June 20

Born in Köthen in 1723, Abel became one of the foremost viol players of the Baroque era, composing numerous sonatas, symphonies, and chamber works. He moved to London in 1762 and co-founded the Bach-Abel Concerts, the city's first subscription concert series, which greatly influenced public musical life. Abel's works blend German, Italian, and French stylistic elements, showcasing his lyrical melodies and intricate counterpoint. His innovative compositions for the viola da gamba helped revive interest in the instrument, and he trained a generation of English musicians. Abel died in London in 1787, leaving a lasting impact on the development of classical music in Europe.

Born in London in 1840, Adams studied at the Heatherley School of Fine Art and became known for his naturalistic landscapes. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1870, gaining acclaim for his depictions of gentle rivers, trees, and open fields. His work is noted for its delicate color palette and careful attention to light and shadow. Collectors prized his paintings for their tranquil and timeless qualities. Adams’ legacy endures in the many galleries and private collections that hold his work since his death in 1906.

Bishnu Prasad Rabha was a pioneering Indian artist, musician, and political activist from Assam. Born in 1909, he earned the title 'Kala Guru' for his mastery across painting, dance, theater, and music. Rabha composed revolutionary songs and established cultural organizations advocating for social justice and Assam's artistic heritage. He acted in early Assamese films and wrote poetry that resonated with both rural communities and intellectual circles. As a committed socialist, he played a key role in the region's political movements before India's independence. Rabha's multidisciplinary legacy continues to influence Assam's cultural and political identity.

Born in 1921 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, LeRoy Neiman became renowned for his vibrant, expressionistic paintings and illustrations of sporting events, celebrities, and leisure scenes. He studied at the Art Students League of New York and began his career as an illustrator for Playboy magazine. Neiman's signature style featured bold brushstrokes and bright colors that captured the energy of boxing matches, horse races, and jazz clubs. Over his six-decade career, he produced thousands of works and became one of America's most prolific and recognized artists. He died at age 91 on June 20, 2012, leaving a legacy of popular art that bridged fine art and mass culture.

Miriam Schapiro was a Canadian-American artist and sculptor who emerged as a pioneering figure in the feminist art movement. Born in 1923, she co-founded the Pattern and Decoration movement, blending traditional 'women's crafts' like quilting with fine art. Her vibrant works often celebrated female identity and challenged gender norms in the art world. Schapiro taught at Rutgers University and mentored generations of artists in feminist and contemporary art practices. She died on June 20, 2015, at age 91, leaving behind a rich legacy of advocacy and creativity.

Albert Johnson, known by his stage name Prodigy, was an American rapper and one half of the influential duo Mobb Deep. Born in 1974 in Hempstead, New York, Prodigy gained fame for his gritty lyrics and dark portrayals of street life. Their 1995 album 'The Infamous' is considered a classic of East Coast hip-hop, featuring hits like 'Shook Ones Part II.' Beyond music, he authored memoirs detailing his struggles with sickle cell anemia and life on tour. He died on June 20, 2017, at age 42, remembered as a pioneering voice in 1990s rap.