life works. Born in Bologna, he studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti and developed a distinctive style characterized by muted colors and simple geometric shapes. Morandi's paintings often featured everyday objects like bottles, vases, and jars arranged on tabletops. He focused on exploring form, light, and shadow to evoke quiet introspection. Although he received critical acclaim during his lifetime, his work gained even greater recognition posthumously. Morandi taught at his alma mater for many years, influencing generations of artists. His legacy endures as a master of modern European art, whose minimalism continues to inspire.

Terence Fisher (1904–1980) was a British film director and screenwriter best known for revitalizing Gothic horror at Hammer Film Productions. He directed landmark titles such as "The Curse of Frankenstein", "Dracula", and "The Mummy", which redefined the genre with their vivid color and atmospheric style. Fisher’s work blended classical horror themes with innovative cinematography and bold performances, setting new standards for on-screen terror. Before joining Hammer, he began his career directing quota quickies and occasional documentaries. Over his four-decade career, he developed a signature visual flair characterized by dramatic lighting and meticulous set design. Fisher’s collaborations with actors like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing became legendary in horror cinema circles. His films have since attained cult status, influencing generations of filmmakers and horror enthusiasts worldwide.

Born in Paris in 1892, Paul Colin became a leading figure of the Art Deco movement, creating iconic posters that captured the energy of 1920s entertainment. He collaborated with performers like Josephine Baker to produce images that defined the era's style and glamour. Colin's innovative use of color, typography, and composition influenced graphic design for decades. He also founded Atelier 17, a workshop that nurtured many artists and printmakers. His works remain housed in major museums and continue to inspire modern designers.

Born in 1944 in Tenterfield, Australia, Peter Allen rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the cabaret scene in Sydney. He found international success with songs like 'I Go to Rio' and 'I Still Call Australia Home,' showcasing his flair for melody and lyricism. Allen's dynamic stage presence and flamboyant costumes made him a beloved performer in both nightclub circuits and Broadway. He won a Tony Award for co-writing the musical 'Legs Diamond' and married Liza Minnelli in 1967. Allen's life and music were celebrated posthumously in the hit musical 'The Boy from Oz' after his death in 1992.

Born Max Bronstein in Poland in 1896, Mordecai Ardon studied at the Berlin Academy before immigrating to Palestine in 1933. As a professor at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, he shaped a generation of Israeli artists with his visionary approach. Ardon's paintings combined biblical themes, Kabbalistic symbolism, and modernist techniques, earning him international acclaim. He represented Israel at the Venice Biennale and created murals for public spaces. Ardon's work is celebrated for its rich color, depth of meaning, and pioneering impact on Israeli art until his death in 1992.

Hank Medress was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1938 and gained fame as lead vocalist for the doo-wop group The Tokens. The group achieved international success with their 1961 hit 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight', which remains a staple of popular music. After his singing career, Medress transitioned to record production, working with artists such as Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand, and Melissa Manchester. He co-founded a production company and produced numerous hit records throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Medress was praised for his musical versatility and behind-the-scenes influence in the music industry. His contributions helped shape the sound of popular music in the mid-twentieth century.

Georges Thurston, also known by his stage name Boule Noire, was born in Montreal in 1951 and became a prominent figure in Canadian soul and pop music. He released his breakthrough single 'Aimer d'Amour' in 1978, which became a cross-cultural hit in francophone and anglophone markets. Thurston wrote and recorded in both French and English, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer. Over his career, he released numerous albums and toured extensively across Canada and Europe. He also collaborated with other artists and contributed to the development of Quebec's music scene. Thurston's smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics left a lasting impact on Canadian popular music before his death in 2007.

Born in 1915, Tasha Tudor created a charming world of 19th-century New England in her illustrations and stories. Over her long career, she authored and illustrated more than two dozen books, including Corgiville Fair and Pumpkin Moonshine. Her detailed watercolor techniques and love of nature inspired a generation of illustrators. Tudor lived an idyllic lifestyle on her Vermont farm, owning numerous cats and chickens that appeared in her work. She received a Caldecott Honor for Mother Goose, solidifying her legacy in children's literature.

Born in 1928 in Frankfurt, Hans Steinbrenner studied at the Städelschule and developed a distinctive style in bronze and steel. His abstract sculptures, often characterized by geometric forms and clean lines, can be found in public spaces across Germany, including several installations in Frankfurt's urban landscape. Steinbrenner also served as a professor, mentoring a new generation of sculptors. He held numerous exhibitions nationally and internationally, showcasing the versatility of metal as an artistic medium. His work reflects the reconstruction spirit of postwar Europe, combining technical precision with artistic innovation.