June 26

Francesco Buonamici was born in Lucca in 1596 and trained as a painter and engraver before turning to architecture. After moving to Malta and Sicily, he designed churches and palaces featuring ornate facades and dynamic spatial layouts. His engravings documented Sicilian monuments and landscapes, providing detailed visual records for European audiences. Buonamici's multidisciplinary talents helped to shape Baroque art and architecture in southern Italy. He died in 1677, leaving a varied legacy of artistic innovation.

Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle was born in 1760 and served as an army officer during the French Revolutionary Wars. In 1792, he composed the song 'Chant de guerre pour l’armée du Rhin,' later known as 'La Marseillaise,' which became France’s national anthem. His stirring melody and lyrics captured the spirit of revolution and national pride. Rouget de Lisle’s anthem endures as a symbol of liberty and unity. He died in 1836, celebrated for his lasting musical legacy.

Armand Guillaumin was born in 1841 near Paris and initially worked as a railway clerk before devoting himself to art. A founding member of the Impressionist group, he exhibited at the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. Guillaumin forged close friendships with artists like Cezanne and Pissarro, sharing a passion for plein-air painting. He captured rural and urban scenes across France, particularly the Creuse valley, with a luminous and expressive palette. Despite financial hardships during his lifetime, his work was rediscovered in the early 20th century and gained acclaim for its innovative use of color. Guillaumin died on 26 June 1927, leaving a lasting imprint on Impressionism.

Clifford Brown (1930–1956) was an influential American jazz trumpeter and composer celebrated for his warm tone and virtuosic technique. A leading figure in the hard bop genre, he co-led the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet, producing classic recordings like 'Joy Spring' and 'Daahoud'. Brown's lyrical improvisations and clear, melodic style set new standards for trumpet playing. In his brief career, he composed several jazz standards that remain part of the repertoire. His life was tragically cut short at age 25 in a car accident, but his legacy continues to inspire jazz musicians worldwide.

Richie Powell (1931–1956) was an American jazz pianist known for his work with the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet. The younger brother of famed pianist Bud Powell, he joined the quintet in the mid-1950s, contributing elegant accompaniments and solos on recordings such as 'Clifford Brown & Max Roach'. Powell's delicate touch and rhythmic sensitivity complemented Brown's trumpet and Roach's drumming. Tragically, he died in the same car accident that claimed the life of Clifford Brown. Although his career was brief, Powell's recordings have secured his place in jazz history.

Gina Cigna was born in 1900 in Parma, Italy, to a musical family and studied at the conservatory in Milan. She made her professional debut in 1928 and quickly became known for her powerful voice and dramatic presence. Cigna excelled in roles such as Norma, Aida, and Tosca, captivating audiences at La Scala and the Met. Her career spanned over two decades, marked by critical acclaim and numerous recordings. She lived to be 101, remembered as one of the great sopranos of the 20th century.

Born in 1930 in Kvutzat Kinneret, Naomi Shemer became one of Israel's most influential composers. Her song 'Jerusalem of Gold', written in 1967, became an unofficial anthem reflecting the nation's sentiment. Shemer's body of work spans folk, classical, and popular music, capturing the spirit of the Israeli landscape. She wrote lyrics and music for numerous songs that are integral to Israel's cultural heritage. Her musical legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and listeners. Shemer passed away in 2004, leaving behind a rich catalog of songs cherished across Israel.

Henrik Otto Donner was a Finnish composer, trumpeter, and pioneer of free jazz and experimental music in Northern Europe. Born in 1939, he studied at the Sibelius Academy and became a leading figure in Finland’s jazz scene. Donner founded the Free Music Orchestra in the 1960s and collaborated with artists across genres, blending jazz improvisation with folk and avant-garde influences. He composed numerous film and television scores, earning acclaim for his evocative and innovative soundtracks. As a co-founder of Love Records, he played a crucial role in promoting Finnish rock and underground music. Donner’s adventurous spirit and creative versatility influenced generations of musicians until his death in 2013.

Julius Rudel's dynamic leadership as music director transformed the New York City Opera into a world-class institution from 1957 to 1979. Born in Vienna, he emigrated to the United States, where his passion for innovation led him to champion contemporary American operas alongside classic repertoire. Rudel's programming vision helped launch the careers of many emerging artists and composers. Known for his energetic conducting style and deep musical insight, he later held positions with major opera houses across North America. He also served as a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of musicians. Rudel's legacy endures through recordings and the vibrant operatic community he helped foster.

Mary Rodgers carved out a distinguished career in both music and literature, following in the footsteps of her father, Richard Rodgers. Her lighthearted Broadway hit 'Once Upon a Mattress' debuted in 1959, launching her into the musical theater spotlight. As a novelist, she captured young readers' imaginations with the beloved book 'Freaky Friday,' which inspired several film adaptations. Rodgers also contributed songs to children's television programming and wrote numerous children's books. Her warm humor and melodic gift endeared her to audiences of all ages. She championed arts education and mentored aspiring writers until her passing.

Milton Glaser was one of the most influential graphic designers of the 20th century, co-founding New York magazine in 1966. His 1977 'I Love New York' logo became a cultural icon, boosting tourism and graphic design standards. He also created the legendary 1967 Bob Dylan poster, blending bold colors with simplified forms. Glaser's work spanned publications, posters, and branding, emphasizing clarity and emotional impact. He taught at the School of Visual Arts and authored several books on design theory. In 2009, he received the National Medal of Arts for his contributions to visual communication. Glaser passed away on June 26, 2020, at age 91.

Margaret Keane gained widespread attention in the 1960s for her haunting portraits of children and women characterized by large, expressive eyes. Initially, her husband claimed credit for her work, leading to a landmark 1985 court case that confirmed her authorship. Born in Nashville in 1927, she developed her signature style early and became a Pop Art icon, with her pieces featured in galleries worldwide. Keane's unique imagery inspired the 2014 Tim Burton film Big Eyes, which dramatized her artistic battle for recognition. Over her seven-decade career, she held numerous exhibitions and influenced both art and popular culture. She passed away on June 26, 2022, at age 94, leaving a legacy of authenticity and creative spirit.