June 27

Born in Arezzo in 1511, Giorgio Vasari trained under masters such as Michelangelo and Andrea del Sarto. He produced influential Mannerist frescoes and altarpieces in Florence and Rome, showcasing his versatility as a painter. As an architect, he designed the Uffizi Gallery and supervised repairs of Florence Cathedral’s dome. Vasari authored the seminal work 'Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects' in 1550, providing the first systematic biographies of Renaissance artists. He expanded this work in 1568 with additional chapters and illustrations, solidifying his reputation as an art historian. His dual role as practitioner and chronicler offered unique insights into his contemporaries’ techniques. Vasari died in 1574, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the field of art history.

Born in 1665 in Paris, Jacquet de La Guerre was a child prodigy who studied under the royal harpsichord master Louis Couperin. She earned acclaim for her elegant harpsichord suites and poignant cantatas that blended Italian and French styles. In 1687, she premiered 'Céphale et Procris', becoming the first woman to compose an opera presented at the Paris Opéra. Her chamber sonatas and trio sonatas were admired across Europe for their expressive melodies and intricate counterpoint. A favored composer at the court of Louis XIV, she navigated a male-dominated musical world with exceptional skill. She composed until her death in 1729, leaving a legacy that opened doors for future generations of women musicians.

Wanda Gág (1893–1946) was an American artist, author, and illustrator whose groundbreaking work helped define the modern picture book. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, she gained fame with her 1928 debut 'Millions of Cats,' which combined whimsical narrative and bold woodcut-style illustrations. Gág’s dynamic black-and-white artwork and playful prose set a new standard for children’s literature in the United States. In addition to children’s books, she produced linocuts, murals, and fine art that were exhibited in major galleries. As a pioneering female artist in the early 20th century, her contributions continue to inspire illustrators and storytellers alike.

Tove Jansson was a pioneering Finnish writer and artist born in 1914. She gained international fame for her Moomin books, introducing whimsical creatures that captured the hearts of children and adults alike. Trained in fine arts, Jansson’s distinctive illustrations blended playfulness with profound emotion. Beyond literature, she produced evocative paintings and political cartoons during World War II. Her work earned numerous awards and continues to inspire new generations. Jansson’s legacy endures through museums and exhibitions dedicated to her life and art.

John Entwistle was born in 1944 and co-founded the rock band The Who in 1964. Known for his innovative and thunderous bass lines, he revolutionized the role of bass guitar in rock music. Entwistle wrote several Who classics, including ‘My Wife’ and ‘Boris the Spider’. He also produced solo albums that showcased his musical versatility. With a powerful stage presence, he earned a reputation as one of the greatest rock bassists of all time. Entwistle died in 2002, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Eileen Barton (1924–2006) was an American singer who rose to fame as a teenager on radio programs in New Jersey. She achieved national success with her 1950 novelty hit If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake, which topped the charts. Barton recorded pop, jazz, and big band songs throughout the 1940s and 1950s, showcasing her versatile voice. She appeared on television variety shows and continued performing into the 1980s. Known for her warm tone and engaging stage presence, Barton left a lasting mark on mid-century American music. She passed away in 2006, remembered for her memorable tunes and contributions to popular culture.

Rosemary Dobson (1920–2012) was born in Sydney and became a leading figure in 20th-century Australian poetry. Her work blended lyrical expression with mythic and domestic themes, earning critical acclaim. Over six decades, she published more than a dozen poetry collections, including In a Convex Mirror. Dobson also illustrated books and exhibited her watercolour paintings in galleries. She served as deputy chair of the Literature Board of the Australia Council, promoting the arts nationwide. Her poetry received numerous awards, including the Patrick White Award. Dobson passed away in 2012, remembered for enriching Australia's literary and artistic heritage.

Ian Scott (1945–2013) was born in London and moved to New Zealand as a child. He studied at the Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland and developed a reputation for bold, geometric abstractions. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he exhibited widely in New Zealand and internationally, with solo shows at the Auckland Art Gallery. Scott's work explored the tension between order and chaos, often employing vivid palettes and precise compositions. He taught at various art institutions and mentored emerging painters. His contributions helped shape New Zealand's contemporary art scene until his death in 2013.

Chris Squire (1948–2015) was born in London and co-founded the band Yes in 1968. He developed a distinctive bass tone by running his Rickenbacker through effects and a Yamaha amp. Squire's melodic basslines anchored Yes's complex compositions on albums like 'Fragile' and 'Close to the Edge'. He contributed lead vocals on tracks such as 'Long Distance Runaround' and 'Memoirs of an Invisible Man'. Beyond Yes, he released solo albums and collaborated with artists in the band XYZ. Squire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Yes in 2017, posthumously honoring his legacy. His innovative technique continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

Kinky Friedman is an American singer-songwriter and novelist known for his satirical humor and counterculture image. Born Richard Samet Friedman in 1944, he gained fame in the 1970s as the lead of the Texas Jewboys, blending country music with sharp social commentary. He authored a series of detective novels featuring his alter ego, Kinky Friedman. In 2006, he ran as an independent candidate for Governor of Texas, using political satire to highlight serious issues. With numerous books and albums to his name, Friedman remains a distinctive voice in American music and literature.

Martin Mull is an American actor and comedian who first gained recognition for his role as Leon Carp on the sitcom Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Born in Chicago in 1943, he initially pursued painting before finding success in comedy and television. Mull starred as Russell Dalrymple on Seinfeld and appeared in cult classics like Clue. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in Tanner ’88. An accomplished painter, his artwork has been exhibited in galleries across the United States. Mull’s blend of wit, artistry, and humor has made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.