June 22

Born in 1696 in Valletta, Malta. Ordained as a Catholic priest and served local parishes while pursuing art. Trained under Italian masters and developed a distinctive Baroque style. Created numerous altarpieces and church frescoes across Malta. His works blend dramatic composition with rich color and devotional themes. Several of his paintings remain on display in the cathedrals of Mdina and Valletta. Died on June 22, 1766, leaving a lasting artistic legacy in Maltese ecclesiastical art.

Born in 1851 in Philadelphia, Arthur Burdett Frost became one of America's foremost illustrators and painters. He contributed vividly detailed sporting scenes, hunting, and fishing illustrations to leading magazines like Harper's Weekly. Frost's dynamic compositions and keen observation of movement earned him the informal title 'Dean of American Sporting Illustrators'. He also illustrated literary classics by Mark Twain and Joel Chandler Harris, blending humor with technical skill. His watercolors and sketches influenced a generation of commercial and fine artists. He died on June 22, 1928, remembered for bringing vitality and narrative depth to American illustration.

Born in Marseille in 1892, Darius Milhaud was a leading figure in 20th-century music. As a member of the French composer group Les Six, he embraced eclectic styles, blending elements of jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and polytonality. His celebrated works include La création du monde and Suite Provençale, admired for their vibrant harmonies. Milhaud also had a significant impact as an educator, teaching at the Paris Conservatoire and later at Mills College in California, where he influenced a new generation of American composers. He left behind a vast catalog of over 400 compositions.

Born in Cleveland in 1952, Peter Laughner was a pivotal figure in the city's proto-punk movement. As a singer-songwriter and guitarist, he co-founded influential bands and collaborated with artists like John Cale. His lyrics blended poetic introspection with gritty urban realism, earning him a cult following. Though his life was cut short at 27, Laughner's recordings and live performances left a lasting impact on punk and alternative rock. He remains celebrated for his fearless creativity and artistic vision.

Dennis Day gained fame as a featured performer on The Jack Benny Program, where his warm tenor and comedic timing won audiences. He later hosted his own radio and television shows, showcasing his singing talent. Day recorded numerous popular albums, blending traditional pop and jazz standards. His cheerful persona and versatile performances made him a staple of mid-20th century entertainment. He left a legacy as one of America's most recognizable voices in radio and TV before his passing in 1988.

Leonid Derbenyov wrote over 2,000 song lyrics, collaborating with leading Soviet composers and singers. His poetic style blended wit, emotion, and vivid imagery, capturing the spirit of his era. Many of his works, set to music by artists like Alla Pugacheva, topped the charts and remain beloved classics. Derbenyov received state honors for his contributions to Soviet culture. His legacy endures through the timeless quality of his lyrical craft.

Al Hansen was a key figure in the 1960s Fluxus movement, experimenting with happenings and performance art. His sculptural collages and assemblages challenged traditional boundaries between art and life. Hansen also documented his experiences in writings and lectures, influencing younger generations of artists. He founded the Nova Broadcast Gallery and taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York. His interdisciplinary work remains influential in contemporary art circles.

Ted Gärdestad achieved fame in the 1970s with melodic, heartfelt songs, collaborating closely with his brother Kenneth. He won Melodifestivalen in 1979 and performed Satellit at the Eurovision Song Contest. Gärdestad's music blended catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, securing his place in Scandinavian pop history. Despite personal struggles, his artistic output influenced Swedish music for decades. His songs continue to be celebrated for their emotional resonance and craftsmanship.

James Horner was an American composer and conductor best known for his iconic film scores. He composed the music for blockbusters such as Titanic, Braveheart, and Avatar. His score for Titanic earned him Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. He was renowned for incorporating Celtic and world music elements into his compositions. Over his career, he scored more than 100 feature films. His melodic and emotional themes have become staples of modern cinema. Horner died in a tragic plane accident in 2015, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.

Vinnie Paul was an American drummer and founding member of the influential heavy metal band Pantera. He co-founded the groove metal project Damageplan and later joined the supergroup Hellyeah. Known for his powerful double bass drumming, he helped shape the sound of modern metal. Alongside his brother Dimebag Darrell, he released classic albums such as Cowboys from Hell and Vulgar Display of Power. His technical skill and propulsive rhythms earned him recognition among metal drummers. Off stage, he operated the recording studio Chasin Jason and supported charitable causes. Paul’s sudden death in 2018 was widely mourned by the music community.